What Happens if I Drink Spearmint Tea Every Night?

November 25, 2025 •

6 min read

According to research, spearmint contains compounds that can interact with the brain's GABA receptors to promote relaxation, suggesting a nightly cup may indeed offer a calming effect. So, what happens if I drink spearmint tea every night for an extended period?

Quick Summary

A nightly cup of spearmint tea can promote sleep, aid digestion, and potentially regulate hormones in women with PCOS. It is generally safe for most people, but potential side effects exist for individuals with certain health conditions or those consuming it in large quantities.

Key Points

Improved Sleep and Relaxation: Spearmint tea is naturally caffeine-free and contains compounds that can promote calmness, making it an excellent bedtime drink.
Hormonal Regulation for Women: It can help balance hormones, particularly by lowering testosterone levels in women with PCOS, reducing symptoms like hirsutism and acne.
Digestive Comfort: The tea is known to aid digestion and relax stomach muscles, providing relief from bloating, gas, and indigestion after dinner.
Antioxidant Source: Spearmint tea is rich in antioxidants like rosmarinic acid, which help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.
Important Health Precautions: Large doses should be avoided by individuals with liver or kidney disease and by pregnant women. It may also worsen GERD symptoms.
Potential Drug Interactions: Anyone on medication, especially sedatives or blood pressure drugs, should consult a doctor due to potential interactions with compounds in spearmint.

The Soothing Nightly Ritual: Benefits of Spearmint Tea Before Bed

For many, a warm, herbal beverage is a cherished part of a nightly wind-down routine. Spearmint tea, with its sweet aroma and calming properties, is a popular choice for this ritual. It contains compounds that help promote relaxation and alleviate stress, which can directly contribute to better sleep quality. This calming effect is attributed to spearmint's interaction with GABA receptors in the brain, which are responsible for reducing nerve activity. Unlike caffeinated teas, it won't interfere with your body's natural sleep cycle.

Beyond just promoting rest, drinking spearmint tea every night can also aid in digestion, making it a great post-dinner beverage. The compound (-)-carvone in spearmint has been shown to inhibit muscle contractions in the digestive tract, which can help relieve bloating, gas, and general indigestion. For those with sensitive stomachs, the milder flavor profile of spearmint is often more tolerable than the more potent menthol found in peppermint tea.

Hormonal Balance and PCOS Management

For women, particularly those with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), drinking spearmint tea every night may offer significant benefits for hormonal regulation. Studies suggest that regular consumption can help reduce elevated androgen levels (male hormones like testosterone) and increase hormones necessary for ovulation, such as LH and FSH. This can lead to improvements in common PCOS symptoms like hirsutism (unwanted facial and body hair), acne, and irregular menstrual cycles. While 30-day studies have shown noticeable reductions in hirsutism, effects on hormone levels can sometimes be seen in as little as five days. However, long-term research is still needed to fully understand the effects of spearmint on female hormones over prolonged periods.

Potential Long-Term Side Effects and Precautions

While generally considered safe for most people, excessive or prolonged consumption of spearmint tea may carry some risks, especially for those with pre-existing conditions. High doses have been associated with potential harm to the liver and kidneys, and individuals with existing liver or kidney disease should exercise caution. Similarly, those with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) might find that spearmint tea, even in moderate amounts, worsens their symptoms, as it can relax the esophageal sphincter and allow stomach acid to flow upward.

Potential Risks of Overconsumption

Liver and Kidney Damage: In excessive amounts, spearmint has been theoretically linked to increased liver and kidney damage.
Hormonal Overcorrection: For individuals without high androgen levels, drinking large quantities might lead to unintended hormonal fluctuations.
GERD Symptom Worsening: The relaxing effect on the digestive tract can be problematic for those prone to acid reflux.
Pregnancy Complications: Large amounts of spearmint are considered possibly unsafe during pregnancy due to potential uterine damage.
Medication Interaction: Spearmint may interact with certain medications, including sedatives and those affecting liver function or blood pressure.

Consulting a healthcare provider before beginning a nightly spearmint tea regimen is always recommended, particularly if you have any chronic conditions or take regular medication.

Spearmint vs. Peppermint Tea

While both come from the mint family, their properties and potential effects differ. Choosing one over the other depends on your specific health goals.


Feature	Spearmint Tea	Peppermint Tea
Flavor	Sweeter, milder flavor	More intense, spicy, and potent mint flavor
Menthol Content	Lower menthol content, less intense cooling sensation	Higher menthol content, stronger cooling effect
Hormonal Effects	Known for anti-androgenic effects (lowers testosterone)	Contains lower anti-androgenic compounds compared to spearmint
Digestive Impact	Often gentler on the stomach for sensitive individuals	Can be effective for digestion but might worsen GERD for some due to higher menthol
Relaxation	Promotes relaxation and is a popular bedtime tea	Also relaxing, but the higher menthol can be more invigorating for some

Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance

Regularly drinking spearmint tea every night is generally a safe and healthy practice for most individuals, offering calming effects for better sleep, aiding digestion, and providing antioxidant benefits. For women with hormonal imbalances like PCOS, it shows promising potential in regulating androgen levels and alleviating related symptoms. However, the key lies in moderation. As with any herbal remedy, large doses can be problematic and may worsen certain health conditions such as liver disease, kidney issues, or GERD. Anyone with a chronic medical condition or who is pregnant should consult a doctor before making it a nightly habit. By being mindful of your body's response and starting with a moderate intake, you can likely enjoy the soothing and restorative benefits of spearmint tea as part of a healthy nightly routine.

What are the potential side effects of drinking spearmint tea every night?

