What Does Drinking Spearmint Tea Do for Your Body?

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is a fragrant herb, and research has shown that drinking its tea may help improve working memory in older adults by up to 15%. This caffeine-free beverage offers a range of potential health benefits, from soothing digestive issues to balancing hormones, making it a valuable addition to your wellness routine.

Quick Summary

Spearmint tea offers multiple health benefits, including hormonal balance for women, improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and antioxidant support. This herbal tea may also help with memory and stress reduction.

Key Points

• Balances Hormones: Spearmint tea can reduce androgen levels in women, potentially helping manage conditions like PCOS and related symptoms such as hirsutism.

• Aids Digestion: The natural compounds in spearmint help relax the digestive tract muscles, soothing indigestion, bloating, and nausea.

• Provides Antioxidants: Rich in protective antioxidants like rosmarinic acid, the tea helps combat oxidative stress and cellular damage.

• Reduces Inflammation: Spearmint's anti-inflammatory effects may help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions, including joint pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis.

• Improves Memory: Some studies suggest that spearmint extract can improve working memory, particularly in older adults.

• Relieves Stress: With its calming properties and natural sedative effects, spearmint tea can promote relaxation and reduce stress.

• Supports Skin Health: By addressing hormonal imbalances, spearmint tea can help reduce hormonal acne and improve overall skin clarity.

The Health Perks of Drinking Spearmint Tea

Spearmint tea, derived from the leaves of the Mentha spicata plant, has been used for centuries for its fresh, mildly sweet flavor and therapeutic properties. Unlike its more pungent cousin, peppermint, spearmint contains much less menthol, offering a smoother, less intense taste. This herbal infusion is a simple way to incorporate a dose of beneficial plant compounds, including antioxidants, into your daily routine. The following sections delve into the primary ways this popular brew can positively affect your body.

Hormonal Balance and Women's Health

One of the most well-researched benefits of spearmint tea is its potential impact on hormonal balance, particularly in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is often associated with elevated levels of androgens, or male sex hormones, such as testosterone.

• Reduces Androgens: Several studies have found that consuming spearmint tea regularly can significantly lower testosterone levels in women. In one study involving women with PCOS, drinking two cups of spearmint tea daily for one month resulted in lower total and free testosterone levels.
• Increases Ovulation Hormones: Research also indicates that spearmint tea may increase levels of hormones necessary for ovulation, such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This can contribute to more regular menstrual cycles in some cases.
• Helps with Hirsutism: By lowering androgen levels, spearmint tea may also reduce hirsutism, which is excessive hair growth on the face, chest, or abdomen. While results may not be instant, some women have reported reduced facial hair over time with consistent use.

Digestive Comfort and Support

Spearmint tea is widely known as a soothing digestive aid. Its natural compounds help relax the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, which can alleviate various stomach issues.

• Eases Nausea and Indigestion: Spearmint has antispasmodic properties that can calm stomach muscles, helping to relieve feelings of nausea, indigestion, and motion sickness.
• Reduces Bloating and Gas: By promoting the relaxation of the digestive system, spearmint tea can help ease uncomfortable bloating and trapped gas. It is a gentle remedy for post-meal discomfort.
• Supports a Healthy Gut: Some studies suggest that the compound (-)-carvone in spearmint can inhibit muscle contractions in the intestinal tract, potentially aiding conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties

Spearmint is rich in antioxidants, which are crucial for protecting the body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Oxidative stress is linked to various chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer.

• Fights Oxidative Stress: Spearmint contains rosmarinic acid, a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals. Flavonoids are also present, further enhancing the tea's antioxidant capacity.
• Reduces Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory compounds in spearmint tea can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. This can be particularly beneficial for people with conditions like osteoarthritis, as studies have shown it can reduce joint pain and stiffness.

Mental Clarity and Stress Relief

Spearmint tea offers calming and relaxing effects that can benefit both the mind and body. It is a popular choice for unwinding after a long day and can support mental function.

• Promotes Relaxation: In many cultures, spearmint tea is used as a natural remedy for stress and insomnia. The gentle, soothing properties can help calm the mind and body.
• May Improve Memory: Early research in humans has shown a connection between spearmint extract consumption and improved working memory in older adults with age-associated memory impairment.

