Are you looking for a refreshing drink that can boost your health? Have you ever considered spearmint tea? Spearmint tea, known for its pleasant aroma and soothing taste, offers a range of health benefits backed by science.
Approximately 5 million women in the United States suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition often linked to hormonal imbalance. Research shows that drinking spearmint tea can help lower testosterone levels, which may improve symptoms of PCOS, including excessive hair growth and hormonal imbalance.
Spearmint has a pleasant sweet flavor and is widely used to flavor toothpaste, mouthwash, chewing gum, and confectionery. This blog will take you through the amazing Spearmint tea benefits, so continue reading to know more.
10 Science-backed Spearmint Tea Benefits
Spearmint tea offers many health benefits that can positively impact your well-being. Here are seven notable health benefits of spearmint tea:
1. Reduce bad breath:
Spearmint tea might help you keep your tongue clean and fresh. Because spearmint tea is part of the mint family, it is unsurprising that it is an instant refresher. We've been using Spearmint for many decades to keep our teeth and gums in tip-top form, and Spearmint, with its menthol-rich characteristics and those much-needed antibacterial properties, is here to deliver a burst of sweet freshness to sour breath.
However, it does more than freshen your breath; it also possesses antibacterial and antimicrobial characteristics that may help fight the bacteria in your mouth that produce foul breath.
2. Reduce stress:
Spearmint tea may aid in relaxation and stress reduction. This tea often relieves stress and insomnia in South American countries. A spearmint extract reduced anxiety and increased sleep in one rat study. It is often used to assist people in lowering their tension and having a good night's sleep.
This is because Spearmint contains menthol, an oil that can recharge the senses, relax the mind and body, and induce moderate relaxation. Spearmint accomplishes this by stimulating the receptors for GABA in your brain and assisting these neurotransmitters to relax, putting you in a comfortable state of relaxation.
3. Good for digestive:
Spearmint is a popular remedy for digestion, vomiting, nausea, and bloating. People using the spearmint medication reported less gastrointestinal discomfort and bloat than those taking a placebo.
This plant may also help with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. In one trial, when compared to a placebo, spearmint essential oil drastically decreased the frequency of nausea and vomiting when applied to the skin. Although research on the effects of this form of mint on digestion is limited, some data shows that it may be beneficial.
4. Reduce blood sugar:
Diabetes patients may benefit from drinking spearmint tea. While human studies on this possible effect are limited, animal studies have yielded promising findings. If you want to avoid sugar crashes or if you have diabetes, a conditioned tea with Spearmint can be an excellent alternative to help you keep your health balance.
According to research, Spearmint substantially influences decreasing blood sugar levels. One animal study found that individuals fed spearmint extract showed a decrease of 25% in blood sugar after three weeks.
5. Decrease blood pressure:
Spearmint may aid in the reduction of high blood pressure. (-)-carvone, a chemical found in Spearmint, has been demonstrated to operate similarly to calcium-channel blocks, drugs used to treat high blood pressure. Pour a glass of spearmint tea to keep your heart rate down and your cardiac system in good health.
This gorgeous leaf includes carvone, a chemical that works like the components in blood pressure medications. This chemical is also thought to help minimize vascular contractions and lower blood pressure.
6. High in antioxidants:
Antioxidants are plant-derived natural chemical compounds that help guard against and repair damage produced by free radicals, which are damaging chemicals that can cause oxidative stress.
Chronic illnesses like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are all related to oxidative stress. According to studies, Spearmint has a high antioxidant capacity against free radicals. In one trial, extract from this plant proved as efficient as the synthetic antioxidant BHT at preventing fat oxidation in meat.
7. Help with arthritis pain:
Spearmint may help alleviate arthritis-related joint pain. A major review study for both human and animal trials concluded that the oils derived from this mint relieved pain. Spearmint is thought to offer strong pain-relieving effects and can aid in the relief of stiffness in people suffering from arthritis or knee problems.
A four-month trial found that people with knee arthritis who drank tea with Spearmint twice daily felt less pain.
8. Hormone Regulation -
Managing women's hormone imbalances is one of the most essential Spearmint tea benefits relieving women from hormonal abnormalities. Studies have indicated that it can reduce male hormones like testosterone while raising female hormones like luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol, which are required for ovulation.
Spearmint tea may be just for ladies battling to manage their hormones. When soaked in hot water, this aromatic and fresh herb is said to regulate androgen levels, which can assist in everything from polycystic ovarian syndrome to reducing the overgrowth of hair.
