How long does it take to see the benefits of spearmint tea?

October 29, 2025 •

4 min read

Studies have shown that measurable hormonal changes can begin in as little as 5 to 30 days for individuals consistently drinking spearmint tea. However, the exact time it takes to see the full benefits of spearmint tea varies significantly depending on the specific health concern and adherence to a routine.

Quick Summary

The timeline for spearmint tea benefits varies, with hormonal shifts possible within weeks and noticeable improvements for acne or hirsutism requiring several months of consistent use.

Key Points

Initial Hormonal Shifts: Measurable hormonal changes, like reduced testosterone, can begin within 5 to 30 days of consistent, twice-daily intake.
Acne Improvement: Visible reduction in inflammatory acne can be seen between 1 to 3 months, with studies showing significant improvement by the three-month mark.
Hair Growth Reduction (Hirsutism): Due to the hair growth cycle, noticeable reduction in excess hair typically takes 3 to 6 months of consistent consumption.
Digestive Relief: Benefits for issues like bloating and nausea may be felt much sooner, often within a few weeks, due to its antispasmodic effects.
Consistency is Key: Spearmint tea is a gradual, herbal remedy. Consistent daily intake over several months is crucial for seeing significant, long-lasting results for hormonal issues.
Individual Variation: Results depend on your initial hormone levels and how your body responds; some may see effects faster or slower than others.
Maximum Potency: For best results, brew two cups daily by steeping quality tea leaves for 5–10 minutes.

The calming and therapeutic properties of spearmint tea have been recognized for centuries, but for those seeking specific health outcomes, understanding the realistic timeline is crucial. Unlike pharmaceuticals, herbal remedies like spearmint tea work gently and gradually with the body's systems, requiring patience and consistency. The duration to see results is highly dependent on the condition being addressed, ranging from weeks for digestive support to several months for significant hormonal changes.

The Science Behind Spearmint Tea

Spearmint's power lies in its unique chemical composition, which provides multiple health benefits. Its anti-androgenic properties are particularly noteworthy for conditions like PCOS and hormonal acne, which are often linked to high levels of androgens (male hormones). Specifically, active compounds like rosmarinic acid and flavonoids found in spearmint tea are thought to influence hormone levels by:

Increasing levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which binds to free testosterone, reducing its effects.
Inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone into the more potent dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Additionally, spearmint contains powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that contribute to its overall health benefits, which can be observed over different timescales.

Spearmint Tea Benefit Timelines by Condition

Hormonal Balance (PCOS, Menstrual Regulation)

For those with hormonal imbalances, such as in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), spearmint tea can be a valuable tool. The timeline for seeing hormonal benefits can be broken down into two phases:

Initial Hormonal Shifts (5–30 days): Research has indicated that consistent intake of two cups per day can lead to measurable changes in hormone levels within a month. Studies show significant reductions in free testosterone and increases in other key hormones like luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) after just 30 days. In some cases, initial hormonal improvements were noted in as little as five days.
Visible Symptom Improvement (1–3 months): While the tea starts working on a hormonal level quickly, it takes time for these internal changes to manifest as external symptom relief. For instance, balancing irregular menstrual cycles and reducing mood swings might take several cycles to become regular.

Acne Reduction

As hormonal balance improves, so does the appearance of hormonally-driven acne. The timeline for clearer skin follows a slower, more gradual path:

4–6 Weeks: Reduction in androgen-related oil production may start to lessen new breakouts.
2–3 Months: A clinical study showed a 25% reduction in inflammatory acne lesions after one month, and a more significant 51% reduction after three months of consistent consumption. Patience is key, as skin cells require time to turn over and show improvement.

Hirsutism (Excessive Hair Growth)

Addressing excess hair growth is one of the more long-term benefits of spearmint tea, as it's tied to the body's natural hair growth cycle.

3–6 Months: While hormonal changes are happening internally within the first month, visible hair reduction takes significantly longer. Spearmint tea primarily impacts new hair growth, so existing hair must complete its cycle before improvements become apparent. Expect to see a reduction in the coarseness and thickness of new hair over several months, not an immediate fix for existing hair.

