Which is Better: Mint Tea or Peppermint Tea?

November 23, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that peppermint is a hybrid of spearmint and water mint? This botanical fact helps explain why choosing between mint tea or peppermint tea isn't a matter of one being inherently superior, but rather a decision based on flavor preference and desired health benefits.

Quick Summary

Mint tea (often spearmint) and peppermint tea offer different flavors and health perks. Peppermint's high menthol gives it a strong, cooling taste and potent digestive aid, while spearmint is sweeter, milder, and known for hormonal balance.

Key Points

Origin: Peppermint is a natural hybrid of spearmint and watermint, explaining their different properties.
Flavor: Spearmint is sweeter and milder, while peppermint is bolder, more intense, and has a sharp, cooling kick.
Menthol Content: The key difference is menthol; peppermint has a very high concentration, while spearmint has a very low one.
Digestion: Peppermint is a powerful aid for bloating, gas, and IBS, but should be avoided by those with GERD. Spearmint provides gentler relief.
Hormonal Benefits: Spearmint is specifically noted for its potential to help balance hormones, like in cases of PCOS.
Respiratory Relief: Peppermint's high menthol content makes it a superior choice for clearing sinuses and relieving congestion.
Choosing a Tea: Select spearmint for a sweet, gentle brew or peppermint for a strong, medicinal-grade effect.

Understanding the Mint Family: Spearmint vs. Peppermint

When people refer to 'mint tea,' they are often thinking of spearmint tea, or sometimes a blend of various mints. Peppermint tea, on the other hand, is a specific type of mint tea made from the Mentha piperita plant. The most significant difference between the two lies in their chemical composition, particularly their menthol content. Peppermint is a natural hybrid of spearmint and water mint and contains a much higher concentration of menthol, the compound responsible for its intense flavor and cooling sensation. Spearmint contains very little menthol, with its milder flavor coming from a compound called carvone.

Flavor Profile and Aroma

The flavor difference is the most immediate way to distinguish between mint and peppermint tea. If you've ever had spearmint chewing gum, you know the sweet, subtle flavor profile of spearmint tea. It offers a gentle, fresh taste that is not overpowering and finishes smoothly. Peppermint, conversely, delivers a bold, sharp, and almost spicy flavor with a pronounced cooling kick due to its high menthol content. This intense flavor is why peppermint is popular in candies and breath fresheners.

Distinct Health Benefits

While both mint teas possess impressive health benefits, their differences in composition mean they excel in different areas.

Peppermint tea benefits:

Potent Digestive Aid: Peppermint's high menthol content makes it a powerful relaxant for the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. This provides significant relief from gas, bloating, and cramps, and is a popular remedy for IBS symptoms. However, those with GERD should avoid it as it can worsen acid reflux.
Respiratory Relief: The strong menthol acts as a decongestant, helping to soothe sore throats, ease congestion, and calm coughs. The steam from the tea can feel very clearing for the sinuses.
Headache Relief: As a muscle relaxant, peppermint can help alleviate tension headaches. Applying peppermint oil to the temples is even more effective for this purpose.

Spearmint tea benefits:

Hormonal Balance: Spearmint tea is particularly noted for its hormone-balancing effects, with studies linking it to reduced testosterone levels in women with PCOS.
Gentle Digestion: For those with sensitive stomachs or GERD, spearmint provides a milder, non-irritating alternative for soothing indigestion and bloating.
Calming Effect: Spearmint is generally more calming than the invigorating effect of peppermint. It can promote relaxation and help reduce stress without the strong kick.

Comparison Table: Mint Tea (Spearmint) vs. Peppermint Tea


Feature	Mint Tea (Spearmint)	Peppermint Tea
Botanical Source	Mentha spicata	Mentha piperita (a hybrid)
Menthol Content	Very low (approx. 0.5%)	High (approx. 40%)
Primary Flavor Compound	Carvone	Menthol
Flavor Profile	Sweet, mild, subtle	Bold, sharp, intense, spicy
Cooling Sensation	Gentle, soft	Pronounced, brisk
Digestive Benefits	Soothes mild upset stomachs	Relieves gas, bloating, IBS symptoms
Respiratory Benefits	Gentle clearing of airways	Powerful decongestant
Hormonal Impact	May help balance hormones (e.g., PCOS)	No specific hormonal effect known
Common Uses	Savory dishes, milder teas	Sweets, powerful medicinal teas

How to Choose Your Mint Tea

Deciding which is better depends entirely on your needs and taste preferences. If you want a more subtle, sweeter-tasting tea that offers gentle relaxation and digestive aid, spearmint tea is your best bet. It's a great all-day beverage that won't overwhelm your palate. For those seeking a powerful, invigorating tea with a strong cooling sensation, peppermint tea is the clear winner. It is particularly effective after a heavy meal to combat bloating and gas or to help clear congestion during a cold.

Another option is to blend the two. Mixing peppermint and spearmint leaves can create a custom brew that balances the intensity of peppermint with the sweetness of spearmint. Both are naturally caffeine-free, making them excellent choices for any time of day.

Conclusion

Ultimately, there is no single answer to which is better, mint tea or peppermint tea. The choice is a personal one, based on your desired flavor intensity and health benefits. Peppermint tea is the powerhouse with its high menthol content, ideal for robust digestive and respiratory relief, but is not suitable for those with GERD. Spearmint tea is the gentler alternative, offering subtle sweetness, general calming effects, and unique hormonal-balancing properties. By understanding the distinct characteristics of each, you can choose the perfect minty brew for your next cup.

Learn more about peppermint's benefits for digestion and other issues from this reliable resource at Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

For more potent digestive relief from issues like bloating, gas, and IBS, peppermint tea is generally more effective due to its high menthol content. Spearmint tea offers a gentler effect, which is better for those with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux.

No, peppermint tea is a specific type of mint tea made from the Mentha piperita plant. 'Mint tea' can refer to tea made from any plant in the mint family, but it most commonly implies spearmint tea (Mentha spicata), which has a milder flavor and different properties.

Both teas can help with stress relief, but they have different effects. Spearmint tea is generally considered more calming and soothing. Peppermint tea is more invigorating and stimulating, which can also help relax the mind but with a different sensation.

Peppermint tea is significantly more effective as a decongestant. Its high menthol content soothes airways and provides a strong clearing sensation that helps ease sinus pressure and congestion associated with colds.

No, people with acid reflux or GERD should avoid peppermint products. The menthol in peppermint can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, potentially worsening acid reflux symptoms.

Spearmint tea has a naturally sweet, mild, and subtle flavor with a gentle cooling effect. Peppermint tea has a stronger, more pungent, and intense flavor with a brisk, powerful cooling sensation.

While you can technically substitute one for the other, they are not interchangeable in terms of flavor and potency. Peppermint is much stronger, so use less if substituting it for spearmint. Conversely, a spearmint substitute will result in a much milder brew.