Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Peppermint vs Clove
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Peppermint and Clove: they share 10 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, back pain, bloating, …); 6 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Peppermint | Clove | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 5/10 | 2/10 | Stronger for Peppermint |
| Back pain | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Peppermint |
| Bloating | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Peppermint |
| Headache | 8/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Peppermint |
| Indigestion | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Peppermint |
| Infection (general) | 5/10 | 2/10 | Stronger for Peppermint |
| Inflammation (general) | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Peppermint |
| Pain (general) | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Peppermint |
| Skin irritation | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Peppermint |
| Wounds | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Peppermint |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Menthol is the dominant constituent of the leaf oil, responsible for the cooling sensation and much of the antispasmodic and analgesic activity.
Phenolic antioxidants of the leaf.
Eugenol typically makes up the great majority of clove oil and is responsible for most of its analgesic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from digestive action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Generally very safe. Essential oil should not be applied to the face or chest of infants or children — menthol can cause respiratory depression. Avoid enteric-coated capsules if taking antacids or acid-suppressing drugs. May worsen GERD by relaxing the lower oesophageal sphincter. Avoid in bile duct obstruction and gallstones.
Duke (2002) rates peppermint as +++ with clinical evidence (score 2) for antispasmodic activity, consistent with Commission E approval for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) using enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules. Enteric-coated peppermint oil is one of the most clinically validated herbal treatments for IBS, reducing abdominal pain and spasm. Dose: 0.6 ml enteric-coated oil two to three times daily between meals (for IBS); 1.5–3 g dried leaf as tea three times daily for digestive complaints. Peppermint should not be applied near the face or nostrils of infants and small children (risk of laryngospasm from menthol). Contraindicated in cholelithiasis (gallstones) (Duke, 2002).
Strong and concentrated: Clove oil is very potent and should always be diluted before skin or mouth use.Dental use: Undiluted clove oil can burn gums or skin.Blood thinning: Clove may increase bleeding risk in large amounts or with anticoagulants.Pregnancy: Culinary amounts are fine; medicinal doses should be used cautiously.Children: Essential oil should be used with extra caution and diluted well.
Duke (2002) rates cloves as +++ with clinical evidence (score 2) for analgesic activity — specifically, topical application of clove oil (eugenol) for dental pain is clinically validated. The plant also shows strong antimicrobial, antifungal (anti-Candida), antispasmodic, and antiviral activities at the experimental level. Commission E approves topical clove preparations for dental pain. Recommended dose: 1–5% clove oil preparation (topical) or 150 mg clove powder internally. The essential oil is irritating to mucous membranes and should not be applied undiluted to skin or mucous membranes (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Perennial herb, 30-90 cm tall, a sterile natural hybrid (Mentha aquatica x M. spicata) that spreads by rhizomes and surface stolons rather than viable seed. Stems are square, often purple-tinged. Leaves are opposite, lance-shaped to ovate with a sharply toothed margin, and release a strong menthol scent when crushed. Small, pale purple flowers are borne in dense, interrupted terminal spikes.[2]
Evergreen tree (Myrtaceae), 8-12 m tall (occasionally to 20 m), with a pyramidal crown. Leaves are glossy, elliptical and aromatic. Small crimson flowers are borne in terminal clusters; the unopened flower buds, picked before they open and dried, are the 'cloves' of commerce and the medicinal/culinary part used.[2]
Habitat
A cultivated hybrid grown worldwide as a crop and garden herb, propagated vegetatively since it rarely sets viable seed; naturalised in damp ground - streambanks, ditches and waste places - in temperate regions.[2]
Native to the Maluku Islands (Moluccas, the historic 'Spice Islands') of Indonesia, now cultivated throughout the tropics, notably Zanzibar, Madagascar, Sri Lanka and Indonesia, in warm, humid, well-drained tropical conditions.[2]
Harvesting
Aerial parts are cut at or just before full flowering (mid- to late summer), when the essential-oil (menthol) content peaks, then dried quickly out of direct sun, or distilled fresh for essential oil.[3]
Unopened flower buds are hand-picked while still green-pink, just before they would open, then sun-dried until they turn dark reddish-brown - the familiar clove spice.[2]
Traditional Uses
Peppermint has one of the best-documented traditional uses of any herb - as a carminative and antispasmodic for indigestion, bloating and colic. Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules are among the most clinically validated herbal treatments for irritable bowel syndrome, and topical or inhaled peppermint oil is traditionally and clinically used for tension-type headache and muscular aches.[1, 2, 4, 5]
Clove has an ancient trade history and a long traditional use across Asian, African and European medicine as a dental analgesic (chewed or applied as oil for toothache), a digestive carminative, and an antiseptic. Modern research on its principal constituent eugenol supports strong analgesic, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, with clove oil remaining a recognised topical dental-pain remedy.[2]
Preparations
Dried leaf steeped in hot water, the classic digestive tea.
