What are the side effects of drinking spearmint tea in the morning?

November 8, 2025 •

3 min read

While often praised for its health benefits, excessive consumption of spearmint tea can lead to side effects. Understanding what are the side effects of drinking spearmint tea in the morning is important for safely incorporating this beverage into your daily routine, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions.

Quick Summary

This article explores the potential adverse effects of consuming spearmint tea in the morning, focusing on its impact on digestive health, hormones, and potential interactions with certain medications. It details who should exercise caution and highlights the importance of moderation.

Key Points

GERD Worsening: Spearmint can relax the esophageal sphincter, potentially worsening symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease like heartburn in the morning.
Hormonal Changes: The tea's anti-androgenic properties can lower testosterone levels, which is beneficial for conditions like PCOS but could cause hormonal imbalances in others.
Kidney and Liver Caution: Individuals with pre-existing kidney or liver conditions should be cautious, as excessive intake of highly concentrated spearmint products could potentially exacerbate these issues.
Medication Interactions: Spearmint may interact with certain medications, such as sedatives and those that can harm the liver, and should be discussed with a doctor.
Allergic Reactions: Though uncommon, allergic reactions like skin rashes or digestive upset can occur, and consumption should be stopped if symptoms appear.
Importance of Moderation: Most side effects are linked to excessive consumption, with up to two cups daily generally considered safe for most healthy people.

Digestive Upset and Worsening GERD Symptoms

For many, spearmint tea is lauded for its ability to soothe digestive issues like bloating and indigestion. However, the same properties that make it a digestive aid can cause problems for some individuals, particularly those with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). The key lies in its ability to relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach.

When the LES relaxes too much, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, leading to heartburn, chest pain, and a burning sensation. For this reason, drinking spearmint tea in the morning on an empty stomach could potentially trigger or exacerbate GERD symptoms for those prone to the condition. People with ulcers may also find their symptoms worsened by mint products.

Hormonal Imbalance and Endocrine Effects

Spearmint tea is well-known for its anti-androgenic effects, particularly its ability to lower testosterone levels. This makes it a popular choice for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) who experience excess male hormones. While beneficial for some, this hormonal impact is a crucial consideration, especially for men or women without hyperandrogenism.

For Women: A sudden or excessive reduction in testosterone levels can cause hormonal imbalance in women who don't have high androgen levels, potentially disrupting the menstrual cycle or other hormone-sensitive processes.
For Men: Drinking spearmint tea, particularly in large quantities, can significantly decrease testosterone levels, which might impact libido and other hormone-dependent functions. This is especially relevant in the morning when the body's hormones are regulating for the day. While moderate consumption is generally safe, excessive amounts can have a more pronounced effect.

Concerns for Individuals with Kidney and Liver Conditions

While moderate consumption of spearmint tea is usually safe, very high doses of concentrated spearmint extracts are a concern for individuals with pre-existing kidney and liver conditions. While the amount of spearmint in a standard tea is typically low, excessive, long-term consumption could potentially exacerbate these conditions.

Potential Risks of High Spearmint Intake

Kidney Issues: Large amounts may increase the risk of kidney damage or worsen existing kidney disorders.
Liver Issues: Similarly, high doses may be harmful to the liver and should be avoided by those with liver disease.
Medication Interactions: Spearmint can interact with certain medications, including those that affect the liver.

Before incorporating spearmint tea into a daily morning routine, those with kidney or liver issues should consult a healthcare provider.

Allergic Reactions and Skin Issues

Although rare, some individuals may have an allergic reaction to spearmint. As with any herb, it is possible to experience a sensitivity. An allergic reaction could manifest in several ways:

Skin rashes or hives
Itchy mouth or throat
Gastrointestinal distress
In rare cases, respiratory issues

It is important to cease consumption immediately if any signs of an allergic reaction appear.

Comparison: Spearmint Tea vs. Other Morning Beverages

To put the side effects into perspective, here is a comparison of spearmint tea with other common morning drinks.


Feature	Spearmint Tea	Green Tea	Coffee	Lemon Water
Caffeine	None	Moderate (25-45 mg)	High (95-200 mg)	None
Digestive Effects	Can worsen GERD; can also aid digestion	Generally gentle on the stomach	Can cause acid reflux and upset stomach	Can be acidic for some; aids digestion for others
Hormonal Impact	Can lower testosterone levels	Minimal impact	Minimal impact	Minimal impact
Liver/Kidney Impact	Caution with high doses in existing conditions	Generally safe; excessive intake of certain types may have effects	High intake linked to potential liver stress; generally safe	Generally safe; detoxifying properties
Best for...	Hormonal balance (PCOS), relaxation	Energy boost, antioxidants	Waking up, concentration	Hydration, cleansing

Conclusion

While a morning cup of spearmint tea can offer several health benefits, understanding the potential side effects of drinking spearmint tea in the morning is key for certain individuals. The relaxing effect on the digestive tract can be problematic for those with GERD, while its anti-androgenic properties could disrupt hormonal balance in people without hyperandrogenism. Those with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions must be particularly cautious about consuming large quantities. As with any herbal remedy, moderation is essential, and individuals with underlying health concerns or taking specific medications should consult their healthcare provider before making it a regular part of their morning routine. For most healthy adults, a cup or two of spearmint tea daily is unlikely to cause adverse effects.

Note: For additional information on herbal supplements and their effects, you can visit the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, spearmint tea can cause or worsen heartburn, especially if you have GERD. It can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus and trigger symptoms.

While generally safe in moderation, men should be mindful of its anti-androgenic effects. Excessive consumption can lower testosterone levels, which may impact libido and other functions.

If you have kidney or liver disease, you should consult a healthcare provider before consuming spearmint tea. High doses have been associated with potential harm in these conditions.

Yes, spearmint can interact with certain medications, including sedatives and drugs that affect the liver. Always speak with a doctor or pharmacist about potential interactions.

Most healthy adults can safely drink up to two to three cups of spearmint tea per day without experiencing adverse effects. However, those with specific health conditions should be more cautious.

Spearmint tea is caffeine-free and has relaxing properties, making it suitable for either morning or night. However, if you experience digestive issues like GERD, drinking it too close to bedtime might worsen symptoms.

Yes, although rare, some people may experience an allergic reaction to spearmint. Symptoms could include skin rashes, hives, or gastrointestinal distress.