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.
What spearmint smells like?
Spearmint Essential Oil smells minty, fresh and perhaps slightly fruity in aroma. It is somewhat less intense than peppermint.
Is spearmint the same as mint?
The term “mint” is an umbrella term for the Mentha plant family that includes spearmint, peppermint, orange mint, apple mint, pineapple mint and more. Mint is a perennial and wide-spreading herb.
Can you use spearmint instead of mint?
Uses: Both peppermint and spearmint are used in cooking. Despite its sweet flavor, spearmint is typically used in savory dishes, such as pesto sauce, pasta dishes, or garnish for roasted vegetables. Peppermint is more commonly used as a flavoring in sweet dishes and desserts, and it pairs very well with chocolate.
What can I use spearmint for?
Possible health benefits of spearmint
Some people use spearmint to help alleviate symptoms of nausea, indigestion, gas, headache, toothache, cramps, and sore throat. It is also applied topically, to the skin, to help reduce swelling due to nerve or muscle pain.
Does spearmint help anxiety?
May Help Reduce Stress
Spearmint tea may help promote relaxation and reduce stress. In fact, in South American countries, this tea is commonly used to treat stress and insomnia. In one study in rats, a spearmint extract was found to decrease anxiety and improve sleep ( 23 ).
Does spearmint and peppermint smell the same?
Compared to peppermint, spearmint has a delicate flavor and fragrance that is often described as sweet. It gets its flavor from the chemical ingredient carvone, which is much subtler than the aforementioned menthol and doesn’t evoke the same cooling sensation.
Is spearmint sweeter than peppermint?
Therefore peppermint is especially pungent and even spicy, hence the ‘pepper’ in its name. Spearmint, on the other hand, contains a compound called carvone, which gives it a much subtler, sweeter flavour.
Does spearmint keep bugs away?
Spearmint and peppermint are often noted for their ability to repel flies, fleas, and spiders in the garden.
What is a substitute for fresh mint?
Whatever your reason for replacing it in a recipe, we suggest substituting fresh mint with dried mint or peppermint extract if you’re trying to mimic the flavor. For dishes that require fresh leaves, you can try basil, marjoram, or parsley. As you’ve probably guessed, no substitute will perfectly replace fresh mint.
Does spearmint plant repel mosquitoes?
Spearmint and peppermint are reputed to work well against insects like mosquitoes, flies, and spiders, making them ideal for the backyard garden.
Is spearmint safe for dogs?
Fortunately, most of the varieties, like peppermint, spearmint, lavender mint, apple mint, and even pineapple mint, are totally safe. However, you should steer clear of Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), a type of non-culinary mint that is toxic for both people and pets.
Is peppermint or spearmint better for you?
Peppermint may have anti oxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial and antitumor activities[8]. Studies showed that spearmint may be beneficial for improving memory,[9] respiratory system, relieving pain[10] and dealing with allergies.
Is peppermint or spearmint better for acne?
Spearmint is the most effective anti-inflammatory of all the mints.
Is spearmint anti-inflammatory?
Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.), usually used as a flavouring agent, has demonstrated both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and irritable bowel syndrome [9,10].
Is spearmint a laxative?
Furthermore, it increased intestinal amylase activity. As well as aiding digestion overall, this extraordinary ability might mean that Spearmint Tea combats problems such as cramping, bloating and constipation.
Is spearmint good for hair?
Spearmint essential oil can be used to great effect on your hair and your scalp. Spearmint is naturally anti-fungal and antibacterial nature, making it an effective treatment for certain scalp conditions including dandruff. The cooling menthol also makes it an excellent remedy for itching and dryness.
Is spearmint good for lungs?
Improves Respiratory Health
The abundance of anti-inflammatory properties and soothing effects of spearmint makes it extremely beneficial for respiratory health. It provides relief from a sore throat, clears nasal and chest congestion and also soothes a dry, irritated throat.
Is spearmint good for men?
Perhaps most well known for its powerful stomach-soothing properties, some research suggests that mint could cause a dip in testosterone levels. In particular, spearmint and peppermint — two herbs that hail from the mint family of plants — have been shown to directly affect testosterone.
Does spearmint lower BP?
Lower Blood Pressure
Spearmint contains the compound (-)-carvone. Studies have shown that this compound behaves in ways similar to ingredients found in high blood pressure medication.
Which mint is best for tea?
The two varieties used most often for tea are Peppermint and Spearmint. Both boast properties long celebrated in the ancient medicinal cultures of the world and are actually closely related.