Standardised peppermint oil in enteric-coated capsules, the clinically studied form for irritable bowel syndrome, releasing the oil in the intestine rather than the stomach.
Diluted essential oil applied to the temples and neck for tension-type headache.
Dosage
Duke (2002) and Commission E guidance: about 0.6 mL enteric-coated oil two to three times daily between meals for IBS-type digestive complaints. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
References & Sources
- McKay, D.L. and Blumberg, J.B (2006) 'A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.)', Phytotherapy Research, 20(8), pp. 619-633. doi:10.1002/ptr.1936 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1936 - Mahendran, G. and Rahman, L.U (2020) 'Ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological updates on Peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.)-A review', Phytotherapy Research, 34(9), pp. 2088-2139. doi:10.1002/ptr.6664 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6664 - Zhao, H., Ren, S., Yang, H., Tang, S. and others (2022) 'Peppermint essential oil: its phytochemistry, biological activity, pharmacological effect and application', Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 154, pp. 113559. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113559 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113559 - Keifer, D., Ulbricht, C., Abrams, T.R., Basch, E. and others (2007) 'Peppermint (Mentha piperita): an evidence-based systematic review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration', Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, 7(2), pp. 91-143. doi:10.1300/j157v07n02_07 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1300/j157v07n02_07 - Gobel, H., Heinze, A., Heinze-Kuhn, K., Gobel, A. and Gobel, C (2016) 'Peppermint oil in the acute treatment of tension-type headache', Schmerz, 30(3), pp. 295-310. doi:10.1007/s00482-016-0109-6 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00482-016-0109-6 - Nair, B (2001) 'Final report on the safety assessment of Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf, and Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Water', International Journal of Toxicology, 20(Suppl 3), pp. 61-73. doi:10.1080/10915810152902592 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810152902592 - Kobayashi, T., Sugaya, K., Onose, J. and Abe, N (2019) 'Peppermint (Mentha piperita) extract effectively inhibits cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) mRNA induction in rifampicin-treated HepG2 cells', Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 83(7), pp. 1181-1192. doi:10.1080/09168451.2019.1608802 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/09168451.2019.1608802 - Romero, M.C., Navarro, M.C., Martin-Sanchez, J. and Valero, A (2014) 'Peppermint (Mentha piperita) and albendazole against anisakiasis in an animal model', Tropical Medicine & International Health, 19(12), pp. 1430-1436. doi:10.1111/tmi.12399 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1111/tmi.12399 - Riachi, L.G. and De Maria, C.A.B (2015) 'Peppermint antioxidants revisited', Food Chemistry, 176, pp. 72-81. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.12.028 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.12.028 - Herro, E. and Jacob, S.E (2010) 'Mentha piperita (peppermint)', Dermatitis, 21(6), pp. 327-329. doi:10.2310/6620.2011.10080 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.2310/6620.2011.10080 - Sun, Z. and Wang, H. and Wang, J. and Zhou, L. and Yang, P (2014) 'Chemical Composition and Anti-Inflammatory, Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Activities of Essential Oil from Leaves of Mentha piperita Grown in China', PLoS ONE. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0114767 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0114767 - Farco, J.A. and Grundmann, O (2012) 'Menthol - Pharmacology of an Important Naturally Medicinal “Cool”', Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry. doi:10.2174/138955713804484686 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.2174/138955713804484686 - Geuenich, S. and Goffinet, C. and Venzke, S. and Nolkemper, S. and Baumann, I. and Plinkert, P.K. and Reichling, J. and Keppler, O.T (2008) 'Aqueous extracts from peppermint, sage and lemon balm leaves display potent anti-HIV-1 activity by increasing the virion density', Retrovirology. doi:10.1186/1742-4690-5-27 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-4690-5-27 - Nolkemper, S. and Reichling, J. and Stintzing, F.C. and Carle, R. and Schnitzler, P (2006) 'Antiviral Effect of Aqueous Extracts from Species of the Lamiaceae Family against Herpes simplex Virus Type 1 and Type 2 in vitro', Planta Medica. doi:10.1055/s-2006-951719 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-951719 - Mahady, G.B. and Pendland, S.L. and Stoia, A. and Hamill, F.A. and Fabricant, D.G. and Dietz, B.M. and Chadwick, L.R (2005) 'In Vitro susceptibility ofHelicobacter pylori to botanical extracts used traditionally for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders', Phytotherapy