Digestive Health

For gastrointestinal issues like indigestion, bloating, or nausea, spearmint tea can provide relief relatively quickly, thanks to the compound (-)-carvone, which helps relax digestive muscles.

Within a Few Weeks: Many users report feeling relief from stomach cramps, gas, and indigestion within days to weeks of regular consumption. A study on IBS patients showed improvements in pain and discomfort after an eight-week regimen.

General Well-being

1–2 Weeks: Some individuals may notice initial, more subtle benefits within a week or two. This can include a calming effect, improved focus, or a refreshed feeling, and is often among the first signs that the tea is positively impacting the body.

Comparison of Spearmint Tea Benefit Timelines


Health Benefit	Primary Mechanism	Typical Timeline	Consistency Required
Digestive Relief	Relaxes digestive tract muscles via (-)-carvone.	Weeks	Consistent, daily consumption for ongoing benefits
Initial Hormonal Shifts	Anti-androgenic properties reduce free testosterone.	5–30 Days.	2 cups daily
Acne Reduction	Lowered androgen levels lead to less sebum production.	1–3 Months.	2 cups daily
Reduced Hirsutism	Gradual hormonal modulation affects hair growth cycle.	3–6 Months.	2 cups daily
Overall Well-being	Calming effect and antioxidants.	1–2 Weeks.	Regular, daily intake

Maximizing Your Results with Spearmint Tea

Seeing consistent and lasting results from spearmint tea is largely dependent on your routine. Consider these tips for the best outcome:

Consistency is Non-Negotiable: For hormonal benefits, a daily regimen of two cups is most effective. Skipping days can disrupt the process and delay results.
Choose High-Quality Tea: Using high-quality organic loose-leaf tea or tea bags from reputable sources ensures you get a potent product with the highest concentration of beneficial compounds.
Be Patient: Natural remedies are not instant fixes. Set realistic expectations and track your progress over weeks and months, not days. Focus on the long-term benefits rather than expecting a quick turnaround.
Steep Properly: For optimal extraction of therapeutic compounds, steep your spearmint tea for at least 5 to 10 minutes in boiling water.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body responds. If you experience side effects like digestive upset, consider adjusting your dosage.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to "how long does it take to see the benefits of spearmint tea?" depends entirely on the specific health concern. While some internal hormonal shifts may begin within the first month, visible, symptom-level improvements for issues like acne and hirsutism require a longer, more consistent commitment, typically spanning three to six months. For digestive relief, benefits are often felt much faster. The key to success is patience and a consistent daily routine, allowing the natural properties of spearmint to work with your body over time. As with any herbal supplement, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended before starting a new regimen, especially for those with existing health conditions or taking other medications.

For more information on the benefits of spearmint tea, you can read the resource provided by the Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials. Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials

Frequently Asked Questions

For therapeutic benefits, most studies suggest drinking two cups of spearmint tea daily. Consistency is more important than quantity, so stick to a regular schedule.

Yes, but be aware that some people may experience mild digestive upset or nausea if consumed on an empty stomach. You can try drinking it with or after meals to minimize any discomfort.

Spearmint tea is generally safe for most people to consume daily in moderation. However, long-term effects of very high doses are not fully researched. Individuals with liver or kidney conditions should consult a doctor.

Men should be cautious with spearmint tea. Because it has anti-androgenic effects, it can lower testosterone levels. Men seeking to address acne may benefit temporarily but should stop once their skin is clear. It is not recommended for long-term use in men without medical supervision.

Spearmint tea is most effective for hormonal acne, which is often linked to high androgen levels. It works by addressing the root hormonal cause rather than treating surface-level blemishes. Results may vary for other acne types.

Yes, spearmint tea can have hormonal effects and may interact with certain medications. It is crucial to consult your healthcare provider if you are taking medications for hormonal imbalances, diabetes, high blood pressure, or any other condition before starting a spearmint tea regimen.

Consistency is vital because spearmint tea is a natural, gentle remedy that works gradually over time by modulating the body's systems. Its compounds need to build up in your system to have a sustained effect, especially for complex hormonal conditions.

While some very small studies have explored spearmint capsules, the majority of research uses tea. Always consult a doctor before taking concentrated supplements, as they can have more potent effects than the tea.