08/03/2026
At first glance, they seem almost identical.
Same mint family. Same fresh aroma. Both wonderful oils.
So... are they basically interchangeable?
Not quite.
I decided to find out for myself.
I popped a drop of each in my mouth, one after the other.
And do you know what? They actually felt quite different.
❄️ Peppermint gave me a real lift. Bright, fresh and instantly cooling.
🌿 Spearmint was softer. Sweeter. Gentler. It felt calmer somehow.
That got me curious, so I started digging into the science...
It all comes down to their natural chemistry.
❄️ Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is naturally high in menthol (around 30–50%), which gives that unmistakable cooling sensation and refreshing aroma. It's the one I reach for on a hot day or after exercise.
🌿 Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is much higher in carvone (around 60–70%) with only a little menthol. That's why it feels softer, sweeter and gentler.
But the differences don't stop there...
In Australia, both oils have TGA-approved traditional uses, yet each has its own strengths.
❄️ Peppermint is traditionally used in aromatherapy to:
Help reduce the symptoms of mild tension headaches.
Support cognitive function.
And in Western herbal medicine to:
Relieve digestive discomfort and abdominal spasms.
Relieve nausea.
Relieve the symptoms of a sore throat.
🌿 Spearmint is traditionally used in aromatherapy to:
Soothe and calm the nerves.
Help relieve the symptoms of stress.
Relieve digestive discomfort.
And in Western herbal medicine to:
Reduce excess intestinal gas.
Relieve abdominal spasms.
Relieve nausea.
Here's something else I found fascinating...
In emotional aromatherapy, Spearmint is often called the Oil of Confident Speech. If you tend to hold back, feel timid, or go quiet when it's your turn to speak up, this may just be the oil for you. 💚
So they're not quite the twins they appear to be.
Two plants from the same family... each with its own unique gifts.
How about you?
Are you Team Peppermint or Team Spearmint? 😊
