Spearmint vs. Peppermint: They Look Similar, but Are Their Benefits the Same?
Mint is mint, right?
Well, not exactly. 🌿
If you've ever enjoyed a cup of mint tea, chewed mint-flavored gum, or brushed your teeth with minty toothpaste, you've probably encountered different types of mint without even realizing it.
Two of the most popular are spearmint and peppermint. They belong to the same plant family, smell refreshing, and make wonderful herbal teas.
But here's where things get interesting.
Despite their similarities, spearmint and peppermint have different flavors, natural compounds, and areas of scientific research.
And depending on what you're looking for in your daily cup of tea, that difference might actually matter.
First, Is Spearmint the Same as Regular Mint?
When people say "regular mint," they're usually referring to that familiar cool, refreshing flavor found in toothpaste, candies, and drinks.
But mint isn't just one plant. It's a whole group of herbs belonging to the Mentha genus.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is one of them. So is peppermint (Mentha × piperita).
Both are real mint varieties, but they're not interchangeable in every way.
Spearmint has a naturally sweeter, softer flavor, while peppermint delivers a stronger cooling sensation.
That cooling sensation comes largely from a compound called menthol.
And that's our first big difference.
Spearmint vs. Peppermint: What's the Difference?
Let's make it simple.
| Feature | Spearmint | Peppermint |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Mentha spicata | Mentha × piperita |
| Flavor | Sweet, mild, refreshing | Strong, cool, minty |
| Main aroma compound | Carvone | Menthol and menthone |
| Cooling sensation | Gentle | More intense |
| Caffeine | Naturally caffeine-free | Naturally caffeine-free |
| Research interest | Hormonal health, androgen levels | Digestive discomfort, especially IBS |
| Best for | A mild everyday mint tea | A stronger, cooling mint tea |
Neither herb is automatically better than the other.
They simply have different characteristics, and that's what makes choosing between them interesting.
1. Spearmint Tea: The Gentler Mint With an Interesting Hormonal Connection
If peppermint is the bold one in the mint family, spearmint is its more subtle cousin.
It has a softer, naturally sweet flavor without the intense cooling sensation associated with peppermint.
But flavor isn't the only reason spearmint has been getting attention.
Researchers have studied spearmint tea for its potential effects on androgen levels, particularly among women experiencing unwanted facial hair and symptoms associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
A 2010 clinical trial involving 42 women found that drinking spearmint tea twice daily for 30 days significantly reduced free and total testosterone levels.
Some participants also reported improvements in unwanted hair growth, although objective measurements did not show a significant change during the study.
These findings are interesting because elevated androgen activity can contribute to concerns such as hormonal acne and excessive facial hair.
Does this mean spearmint tea can clear acne or treat PCOS?
Not quite. Researchers still need larger and longer studies to establish those benefits.
But it does explain why spearmint has become a topic of interest in women's hormonal wellness.
Scientific reference: Grant, P. (2010). Spearmint herbal tea has significant anti-androgen effects in polycystic ovarian syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. Phytotherapy Research.
2. Peppermint Tea: The Mint Known for Digestive Comfort
Now, let's talk about peppermint.
If you've ever experienced that strong, cooling sensation after drinking peppermint tea, you can thank its naturally occurring menthol.
Peppermint has long been associated with digestive comfort, and researchers have explored its effects on the gastrointestinal system.
One area with considerable research is peppermint oil for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Clinical studies suggest that specially formulated peppermint oil capsules may help relieve certain IBS symptoms, including abdominal pain.
Here's an important distinction, though.
Most of that clinical evidence comes from concentrated peppermint oil capsules, not ordinary peppermint tea.
So while peppermint tea is a popular after-meal drink, we can't automatically assume a cup of tea provides the same effects as the peppermint oil used in clinical trials.
Still, if you enjoy a stronger mint flavor after a meal, peppermint makes a refreshing choice.
Scientific reference: Alammar et al. (2019). The impact of peppermint oil on the irritable bowel syndrome: A meta-analysis of the pooled clinical data. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
3. Why Does Spearmint Taste Sweeter Than Peppermint?
Here's a little tea trivia.
The difference in flavor comes down to the natural aromatic compounds found in each plant.
Spearmint contains carvone, a compound responsible for much of its distinctive sweet, minty aroma.
Peppermint, on the other hand, contains higher levels of menthol and menthone, which contribute to its stronger cooling sensation.
That's why spearmint tends to taste smoother and less intense, even without adding sugar.
For people who enjoy herbal tea but find peppermint too strong, spearmint can be a pleasant alternative.
And because both are naturally caffeine-free, they're easy to enjoy at different times of the day.
4. Which Mint Tea Is Better for Everyday Drinking?
This really depends on your taste and what you're hoping to get from your tea.
If you prefer something mild, naturally sweet, and refreshing, spearmint tea may be your cup of tea.
It's also the mint variety that has been studied for its potential effects on androgen levels.
If you enjoy a stronger mint flavor with a pronounced cooling sensation, peppermint tea might be more your style.
Both can be enjoyed warm or iced, and neither naturally contains caffeine.
One thing worth remembering is that herbal teas aren't interchangeable with concentrated extracts or essential oils. Their strength and composition can differ considerably.
And while drinking mint tea can be part of a balanced daily routine, neither spearmint nor peppermint should replace medical treatment for hormonal or digestive conditions.
5. Can You Mix Spearmint and Peppermint Together?
Absolutely!
In fact, combining the two can create a lovely balance of flavor.
Spearmint contributes a softer, slightly sweet taste, while peppermint adds a stronger cooling finish.
You can also pair spearmint with other herbs, such as chamomile, lemongrass, or ginger, depending on the flavor you're looking for.
That's one of the things we enjoy about working with herbs at Craftea Nutty. Even plants from the same family can bring completely different characteristics to a blend.
Sometimes, a small change in ingredients makes a noticeable difference in the final cup.
So, Which Mint Should You Choose?
If you're looking for a refreshing herbal tea with a gentle mint flavor, spearmint is a great place to start.
And if you're particularly curious about its connection to hormonal wellness, there's some early scientific research worth exploring.
At Craftea Nutty, our Spearmint Tea is made from Mentha spicata leaves, offering a naturally caffeine-free infusion with a fresh, mild mint flavor.
Craftea Nutty Spearmint Tea
50g Loose Leaf | ₱220
An easy addition to your daily tea routine, whether you prefer it warm, iced, or blended with other herbs.
Explore Craftea Nutty Spearmint Tea
The next time someone tells you that all mint teas are the same, you'll know there's a little more to the story.
Same mint family. Different personalities. And a good reason to know what's actually in your cup. 🌿
References and Further Reading
1. Spearmint and Hormonal Health
Grant, P. (2010). Spearmint herbal tea has significant anti-androgen effects in polycystic ovarian syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. Phytotherapy Research, 24(2), 186–188.
2. Peppermint Oil and Digestive Health
Alammar, N., et al. (2019). The impact of peppermint oil on the irritable bowel syndrome: A meta-analysis of the pooled clinical data. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 19, 21.
3. Peppermint Botanical Information
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Peppermint Oil: Usefulness and Safety.