Mint and Clove: Nature’s Refreshing Duo

When we think of freshness, two plants almost always come to mind: mint and clove. Both are widely used in our kitchens, medicines, and even in daily routines like brushing teeth or chewing gum. Yet the sensations they create in our mouths are completely different — mint feels cool and airy, while clove feels warm and comforting. Behind these experiences lies a fascinating story of natural chemicals, human biology, and the subtle ways our senses work.

Mint: Cool, Airy, and Awakening

Mint, especially in the form of fresh leaves, teas, chewing gums, flavored sweets, and confectionery, is loved worldwide for its sharp freshness. This sensation comes from a natural compound called menthol.

How Menthol Works

Menthol interacts with special nerve receptors in the mouth called TRPM8 receptors. These are the same receptors that detect cold temperatures. When menthol binds to them, the brain receives a signal similar to what it would receive if we actually touched ice or inhaled cold air. This is why mint doesn’t really lower temperature, but creates the sensation of coolness inside the mouth and nose.

Why Mint Feels “Airy”

The “airy” freshness of mint comes from two connected effects:

Slow release and gentle evaporation
Menthol is oily and only partly soluble in saliva. As a sweet or gum dissolves, menthol is gradually released. A small amount of it vaporizes and travels with the airflow between the mouth and nasal cavity (through the back of the throat). This vapor reaches receptors in the nasal passages, making it feel like cool air is flowing freely through the nose.
Shared nerve pathways
The trigeminal nerve, which carries signals from the mouth and the nose, processes menthol’s cooling effect across both areas. This “shared wiring” spreads the freshness beyond the tongue, creating the illusion of smooth, effortless breathing.

Together, these effects explain why a mint sweet in the mouth feels as if fresh air is passing through the entire nose and throat.

Biological and Health Benefits

Beyond sensation, menthol has mild antibacterial and soothing properties. That’s why mint is used in toothpaste, mouthwash, and lozenges — it doesn’t just freshen breath but also helps reduce bacterial activity in the mouth. Its calming action on the throat also explains why mint teas are often taken for colds or sore throats.

Clove: Warm, Comforting, and Healing

Clove is another spice with a completely different personality. The warmth of clove comes from its main active compound, eugenol. When we chew a clove or taste clove oil, this chemical strongly interacts with the mouth’s sensory nerves.

How Eugenol Works

Eugenol activates TRPV1 receptors, the same ones that respond to heat and mild burning sensations (similar to chili peppers, though much gentler). This is why clove feels warm and slightly numbing instead of cool.

Biological Effects

Eugenol is not just about warmth; it is a powerful antiseptic and analgesic (pain-relieving) compound. For centuries, clove has been used in dentistry to reduce tooth pain. Eugenol numbs the nerve endings and also helps control bacterial growth. Chewing on a clove, therefore, not only gives a warming mouthfeel but also protects against infections and soothes irritation.

Staying Alert with Mint and Clove

Interestingly, people often use mint and clove during long listening or speaking activities — such as lectures, recitations, or travel — to stay alert and comfortable.

Mint keeps the mind fresh with its cooling, airy effect, and reduces dryness in the throat.
Clove gives a gentle warmth and numbing relief, which can be especially helpful if one needs to speak for long periods or soothe mild irritation.

Together, they are not “tricks” on the brain, but natural allies that stimulate our senses in different ways, keeping us awake, refreshed, and engaged.

The Takeaway

Mint and clove may come from very different plants, but both have earned a place in daily life for the unique sensations they create and the biological benefits they provide. Mint feels cool and airy because menthol slowly releases, partly vaporizes into the nasal cavity, and stimulates cold-sensitive receptors, while clove feels warm and soothing because eugenol activates heat-sensitive receptors and numbs irritation. Add to this their antibacterial and refreshing properties, and it becomes clear why humanity has cherished both for centuries — not just for flavor, but for health, comfort, and alertness.