Research. doi:10.1002/ptr.1776 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1776 - Tullio, V.C. and Roana, J. and Scalas, D. and Mandras, N (2019) 'Evaluation of the Antifungal Activity of Mentha x piperita (Lamiaceae) of Pancalieri (Turin, Italy) Essential Oil and Its Synergistic Interaction with Azoles', Molecules. doi:10.3390/molecules24173148 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24173148 - Neves, A. and Rosa, S. and Gonçalves, J. and Rufino, A.T. and Judas, F. and Salgueiro, L. and Lopes, M.C. and Cavaleiro, C. and Mendes, A (2009) 'Screening of Five Essential Oils for Identification of Potential Inhibitors of IL-1-induced Nf-κB Activation and NO Production in Human Chondrocytes: Characterization of the Inhibitory Activity ofα-Pinene', Planta Medica. doi:10.1055/s-0029-1186085 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0029-1186085 - Wu, Z. and Tan, B. and Liu, Y. and Dunn, J.L. and Guerola, P.M. and Tortajada, M. and Cao, Z. and Ji, P (2019) 'Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Essential Oils from Peppermint, Native Spearmint and Scotch Spearmint', Molecules. doi:10.3390/molecules24152825 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24152825 - Bojić, M. and Maleš, Ž. and Antolić, A. and Babić, I. and Tomičić, M (2019) 'Antithrombotic activity of flavonoids and polyphenols rich plant species', Acta Pharmaceutica. doi:10.2478/acph-2019-0050 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.2478/acph-2019-0050 - Dorman, H.J.D. and Koşar, M. and Kahlos, K. and Holm, Y. and Hiltunen, R (2003) 'Antioxidant Properties and Composition of Aqueous Extracts from Mentha Species, Hybrids, Varieties, and Cultivars', Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. doi:10.1021/jf034108k Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1021/jf034108k - Benabdallah, A. and Boumendjel, M. and Aissi, O. and Rahmoune, C. and Boussaïd, M. and Messaoud, C (2018) 'Chemical composition, antioxidant activity and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory of wild Mentha species from northeastern Algeria', South African Journal of Botany. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2018.03.002 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2018.03.002 - Ayaz, M. and Sadiq, A. and Junaid, M. and Ullah, F. and Subhan, F. and Ahmed, J (2017) 'Neuroprotective and Anti-Aging Potentials of Essential Oils from Aromatic and Medicinal Plants', Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2017.00168 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2017.00168 - Vladimir‐Knežević, S. and Blažeković, B. and Kindl, M. and Vladić, J. and Lower-Nedza, A.D. and Brantner, A (2014) 'Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory, Antioxidant and Phytochemical Properties of Selected Medicinal Plants of the Lamiaceae Family', Molecules. doi:10.3390/molecules19010767 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules19010767 - López, V. and Martin, S.D. and Gómez‐Serranillos, M.P. and Carretero, M. and Jäger, A.K. and Calvo, M.I (2009) 'Neuroprotective and neurochemical properties of mint extracts', Phytotherapy Research. doi:10.1002/ptr.3037 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3037 - Orhan, İ.E. and Kartal, M. and Kan, Y. and Şener, B (2008) 'Activity of Essential Oils and Individual Components against Acetyland Butyrylcholinesterase', Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C. doi:10.1515/znc-2008-7-813 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1515/znc-2008-7-813 - Zeljkovıć, S.Ć. and Šišková, J. and Komzáková, K. and Diego, N.D. and Kaffková, K. and Tarkowski, P (2021) 'Phenolic Compounds and Biological Activity of Selected Mentha Species', Plants. doi:10.3390/plants10030550 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10030550 - Desam, N.R. and Al-Rajab, A.J. and Sharma, M. and Mylabathula, M.M. and Gowkanapalli, R.R. and Albratty, M (2017) 'Chemical constituents, in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity of Mentha×Piperita L. (peppermint) essential oils', Journal of King Saud University - Science. doi:10.1016/j.jksus.2017.07.013 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksus.2017.07.013 - Husain, F.M. and Ahmad, I. and Khan, M.S. and Ahmad, E. and Tahseen, Q. and Khan, M.S. and Al‐Shabib, N.A (2015) 'Sub-MICs of Mentha piperita essential oil and menthol inhibits AHL mediated quorum sensing and biofilm of Gram-negative bacteria', Frontiers in Microbiology. