Peppermint Oil vs. Mint Oil: Understanding the Difference & Benefits

Though similar, peppermint and mint oils are not technically the same. Mint is a genus of plants known botanically as Mentha, and Peppermint is a species of mint, defined as Mentha piperita.

Features

• Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

  Mint plants originated in the Mediterranean, but are now produced worldwide. Mint oils are traditionally steam-distilled, clear in color. Peppermint oil varies slightly with its yellowish tinge.

Benefits

• Therapeutically, mints are used to treat respiratory, digestive, and emotional ailments. Peppermint oil is especially known for combating mental fatigue, exhaustion, and depression.

Identification

• Peppermint's elevated menthol and alcohol levels distinguish it from other mints. This difference is reflected by the oil's stronger fragrance and higher price.

Peppermint

• Known as the "candy plant," peppermint also plays a more prominent role than do other mints in the culinary industry. The hybrid of water mint and spearmint is the most commonly used for the flavoring of sweets.

Spearmint

• Spearmint, or Mentha spicata, recalls many of peppermint's benefits, but is an overall gentler oil. A familiar ingredient in tooth care products, it is a more appropriate choice for the treatment of children and animals.