Spearmint Tea vs. Peppermint Tea: What’s the Real Difference?

February 12, 2025

When it comes to herbal teas, mint steals the spotlight with its refreshing flavor and health benefits. But not all mints are created equal. Enter the two popular contenders: spearmint tea and peppermint tea.

At first glance, they might seem like twins — both are from the mint family, both smell fresh, and both make a soothing cup of tea. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find they’re more like cousins with distinct personalities.

So, what’s the real difference between spearmint and peppermint tea? Which one should you choose? Let’s break it down in the simplest way possible.

What Is Spearmint Tea?

Display of spearmint tea placed in a table

Spearmint tea is made from the spearmint plant (Mentha spicata). It’s named after its spear-shaped leaves and has been used for centuries, not just for tea but also in cooking, toothpaste, gum, and even skincare.

For a richer and more robust tea experience, try our Himalayan Spearmint Black Tea Blend—a perfect fusion of spearmint's refreshing sweetness with the bold depth of black tea.

Flavor Profile:

Mild and sweet
Less intense than peppermint
Subtle, smooth, and easy on the taste buds

It’s the kind of tea you can sip all day without it overwhelming your palate.

Health Benefits of Spearmint Tea:

Supports hormonal balance (especially in women)
Reduces facial hair growth in women with PCOS
Helps with digestion
Freshens breath naturally
Can improve memory and focus

What Is Peppermint Tea?

Display of Peppermint tea placed in a table

Peppermint tea comes from the peppermint plant (Mentha × piperita), which is actually a hybrid of spearmint and watermint. Think of peppermint as the bolder, more dramatic cousin in the mint family.

Flavor Profile:

Cool, strong, and refreshing
A sharp menthol kick
Leaves a cooling sensation in your mouth

It’s perfect when you want something bold or need a little pick-me-up without caffeine.

Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea:

Soothes digestive issues like bloating and gas
Relieves headaches and migraines
Reduces stress and anxiety
Clears nasal congestion
Acts as a natural pain reliever

Spearmint Tea vs. Peppermint Tea: The Key Differences

1. Menthol Content — The “Cool” Factor

Peppermint is loaded with menthol, giving it that icy-cool sensation and strong flavor. This menthol content is why peppermint tea is great for clearing sinuses, soothing headaches, and easing muscle tension.
Spearmint has way less menthol, which makes it milder and sweeter. It’s perfect if you want a refreshing tea without the punch-in-the-face coolness of peppermint.

2. Digestive Benefits — Who Wins?

Both teas help with digestion, but peppermint tea takes the crown here. Its high menthol content relaxes the muscles in your digestive tract, making it great for:

Bloating
Gas
Indigestion
Stomach cramps

Spearmint tea, on the other hand, is gentler. It’s helpful for mild tummy troubles but won’t be as powerful as peppermint when you’re feeling really uncomfortable.

3. Hormonal Health — A Spearmint Specialty

This is where spearmint tea shines. Studies suggest it can help balance hormones, especially in women with conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). It may even reduce excess hair growth caused by hormonal imbalances.

Peppermint tea doesn’t have these hormonal benefits, so if that’s your focus, spearmint is the better choice.

4. Stress Relief — Which Is More Calming?

Both teas are calming because they’re caffeine-free, warm, and soothing. But they offer different vibes:

Peppermint tea is like taking a deep, refreshing breath — it clears your head and relaxes tense muscles, which can be great if your stress shows up as headaches or physical tension.
Spearmint tea offers a gentler calm. Its mild sweetness feels like a cozy hug, perfect for winding down after a long day.

When to Choose Spearmint Tea vs. Peppermint Tea

Choose Spearmint Tea If You:

Prefer a sweet, mild flavor
Want support with hormonal balance
Have sensitive digestion
Enjoy sipping tea all day without strong intensity
Need something gentle for kids

Choose Peppermint Tea If You:

Love bold, cool, refreshing flavors
Struggle with bloating, cramps, or indigestion
Want quick relief from headaches
Have a cold or sinus congestion
Need a strong, soothing tea after a heavy meal

Can You Drink Both?

Absolutely! There’s no rule saying you have to pick a side. In fact, mixing spearmint and peppermint can give you the best of both worlds — a bold, refreshing tea with a hint of sweetness.

The Final Sip: Which Mint Tea Wins?

At the end of the day, it’s not about which tea is “better” — it’s about what you need:

Need bold flavor and quick relief from headaches or bloating? Peppermint tea has your back.
Want a mild, sweet tea to support hormonal health or sip all day? Spearmint tea is your new best friend.

Or better yet, keep both in your tea stash. Because sometimes you need bold, and sometimes you need sweet — and there’s no reason you can’t have both.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is better for digestion — spearmint or peppermint?

Peppermint is stronger for digestive issues like bloating, cramps, and indigestion because of its high menthol content. Spearmint is gentler, making it better for mild discomfort.

2. Does spearmint tea help with weight loss?

While spearmint tea isn’t a magic weight-loss drink, it can support healthy habits by reducing cravings and aiding digestion.

3. Is peppermint tea safe to drink every day?

Yes! Peppermint tea is safe for daily drinking. Just be mindful if you have acid reflux, as it can sometimes make symptoms worse.

4. Can kids drink spearmint or peppermint tea?

Spearmint tea is milder and generally safe for kids in small amounts. Peppermint tea is safe too, but its strong menthol might be too intense for very young children. Always consult a doctor if unsure.