The studies were done with women who had hirsutism (excessive hair growth on the face, chest and back), which is often linked to androgens and hormonal conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).So, that’s quite promising in terms of what longer term consumption of spearmint tea could do.
#PEPPERMINT VS MINT FREE#
Yet, even the 5-day study pointed out that there was a “significant decrease” in free testosterone.
One study lasted 5 days and the other lasted 30 days. There are a few things to note about the studies done on spearmint and androgens: Now, since spearmint has been found to lower free testosterone levels ( 1, 2), that’s probably another reason why it can help acne. High androgen levels contribute to excessive sebum production which can then lead to more clogged pores and pimples. One of the major factors that can worsen acne in women is excess androgens (male hormones). That study found that both remedies worked the same, with spearmint getting the upper hand because it produced no side effects ( source). In fact, one study compared the effect of spearmint tea and the antibiotic, minocycline, on acne. So, logically, we should seek out remedies that lower inflammation if we want to clear up the skin.Īnd when it comes to plants in the mint family, spearmint actually has the strongest anti-inflammatory properties. Spearmint Fights InflammationĪt the most basic level, acne is an inflammatory condition. Let’s take a closer look at how both of these benefits are helpful for clearing up the skin. A rule of thumb: Peppermint for sweet and spearmint for savory.Īlso see, 12 fun facts you didn’t know about candy canes.There are two main reasons why spearmint can help with blemishes: it fights inflammation and lowers androgen levels (male hormones). So the next time you’re following a recipe that calls for mint, but doesn’t specify what kind, consider what type of recipe. The two mints can be interchangeable, but because of peppermint’s concentrated flavor, you’re likely to find it in dessert recipes that prominently feature the flavor, whereas spearmint is more commonly used as an accompaniment. It also works as a natural mosquito repellent. Like peppermint, spearmint is used for medicinal purposes like alleviating nausea and hiccups. It’s a great addition to teas as well as cocktails (like mojitos and mint juleps). You’ll often see it with lamb, pork, or vegetables. Because of the low menthol, spearmint also has a much weaker cooling effect. Compared to peppermint, spearmint has a delicate, almost sweet flavor that comes from the chemical ingredient carvone, which is much subtler than menthol (0.5 percent). Spearmint, also part of the Mentha genus, is part of the Spicata species and is not a hybrid. Peppermint contains a much higher level of the chemical ingredient menthol (40 percent) that creates the instantly recognizable cooling effect on the mouth or on the skin. Because of this quality, peppermint is used for a whole slew of medicinal purposes including relaxing muscles or soothing sore throats.īut it’s also a delicious accompaniment to chocolatey desserts, so you’ll see it, particularly around the holidays, paired with chocolate in hot chocolate, cakes, cupcakes, cannoli and just about anything sweet. It’s a hybrid between spearmint and watermint indigenous to Europe and the Middle East. Peppermint (also known as Mentha Balsamea Wild) belongs to the Menthe genus and the Piperita species. That’s not saying they wouldn’t be good - just noticeably different.įrom a botanical perspective, both have square stems and spear-shaped leaves, and both are great for cooking, but the two have distinct difference in terms of flavor and uses. You’re likely to notice right away if someone switches the spearmint in your mojito with peppermint or if your barista were to replace the peppermint in your mocha with spearmint. Peppermint and spearmint are, by far, the most popular. Peppermint might steal the show, but actually, there are over 15 types of mint including orange mint, apple mint, and of course, spearmint. 
Peppermint is practically the poster child for the entire winter season, with candy canes, peppermint patties, peppermint bark, and peppermint flavored hot chocolate. With the holidays here you can be sure of one thing - mint, mint, mint, and more mint.
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