Potential benefits for women with hormone imbalances.
Is said to reduce facial hair growth in women.
May improve memory and concentration.
Is said to have antimicrobial properties may help fight bacterial infections.
Introduction
Spearmint tea is a tasty, refreshing drink enjoyed worldwide, known for both its enticing scent and potential health benefits. It comes from the spearmint plant (Mentha spicata), promoting various possible health benefits with its sweet taste.
In this article, we’ll delve into spearmint tea’s many proposed benefits, backed by science and studies. It includes its nutrient details, what health issues it could help with, how you can add it to your meals, and what concerns or side effects you should know before sipping spearmint tea.
Did you know?
Drinking spearmint tea can help alleviate symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women. source: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
The antioxidants in spearmint tea may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. source: fdc.nal.usda.gov
Spearmint tea can help relieve digestive issues such as bloating and indigestion. source: fdc.nal.usda.gov
Spearmint tea may have antimicrobial properties, helping to fight against certain bacteria and fungi. source: fdc.nal.usda.gov
Nutritional Profile of Spearmint Tea
Spearmint tea owes its scent and proposed health benefits to compounds in the plant. Essential oils, antioxidants, and vitamins found in spearmint help maintain and boost good health. The nutrients and possible benefits are listed below.
Nutrient
Importance
Essential oil
Gives a unique smell and taste
Antioxidant
Protects cells, aids in fighting oxidative stress
Vitamin C
Boosts immunity, skin health, and repair process
Potential Health Benefits of Spearmint Tea
1. Aids in Digestion and Relieves Upset Stomach
Studies hint that spearmint tea might soothe several digestive issues, which are as follows.
To start with, it is said to ease indigestion. The antispasmodic properties of spearmint essential oil, like carvone, relax the smooth muscles in the gut. This may alleviate indigestion and other discomforts.
Next, it is said to reduce bloating and gas. Certain spearmint compounds, such as rosmarinic acid, are thought to have anti-inflammation and pain relief effects. These might help by reducing inflammation and relaxing the gut muscles.
It may ease nausea as well. A study involving cancer patients found that spearmint essential oil reduced the frequency and severity of their nausea.
More studies are needed to corroborate these findings.
2. High in Antioxidants
Your body fights harmful molecules called free radicals daily. That’s where antioxidants in spearmint come in. Oxidative stress is linked to diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Here are some key antioxidants in spearmint tea.
Rosmarinic acid: It is a phenolic compound in spearmint known for its strong antioxidant activity4.
Flavonoids: Things like limonene and menthol present in spearmint function as powerful antioxidants, contributing to overall well-being.
Together, these protect and repair cells from damage caused by free radicals.
3. Helps Women With Hormone Imbalances
Several studies suggest that spearmint tea could be beneficial for women.
It is said to reduce androgen levels. A spearmint tea study involving women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) showed a decline of testosterone levels.
It is said to aid in managing PCOS symptoms. It was found in another study that spearmint tea consumption reduces hirsutism, which is the excessive growth of dark, coarse body hair, in women with PCOS9.
It could balance hormones. Spearmint tea may increase luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. These are key for regulating menstrual cycles and promoting ovulation.
More research is needed to support these findings.
4. Reduces Facial Hair in Women
It is said to have anti-androgenic effects: Higher testosterone levels in women can lead to too much facial hair. By reducing these levels, spearmint tea may tackle the root cause of unwanted hair growth9.
It is said to improve facial hair growth in women: Studies were found wherein daily spearmint tea use led to notable improvements in facial hair growth for women.
Further scientific probing of this effect is required.
5. May Improve Memory and Concentration
Some studies support spearmint tea’s role in possibly boosting memory and cognitive function:
It is said to boost cognitive performance. A study observed older adults with age-linked memory issues showed a 15% working memory improvement after receiving daily supplements containing 900 mg of spearmint extract.
It is proposed to increase focus and alertness. Peppermint oil capsules significantly improved cognitive performance in young adults in one research. Given that spearmint contains similar active compounds, it may be assumed that spearmint tea may also boost focus and alertness.