Moderation is key: Most people tolerate spearmint tea well, but excessive intake can potentially cause issues, especially for those with liver or kidney problems.
GERD sensitivity: It can relax the esophageal sphincter, potentially worsening acid reflux symptoms.
Hormonal shifts: While beneficial for those with high androgens, it could cause imbalances in those with normal hormone levels if overconsumed.
Medication interaction: It may interact with sedatives, blood pressure medication, and drugs metabolized by the liver.
Pregnancy risk: Large doses during pregnancy are possibly unsafe and should be avoided.

FAQs

Question: Is it safe to drink spearmint tea every night? Answer: For most healthy adults, drinking one or two cups of spearmint tea every night is generally considered safe. However, individuals with certain health conditions, like liver or kidney disease, or those who are pregnant should consult a doctor first.

Question: Can spearmint tea help me sleep better? Answer: Yes, spearmint tea is known for its calming properties and can help promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can lead to improved sleep quality. It is also caffeine-free, making it an excellent choice for a bedtime beverage.

Question: What are the effects of spearmint tea on female hormones? Answer: Spearmint tea is studied for its anti-androgenic effects, meaning it can help lower elevated testosterone levels and improve hormonal balance, particularly in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Question: Can men drink spearmint tea every night? Answer: Men can safely drink spearmint tea, but heavy, prolonged consumption might lower testosterone levels. For men without hormonal imbalances, moderate consumption is fine, but those concerned should consult a healthcare provider.

Question: Can drinking spearmint tea cause acid reflux? Answer: For those who already have Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), spearmint tea might worsen symptoms. It can relax the esophageal sphincter, potentially allowing stomach acid to rise, though it is often gentle on digestion for most people.

Question: How much spearmint tea can I drink in a day? Answer: Most studies on spearmint tea use a dosage of two cups per day for effects related to hormonal balance. While generally safe, limiting intake to two or three cups daily is a good guideline to avoid any potential side effects from overconsumption.

Question: Is spearmint tea good for digestion after dinner? Answer: Yes, spearmint has long been used as a digestive aid. Its compounds can relax the digestive tract muscles, helping to alleviate symptoms like bloating and gas after a meal, making it an excellent post-dinner choice.

Question: How does spearmint tea compare to peppermint tea for nightly use? Answer: Spearmint is milder and sweeter, with less menthol, making it a potentially gentler option for sensitive stomachs and a more straightforward calming aid for sleep. Peppermint's higher menthol content is more stimulating and can sometimes aggravate GERD.

Question: Are there any interactions between spearmint tea and medication? Answer: Yes, spearmint tea may interact with sedatives and medications for blood pressure. It is also important to avoid high doses if taking medication that can affect the liver. Always consult your doctor before regular use, especially if you take prescription drugs.

Question: What is the best way to make spearmint tea? Answer: To brew at home, simply add a handful of fresh or 1-2 teaspoons of dried spearmint leaves to boiling water. Steep for about 5-7 minutes, then strain and enjoy hot or iced. You can also use pre-packaged tea bags for convenience.

Citations

: 11 SURPRISING BENEFITS OF SPEARMINT TEA AND OIL - Vinmec - September 06 2025
: 11 Surprising Benefits of Spearmint Tea and Essential Oil - Healthline - July 13 2023
: Spearmint Tea For PCOS: Your Ultimate Guide - Edgenutritiongp.com - October 17 2024
: 3 Health Benefits of Spearmint Tea - Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials - November 22 2023
: Spearmint - Uses, Side Effects, and More - WebMD
: 9 Incredible Spearmint Tea Benefits You Should Know - Myteadrop.com - February 23 2021
: Spearmint Tea: A Refreshing and Beneficial Herbal Beverage - Spicenest.in - July 04 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

For most healthy adults, drinking one or two cups of spearmint tea every night is generally considered safe. However, individuals with certain health conditions, like liver or kidney disease, or those who are pregnant should consult a doctor first.

Yes, spearmint tea is known for its calming properties and can help promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can lead to improved sleep quality. It is also caffeine-free, making it an excellent choice for a bedtime beverage.

Spearmint tea is studied for its anti-androgenic effects, meaning it can help lower elevated testosterone levels and improve hormonal balance, particularly in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Men can safely drink spearmint tea, but heavy, prolonged consumption might lower testosterone levels. For men without hormonal imbalances, moderate consumption is fine, but those concerned should consult a healthcare provider.

For those who already have Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), spearmint tea might worsen symptoms. It can relax the esophageal sphincter, potentially allowing stomach acid to rise, though it is often gentle on digestion for most people.

Most studies on spearmint tea use a dosage of two cups per day for effects related to hormonal balance. While generally safe, limiting intake to two or three cups daily is a good guideline to avoid any potential side effects from overconsumption.

Yes, spearmint has long been used as a digestive aid. Its compounds can relax the digestive tract muscles, helping to alleviate symptoms like bloating and gas after a meal, making it an excellent post-dinner choice.

Spearmint is milder and sweeter, with less menthol, making it a potentially gentler option for sensitive stomachs and a more straightforward calming aid for sleep. Peppermint's higher menthol content is more stimulating and can sometimes aggravate GERD.

Yes, spearmint tea may interact with sedatives and medications for blood pressure. It is also important to avoid high doses if taking medication that can affect the liver. Always consult your doctor before regular use, especially if you take prescription drugs.

To brew at home, simply add a handful of fresh or 1-2 teaspoons of dried spearmint leaves to boiling water. Steep for about 5-7 minutes, then strain and enjoy hot or iced. You can also use pre-packaged tea bags for convenience.