Spearmint Tea: Health Benefits and Side Effects

Spearmint tea, a refreshing beverage cherished for its vibrant aroma and soothing properties, has carved out a niche in the realm of teas. Known for its sweet, invigorating flavor, this tea is more than just a delightful drink – it's a bundle of health benefits, wrapped in a warm cup. Let's dive into the world of spearmint tea, uncover its benefits, address its side effects, and guide you through making the perfect cup.

What is spearmint tea?

Spearmint, scientifically known as Mentha Spicata, is a black tea blend made from the leaves of the spearmint plant native to Europe and Asia. It has found its way into many gardens and kitchens worldwide.

Spearmint, or 'Pudina' as it's known in Nepali, grows abundantly in the terraced gardens of Nepal’s hilly regions. This tea is an integral part of Nepali cuisine, with its tea being a daily comfort to many. When its leaves are steeped in hot water, they release a minty essence that has captivated palates for centuries.

Aromatic and Taste Profile

A sniff of spearmint tea is like a walk through a lush garden – the aroma is crisp, with sweet undertones that promise a comforting experience with every sip.

 

As for the taste profile, Spearmint tea has dominant subtle notes of mint. The liquor produced is a rich resin/amber in color that is thick and brothy in texture. This tea is a flavorful mixture that incorporates the distinct and refreshing taste of spearmint.

Spearmint Tea Benefits

Spearmint tea has been enjoyed for centuries, and there's growing evidence it offers some interesting health benefits. Here's a breakdown of what spearmint tea is all about.

Hormonal Balance and PCOS Reversal 

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, a condition intertwined with hormone levels, insulin resistance, and inflammation, might find its natural match in spearmint tea. By contributing to lower androgen levels, spearmint tea doesn't just calm the mind; it might calm the ovaries too. It's like having a botanical ally, working subtly with your body to restore a sense of balance and wellness.

Women facing the challenges of hormonal imbalance, particularly those with PCOS, often experience a range of symptoms, from irregular periods to unwanted hair growth, known as hirsutism. These issues arise due to elevated levels of androgens, or male hormones, which are present in all women but usually in smaller amounts.

Recent research lights up the path to understanding how natural remedies like spearmint tea can be a companion in their journey towards hormonal equilibrium. A cup of this herbal infusion twice a day has been studied for its potential to dial down the androgen levels, leading to less hirsutism. The active compounds in spearmint act on the endocrine system, which is like the body's hormone headquarters, helping to fine-tune the release and balance of hormones.

Skin Health 

Spearmint tea is rich in compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. This means it can help calm irritation and redness, making it a comforting ally for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin.

The hormonal balancing properties potentially reduce excess androgens, and it help to tackle hormonal acne from the inside out, aligning your skin's appearance with its natural, intended state.

This tea might also regulate the sebum production in your skin, which can decrease oiliness and help prevent clogged pores and breakouts. It's like a gentle regulator, ensuring your skin doesn't overdo its natural oil production.

Digestive Aid

Spearmint tea may be a natural remedy for a variety of digestive woes. Studies suggest it can help relax the muscles of the digestive tract, which can ease indigestion, nausea, and stomach cramps. Spearmint may also help relieve IBS symptoms by reducing inflammation and spasms in the gut.

Stress and Anxiety Reduction

Spearmint has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and reduce stress. The calming aroma of spearmint leaves is known to have a soothing effect, and studies suggest that spearmint may also help to reduce cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone. Inhaling the steam from a cup of spearmint tea, or simply smelling the spearmint leaves themselves, can be a quick and effective way to ease tension and promote feelings of calmness.

Spearmint's anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce inflammation throughout the body, which can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety.

Memory and Focus

Some studies suggest that spearmint may improve memory and cognitive function, especially in older adults. Researchers believe that spearmint's potential benefits for memory and focus may be due to its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants can help protect brain cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can contribute to cognitive decline.

Additionally, spearmint may improve circulation, which can also benefit cognitive function. Studies have shown that improved blood flow to the brain can enhance memory, focus, and overall cognitive performance.