More studies are needed to back these findings.
6. Fights Bacterial Infections
It is said to have antimicrobial properties. Peppermint oil effectively is proposed to fight against harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus and pneumonia-causing bacteria.
It is said to reduce bad breath and ward cavities. Spearmint was found to effectively kill germs causing dental plaque and bad breath. More studies are needed to see if their better or equal to the antibiotics and dental hygiene products that are available.
7. May Lower Blood Sugar
In a diabetes study done on rats, those given spearmint extract had a 25% drop in blood sugar.
There needs to be more human research done in this regard.
8. Stress Reduction and Improved Sleep
It is proposed to aid relaxation. Menthol found in spearmint is thought to have a calming effect on the body, possibly aiding relaxation, and reducing stress. It was found in a rat study that spearmint extract reduced anxiety and improved sleep. However, there’s less evidence backing these effects in humans.
9. Fights Inflammation and Eases Pain, Including Arthritis
It is said to have anti-inflammatory properties. Certain spearmint compounds like rosmarinic acid and flavonoids are known for their strong anti-inflammation effects.
It is proposed to ease joint and muscle pain. Studies indicate spearmint tea may ease joint pain caused by arthritis and improve stiffness and disability related to the condition.
More research is required to confirm these effects.
10. May Help Lower Blood Pressure
Spearmint tea might boost heart health and reduce heart disease risk.
It is proposed to support heart health. Compounds in spearmint, like carvone, is said to function similarly to blood pressure-lowering medicines.
It is said to reduce heart disease risk. By acting as a strong antioxidant and likely reducing blood pressure, spearmint tea may help maintain a healthy heart and reduce heart disease risk but more research in this regard is needed.
Here are a few ways in which we can add spearmint into our diets.
Use fresh or dry spearmint leaves add these to boiling water, let them steep for 5 to 10 minutes, strain the tea, and enjoy hot or cold.
Garnish your tea with a sprig of fresh leaves for added flavour and looks.
Infuse fresh or dry leaves in an oil, like olive or almond oil. This oil may be used in aromatherapy, massage oils, or skin therapies.
Precautions and Side Effects
Despite the reported benefits, it’s crucial to have spearmint tea in a smart way. Being aware of potential side effects and precautions is key to your safety.
Right dosage matters. Though it’s not common to see adverse effects from spearmint tea, consuming it in huge amounts may cause heartburn, allergies, and even sleepiness. Always follow the instructions on the package and consult with a healthcare professional if you are uncertain about the correct dosage.
Specifically, no interactions have been found. But spearmint might impact liver function. This could interfere with medicines metabolized by the liver. Speak with your healthcare provider if you’re on any prescription medications before sipping spearmint tea.
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or those with kidney or liver issues, should be careful when having large amounts of spearmint tea. Consult your healthcare provider before having it.
It is always advisable to consult your doctor before incorporating any oils, teas, or supplements into your routine.
The soothing, enticing taste of spearmint tea is just one reason why it’s loved. Packed with nutrients and antioxidants, this refreshing drink might improve digestion, memory, hormone imbalances, and more.
However, with all these possible health benefits, be sure to drink spearmint tea responsibly. You need to think about the correct dosage and consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions or worries. In the end, spearmint tea may be a lovely way to boost your daily routine’s wellness while you enjoy its invigorating smell and taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to drink spearmint tea every day?
Most people can safely have spearmint tea daily, especially in moderate amounts. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals or those with kidney or liver disorders should check with their healthcare provider before having spearmint tea often.
Are there any potential side effects of spearmint tea?
Some people might notice mild side effects from spearmint tea like heartburn, allergic reactions, or sleepiness. So, aim for moderate consumption to lower these risks.
Can spearmint tea help in reducing belly fat?
No food or drink targets belly fat loss alone. However, replacing sugary drinks with spearmint tea may aid weight loss and overall better health.
How long does it take for spearmint tea to balance hormones?
While studies are limited, spearmint tea was seen to positively impact hormone balance in women with PCOS. But remember, individual results may vary and more research is needed in this regard. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
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Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty 
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024
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