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Here’s the question: peppermint vs spearmint? Do you know which is better?
Both of them smell like mint and have a calming effect on your body. But peppermint smells stronger than spearmint and so some people might prefer the smell of spearmint! To learn more about peppermint vs spearmint, read on.
Where do they come from?
They are both perennial plants, but spearmint oil is from the spearmint plant (mentha spicata) whereas peppermint oil is from the herb (Mentha piperita).
Spearmint is a plant that grows best on hot days and cool nights in loam soil with plenty of organic material. It can be harvested 3 times every 10 years if it is given time to grow. Leaves are best gathered during the day when it is sunny but not too hot before they wilt.
Peppermint has similar cultivation needs as spearmint. Both plants are perennial, but peppermint is a little hardier and can withstand the cold better than its counterpart.
The essential oil for both is extracted by a steam distillation process.
What are the benefits of Peppermint?
Peppermint oil has been used for hundreds of years to add flavor to foods or to give peppermints and chewing gum a cooling effect. It also soothes upset stomachs when rubbed on the stomach, but it cannot be taken internally because it can cause toxicity when swallowed.
Peppermint is used for food, drinks, or desserts. Peppermint can help when people feel sick because it smells good and makes them feel better. It also helps people with focus and concentration when they need help with studying.
Finally, peppermint smells great and many people like using this scent as an air freshener (although there is some controversy about artificial peppermints that use chemicals that may not be safe). If you enjoy having your home smell fresh peppermint could definitely help out with this.
- Peppermint can help ease the feeling of nausea
- Many people also find it helps to ease headaches and toothaches
- Works great to perk you up; helping with mental fatigue and stress
- Sniffing peppermint can help you gain some clarity and focus
How to use peppermint essential oil?
As I noted above, do not ingest, peppermint essential oil straight. Dilute the peppermint oil before applying it topically or ingesting it into your body. There are a few different methods for diluting peppermint oils including using milk, water, carrier oil (like coconut), lotion/gel/soap bases, etc. Choose the appropriate method depending on what you’re planning on doing with the peppermint oil!
It’s always best to consult an expert if possible so there are no complications when trying to use this product. If peppermint is orally taken in high doses it can cause serious discomfort and even liver damage. Be aware of how much peppermint essential oil will be used as well as any potential side effects when you’re looking into peppermint oil.
Peppermint and spearmint essential oils are both great to use in soap, lotion bars, shampoo, hair conditioner, or as an air freshener. But they have different aromas and properties that make them more suitable for certain uses.
Peppermint is a stronger-smelling oil with many of the same benefits as Spearmint but it can be irritating to sensitive skin types so be sure to do your research before using it on your skin care products. Spearmint has a lighter smell than peppermint making it better suited for some applications like adding fragrance to homemade cleaners or spa treatments. It also has a higher concentration of menthol which gives its aroma an extra cooling effect perfect for summer months!
What is spearmint essential oil good for?
Spearmint is a popular flavoring- think gum or even mouthwash. People often use spearmint because it has a more pleasant smell than peppermint – just be aware that the scent of peppermint lasts longer! If you’re looking to add some minty flavor to your food without overpowering everyone with the smell then spearmint could definitely help out here.
Spearmint essential oil can also help relieve stress and anxiety. It is great for improving the mood, which could be especially helpful if peppermint does not work as well with your scent preference or body chemistry. It is a good choice for aromatherapy purposes such as diffusing into the air during yoga sessions or meditation practices. Spearmint helps improve focus and concentration.
Try using spearmint in cooking for its amazing flavor. That is if you haven’t already. Spearmint offers its own unique taste experience which many people enjoy more than peppermint does.
- Spearmint essential oils don’t contain as high a level of menthol as peppermint which makes them easier for some people to tolerate. Many of these are similar benefits that peppermint provides but you may be able to tolerate spearmint oil easier.
- It is excellent for boosting your mood.
- Also helps to improve clarity and focus
- Again, while not as strong as peppermint, spearmint can definitely help to perk you up – helping with fatigue, stress, and nervous tension
- Great as a breath freshener
How to use spearmint essential oil
Spearmint essential oil can be used for many different purposes, such as air freshener or aromatherapy. To use it as an air freshener, simply place a drop into your hand and rub them together to warm the spearmint up. Then walk through the house waving your hands around to spread the spearmint’s scent throughout each room. . Add a drop or two into your bath water to enjoy the mint’s calming effects, or mix it with another carrier oil such as almond or coconut for use on skin and hair.
Many manufacturers use spearmint in toothpaste and mouthwashes for a pleasant flavor or to help with bad breath. Others add it to soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, lotion, air freshener, and other household products.
Spearmint is one of the most popular peppermint options simply because it doesn’t smell too strong like peppermint does – meaning that people who don’t want something so “in-your-face” will prefer spearmint over peppermint. It’s important to note though that despite how light its scent might be, this option still has some potential benefits which you will benefit from if you opt for using spearmint instead.
Peppermint vs Spearmint – which to choose?
These are both mints so they do share some characteristics like providing a cooling sensation, a minty aroma, and a minty taste.
They both also are helpful in improving focus, reducing stress, and just overall helping to energize you and perk you up.
Unfortunately, there really is no guaranteed best one. Neither is better than the other. They are simply different. My philosophy is always to choose the one that you like best and works for YOU.
Peppermint has a stronger smell than spearmint oil, which tends to be lighter. So if you are more sensitive to scents or menthol then I would choose spearmint over peppermint. But if you are good with peppermint and reaching for it to help with specific conditions then it does have more “actions” and at a more concentrated level.
Products we Make with Peppermint & Spearmint
We offer a number of different products either peppermint or spearmint essential oils in them; either by themselves or as part of a blend. Browse the selection below and click through for more product information. If the temps are too hot then our Lip Balms will not display. They are available in both Spearmint and Peppermint.
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Spearmint Soap$14.00 — or subscribe and save up to 10% -
All Natural Herbal Shampoo$25.00
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Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bar$14.00 — or subscribe and save up to 10%
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Natural Lip Balm in a Tube$7.50 – $9.00 — or subscribe and save up to 10% -
Good Morning Mint Peppermint Soap$14.00 — or subscribe and save up to 10%
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Chocolate Mint Soap$14.00 — or subscribe and save up to 10%
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