Spearmint Tea vs. Peppermint Tea: A Comparison

While both spearmint and peppermint are from the same family, they have distinct differences in flavor, aroma, and health effects. Understanding these can help you choose the best tea for your specific needs.

Feature	Spearmint Tea	Peppermint Tea
Flavor & Aroma	Sweet, subtle, and mild mint flavor.	Strong, bold, and intense cooling sensation from higher menthol content.
Key Compound	Primarily carvone, which offers a sweeter profile.	High menthol content, responsible for its pungent flavor.
Hormonal Effects	Known for anti-androgenic effects, beneficial for PCOS.	No significant research on hormonal balancing properties.
Digestive Impact	Soothes general indigestion, bloating, and nausea.	Higher menthol content is more potent for addressing gas, cramps, and IBS symptoms. Avoid if you have GERD.
Respiratory Relief	Gentle clearing effect, milder than peppermint.	Stronger effect on clearing nasal congestion and sinuses due to high menthol.

Conclusion: Incorporating Spearmint Tea into Your Routine

Drinking spearmint tea offers a natural, caffeine-free way to support your body's health in several areas. From balancing hormones and managing PCOS symptoms to soothing an upset stomach and providing antioxidant protection, its benefits are well-documented and promising. For many, simply enjoying one or two cups daily can provide noticeable relief and contribute to overall well-being. It is generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderation, though those with specific health conditions or who are pregnant should consult a healthcare provider. With its mild flavor and relaxing properties, spearmint tea is a pleasant and accessible addition to a mindful, health-conscious lifestyle. By understanding what does drinking spearmint tea do for your body, you can harness its power for your personal wellness journey.

For more detailed information on herbal medicine and its effects, consider resources like the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Recommended Spearmint Tea Recipes

Classic Hot Spearmint Tea

• Place 1-2 teaspoons of dried spearmint leaves or a spearmint tea bag in a mug.
• Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the leaves.
• Steep for 5-10 minutes, depending on desired strength.
• Strain the leaves if using loose-leaf and enjoy.

Refreshing Iced Spearmint Tea

• Brew 4 bags of spearmint tea with 2 cups of boiling water.
• Let steep for 10 minutes, then remove bags.
• Allow to cool completely.
• Pour over ice and add lemon slices or a sprig of fresh mint for garnish.

Spearmint and Ginger Digestive Brew

• Combine 1 teaspoon dried spearmint leaves and a few slices of fresh ginger in a pot with 2 cups of water.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Strain into a mug and sweeten with honey if desired.

Spearmint and Green Tea Energizer

• Brew a green tea bag and a spearmint tea bag together in hot water for 3-5 minutes.
• This provides a gentle boost of caffeine and a powerful antioxidant punch.

Soothing Spearmint Lavender Tea

• Steep 1 teaspoon of spearmint leaves with 1/2 teaspoon of dried lavender buds in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
• This blend is ideal for promoting relaxation and sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I drink spearmint tea to see results?

For hormonal and skin benefits, many studies suggest drinking two cups of spearmint tea per day. Consistency is key, and it may take one to three months to see noticeable effects.

Is spearmint tea safe to drink every day?

For most healthy people, drinking spearmint tea daily in moderate amounts (1-2 cups) is considered safe. Excessive consumption, especially in concentrated forms like supplements, could lead to side effects. Always consult a doctor if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medication.

Can men drink spearmint tea?

Yes, men can drink spearmint tea. While some studies focus on its effects on female hormones, the tea offers other benefits like antioxidant support, digestive relief, and stress reduction that are beneficial for everyone.

What are the side effects of spearmint tea?

In large quantities, spearmint tea may cause digestive upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may find that it worsens symptoms. Overconsumption of supplements may also lead to liver or kidney damage.

How is spearmint tea different from peppermint tea?

Spearmint has a milder, sweeter flavor and less menthol than peppermint tea. Spearmint is known for hormonal balancing effects, while peppermint is more commonly used for strong respiratory and digestive relief.

Does spearmint tea help with acne?

Yes, particularly hormonal acne. Its anti-androgenic properties can help lower testosterone levels, which are linked to excess sebum production and acne in some women. It also provides antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits for the skin.

Can I drink spearmint tea if I am pregnant?

It is generally recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before consuming spearmint tea, especially in large quantities, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as research is limited.