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2015.00420 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2015.00420 - Khayyal, M.T. and El‐Ghazaly, M.A. and Kenawy, S.A. and Seif-El-Nasr, M. and Mahran, L. and Kafafi, Y. and Okpanyi, S (2011) 'Antiulcerogenic Effect of Some Gastrointestinally Acting Plant Extracts and their Combination', Arzneimittelforschung. doi:10.1055/s-0031-1300078 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1300078 - Singh, R. and Shushni, M.A.M. and Belkheir, A.K (2011) 'Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Mentha piperita L', Arabian Journal of Chemistry. doi:10.1016/j.arabjc.2011.01.019 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arabjc.2011.01.019 - Dorman, H.J.D. and Koşar, M. and Başer, K.H.C. and Hiltunen, R (2009) 'Phenolic Profile and Antioxidant Evaluation of Mentha x Piperita L. (Peppermint) Extracts', Natural Product Communications. doi:10.1177/1934578x0900400419 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578x0900400419 - İşcan, G. and Kırımer, N. and Kürkçüoğlu, M. and Başer, H.C. and Demi̇rci̇, F (2002) 'Antimicrobial Screening of Mentha piperita Essential Oils', Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. doi:10.1021/jf011476k Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1021/jf011476k - Akdogan, M. et al (2004) 'Investigation of biochemical and histopathological effects of Mentha piperita labiatae and Mentha spicata labiatae on kidney tissue in rats', 23(7), pp. 321--327. Preclinical
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https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Peppermint%20oil%20in%20irritable%20bowel%20syndrome - Mas-Coma, S (2004) 'Fasciolosis in humans'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Fasciolosis%20in%20humans - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
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- Haro-Gonzalez, J.N., Castillo-Herrera, G.A., Martinez-Velazquez, M. and Espinosa-Andrews, H (2021) 'Clove Essential Oil (Syzygium aromaticum L. Myrtaceae): Extraction, Chemical Composition, Food Applications, and Essential Bioactivity for Human Health', Molecules, 26(21), pp. 6387. doi:10.3390/molecules26216387 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26216387 - Batiha, G.E., Alkazmi, L.M., Wasef, L.G., Beshbishy, A.M. and others (2020) 'Syzygium aromaticum L. (Myrtaceae): Traditional Uses, Bioactive Chemical Constituents, Pharmacological and Toxicological Activities', Biomolecules, 10(2), pp. 202. doi:10.3390/biom10020202 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/biom10020202 - Vicidomini, C., Roviello, V. and Roviello, G.N (2021) 'Molecular Basis of the Therapeutical Potential of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) and Clues to Its Anti-COVID-19 Utility', Molecules, 26(7), pp. 1880. doi:10.3390/molecules26071880 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26071880 - Irahal, I.N., Guenaou, I., Lahlou, F.A., Hmimid, F. and others (2022) 'Syzygium aromaticum bud (clove) essential oil is a novel and safe aldose reductase inhibitor: in silico, in vitro, and in vivo evidence', Hormones (Athens), 21(2), pp. 229-240. doi:10.1007/s42000-021-00347-6 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s42000-021-00347-6 - Yassin, M.T., Mostafa, A.A. and Al-Askar, A.A (2020) 'In vitro anticandidal potency of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) extracts against vaginal candidiasis', BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 20(1), pp. 25. doi:10.1186/s12906-020-2818-8 Preclinical
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https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28062421 - Radunz, M., da Trindade, M.L.M., Camargo, T.M., Radunz, A.L. and others (2019) 'Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of unencapsulated and encapsulated clove (Syzygium aromaticum, L.) essential oil', Food Chemistry, 276, pp. 180-186. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.09.173 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.09.173 - Shakeel, F., Alam, P., Ali, A., Alqarni, M.H. and others (2021) 'Investigating Antiarthritic Potential of Nanostructured Clove Oil (Syzygium aromaticum) in FCA-Induced Arthritic Rats: Pharmaceutical Action and Delivery Strategies', Molecules, 26(23), pp. 7327. doi:10.3390/molecules26237327 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26237327 - Tu, Z., Moss-Pierce, T., Ford, P. and Jiang, T.A (2014) 'Syzygium aromaticum L. (Clove) extract regulates energy metabolism in myocytes', Journal of Medicinal Food, 17(9), pp. 1003-1010. doi:10.1089/jmf.2013.0175 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2013.0175 - Banerjee, S., Panda, C.K. and Das, S (2006) 'Clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.), a potential chemopreventive agent for lung cancer', Carcinogenesis, 27(8), pp. 1645-1654. doi:10.1093/carcin/bgi372 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1093/carcin/bgi372 - Bhowmik, D., Kumar, K.P.S., Yadav, A., Srivastava, S., Paswan, S. and Dutta, A.S (2012) 'Recent trends in Indian traditional herbs Syzygium aromaticum and its health benefits', 1(1), pp. 13--23. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Recent%20trends%20in%20Indian%20traditional%20herbs%20Syzygium%20aromaticum%20and%20its%20health%20benefits - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - World Health Organization (2002) 'WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants'. Traditional / reference
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Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.