The Mint Family: Peppermint & Spearmint

I have found that I really enjoy adding spearmint to my herbal tea blends. It gives a more subtle mint flavor and isn’t quite as strong as peppermint.

Last year I grew a little spearmint in my GreenStalk Vertical Planter, but this year it’s getting a more permanent place in my herb garden.

I’ve used peppermint essential oil for years, but I haven’t actually grown peppermint in my garden yet.

Spearmint and peppermint share many similar herbal properties. Peppermint tends to be a bit more stimulating, while spearmint is often considered the calmer cousin. Both herbs are well known for their digestive-supporting properties.

Because peppermint is the mint most widely used medicinally, I’ll mainly be focusing on it below.

What is Mint?

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) and Spearmint (Mentha spicata) are both members of the Lamiaceae family, also known as the mint family.

The aerial parts of the plant — the leaves and stems — are most commonly used for herbal preparations.

Mint is especially well known for helping soothe digestive discomfort such as indigestion or nausea, however, it also contains natural compounds associated with several beneficial herbal actions.

Herbal Actions

Peppermint is considered to have the following herbal actions:

• Analgesic

• Antispasmodic

• Antiemetic

• Antimicrobial

• Carminative

• Diaphoretic

• Nervine
  
  

Common Uses

Mint has traditionally been used to support several areas of wellness.

Some common uses include:

• Helping relieve digestive issues such as indigestion, nausea, stomach cramps, bloating, and gas

• Supporting relief from motion sickness and morning sickness

• Helping ease headaches or migraines when diluted essential oil is applied to the temples

• Helping open airways when experiencing congestion from colds or respiratory illness

• Supporting the body during fevers, particularly those related to digestive upset

Ways to Use Mint

Mint is a versatile herb that can be prepared in several different ways.

Common preparations include:

• Oil Infusions (Massage Oil, Balms, or Salves)

• Tinctures

• Tea

• Essential Oil

• Lotions

• Capsules (sometimes used for digestive support such as IBS)

Cautions

• May interfere with iron absorption in large amounts

• Use with caution if you have GERD, gallstones, or bile duct obstruction

• While small amounts are generally considered safe during pregnancy, it is still recommended to consult your provider first

• Not recommended for babies and young children under age 5

• Always dilute essential oil before applying to skin

Mint is more than just a fragrant garden plant. While it is most well known for supporting digestive comfort, it may also help support the body during congestion, fevers, and occasional headaches.

And the best part? It’s one of the easiest herbs to grow.

Sometimes healing really does begin one plant at a time.

~ Courtney
Just Nurse Court

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any herbal protocol.

References
Balch, Phyllis A., and James F. Balch. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Avery Publishing, 1990

Blumenthal, Mark, et al. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council; Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998.

Chevallier, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. 4th ed., DK Publishing, 2023.

Duke, James A. The Green Pharmacy: New Discoveries in Herbal Remedies for Common Diseases and Conditions from the World’s Foremost Authority on Healing Herbs. Rodale Press, 1997.

Hoffmann, David. Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press, 2010.

Richardson, Kaylee. The Beekeeper’s Apothecary: A Foundational Guide for Becoming Your Own Herbalist. Homestead Living, 2025.