Are Basil and Spearmint in the same botanical family?

Yes — both belong to Lamiaceae.

Can you substitute Basil for Spearmint?

They share the Lamiaceae family, so they can sometimes substitute in recipes — with notable differences in aroma.

Compare · per-herb profile

Basil vs Spearmint

Ocimum basilicum · Mentha spicata

Basil

Ocimum basilicum

D No Clinical Evidence

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Ocimum
Primary use: culinary

Basil, also called great basil, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide. In Western cuisine, the generic term "basil" refers to the variety also known as Genovese basil or sweet basil. Basil is native to tropical…

Spearmint

Mentha spicata

D No Clinical Evidence

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Mentha
Primary use: culinary

Spearmint, also known as garden mint, common mint, lamb mint and mackerel mint, is native to Europe and southern temperate Asia, extending from Ireland in the west to southern China in the east. It is naturalized in many other temperate parts of the world, including northern and …

At a glance

· Both in Lamiaceae, but different genera (Ocimum vs Mentha).
· Both are primarily culinary.
· Evidence tiers — Basil: D; Spearmint: D.