9. Improve memory power:
There is some proof that this plant can aid in improving memory. According to studies, mice provided a spearmint extract boosted their learning and memory, as seen by how they performed on a labyrinth test.
While we improve with age, our memories can occasionally become hazy around the edges. Spearmint tea may help keep your mind bright and your memory box full. Taking a spearmint extract regularly has been demonstrated in studies to help keep older people's mental skills sharp. It is also considered that Spearmint may provide a little assistance when it comes to fine-tuning attention skills.
10. Fight bacterial infections:
Spearmint flavoring is often used in toothpaste, breath mints, and chewing gum. It does more than just freshen your breath; it also has antimicrobial and antibacterial characteristics that may aid in killing the germs in your oral cavity that cause foul breath.
Spearmint tea benefits include antibacterial and antimicrobial characteristics that will kill microorganisms in your mouth. According to research, spearmint herb essential oil can help prevent foodborne sickness and bacteria like E.coli, improve your immune system, and soothe a sore throat.
Also Read: 12 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Peppermint Tea
Potential Side Effects of Spearmint Tea
While spearmint tea offers many health benefits, it's essential to be aware of possible drawbacks. For most people, drinking spearmint tea is safe and can be a soothing, healthy choice. However, like anything, too much can sometimes lead to issues. Understanding these potential downsides can help you enjoy your tea responsibly.
Here are some common spearmint tea side effects to consider:
Stomach Upset: Drinking too much spearmint tea can sometimes cause mild stomach discomfort, especially for those with sensitive stomachs.
Lowered Blood Sugar Levels: For people with diabetes, spearmint tea side effects might include lower blood sugar levels, which can be risky if not monitored properly.
Hormonal Changes: Spearmint tea can affect hormone levels, which may not be ideal for everyone, particularly those with hormone-sensitive conditions.
Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, such as skin rashes or itching when consuming spearmint tea.
Reduced Iron Absorption: Consuming spearmint tea in large amounts can interfere with iron absorption in the body, which may be a concern for people with anemia.
Kidney Issues: High intake of spearmint tea could lead to kidney problems, especially for those already prone to such conditions.
Interactions with Medications: Spearmint tea may interact with certain medications, so it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider if you are on any long-term medications.
Nutritional Information
Spearmint tea is not just soothing but also packed with nutrients that can benefit your overall health. It is low in calories and caffeine-free, making it an excellent choice for daily consumption. It contains beneficial vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support a healthy body. Here's a breakdown of its nutritional value:
Nutrient | Amount per 8 oz (240 ml) cup |
Calories | 2 calories |
Carbohydrates | 0 grams |
Protein | 0 grams |
Fat | 0 grams |
Vitamin C | Trace amounts |
Antioxidants | High (rosmarinic acid, flavonoids) |
Spearmint tea also contains small amounts of minerals like potassium and calcium, though in very minimal amounts per serving.
How to Brew Spearmint Tea?
Brewing spearmint tea is simple and easy. It’s best to use fresh or dried spearmint leaves for the most flavorful and aromatic cup. Follow these easy steps to make the perfect cup of spearmint tea at home:
Boil fresh, clean water.
Add one tablespoon of fresh spearmint leaves or one teaspoon of dried leaves to a teapot or mug.
Pour the boiling water over the leaves.
Let the tea steep for about 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you want the flavor.
Strain the leaves using a tea strainer or remove the tea bag if you used one.
Enjoy it as is, or add honey or lemon for extra flavor.
This method gives you a fragrant, refreshing cup of tea, perfect for relaxation or a health boost.
Final Thoughts
Spearmint is a sweet, mint herb that may offer health benefits. Spearmint tea benefits include improving digestion, hormone regulation, respiratory support, anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant boost, stress relief, and enhanced oral health. It contains antioxidants and other useful plant chemicals that may aid hormone balance, blood sugar control, and digestion. It may help with stress relief and memory enhancement.
Overall, Spearmint is an excellent complement to any diet, especially spearmint tea, which may be hot or cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can spearmint tea help with acne?
Yes, its anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce acne and promote clearer skin.
How often can I drink spearmint tea?
Most people can enjoy 1-2 cups a day without issues. However, consult a doctor if you have any concerns about spearmint tea side effects.
Does spearmint tea improve sleep?
While spearmint tea is calming, it is not directly proven to improve sleep. Its soothing properties can help you relax before bedtime, though.
Can I drink spearmint tea every day?
Yes, it’s generally safe to drink spearmint tea daily. Most people can enjoy several cups, but check with your doctor if you have specific health issues.
Reviewed by