Effects of Spearmint Tea

Now, for every rose, there's a thorn, and spearmint tea has a few prickles to be mindful of.

1. Allergy Alert: Just like any herb, spearmint can trigger allergic reactions in some folks. If you're prone to plant-based allergies, approach with caution.
2. Medication Mix-ups: Spearmint can mix up with certain medications, altering their effects. If you’re on prescription meds, especially for blood pressure or blood sugar, it’s a good idea to chat with your doctor before going minty.
3. Too Much of a Good Thing: Overindulging in spearmint tea might lead to heartburn or diarrhea for some. It’s like Mint’s way of saying, “Hey, let’s not get too clingy.”
4. Under the Hormonal Microscope: While lowering androgen levels can be a blessing for many women, it’s a balancing act. Men, in particular, might want to moderate their spearmint tea intake to avoid any unintended dips in testosterone.
5. Pregnancy Pause: There’s a bit of debate here. Spearmint is generally considered safe, but because it can mess with hormones, expecting moms might want to keep their spearmint tea on a low simmer.

How to Make Spearmint Tea 

We have prepared two ways to make spearmint tea taste better. Based on your preference, you can try any of the following steps. Now, let's guide you through the simple recipe for making spearmint tea. 

Choosing Your Tea

Opting for fresh spearmint tea is a great way to start the process. 

Robust-Refreshing

Steps

1. Get 10 oz filtered water and bring it to a boil.
2. Add about 1 teaspoon of tea leaves into a clear glass or in your Steeping cup.
3. Pour the boiling water into your clear glass or steeping cup containing tea leaves.
4. Let it steep for 3-5 minutes.
5. The color is glowing amber. Strain and enjoy every sip of it.
6. Repeat for the second infusion, adding 1 min extra steeping time

Robust- Energy High

Steps

1. Get 10 oz filtered water and bring it to a boil.
2. Add about 1.5 to 2 teaspoons of tea leaves into a clear glass or in your Steeping cup.
3. Pour the boiling water into your clear glass or steeping cup containing tea leaves.
4. Let it steep for 5 minutes.
5. The color is Deep amber. Strain and enjoy every sip of it.
6. Repeat for the second infusion,1 min extra steeping time

FAQs

What is spearmint tea good for?

Spearmint tea is good for hormonal balance, aiding digestion, reducing stress, improving breath freshness, and it may help with clearer skin.

Does spearmint tea help with acne?

Yes, spearmint tea may help with acne. It's believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and the potential to reduce levels of androgens, hormones that can contribute to acne when present in high amounts. Drinking spearmint tea could help in managing acne, particularly hormonal acne, as part of a holistic approach to skin health.

Does spearmint tea have caffeine?

Yes, our spearmint tea contains caffeine due to the blend of black tea. Black tea is derived from the Camellia Sinensis plant and naturally contains caffeine. The spearmint leaves would contribute flavor but not remove the caffeine present in the black tea leaves.

Is spearmint tea safe during pregnancy?

While spearmint itself is generally safe during pregnancy in moderate amounts, the caffeine content in spearmint black tea might require attention. Pregnant women are often advised to limit their caffeine intake to less than 200 mg per day due to potential risks like increased heart rate and blood pressure, and higher caffeine intake has been associated with certain risks during pregnancy.

Is spearmint tea good for you?

Yes, spearmint tea is good for you. It's known for its soothing properties, aiding digestion, and potentially helping with hormonal balance, which can improve conditions like acne or PCOS.

What does Spearmint Tea taste like?

This tea gives off a strong minty aroma with subtle notes of mint followed by an almondy note.

Conclusion

Spearmint tea is more than just a refreshing beverage. It's a tapestry of benefits for the body and mind, woven with delightful flavors and aromas. While there are some caveats to consider, spearmint tea, when enjoyed responsibly, can be a worthy addition to your wellness routine.

Buy the Finest Loose-Leaf Teas from the Himalayas 

Danfe Tea brings you the finest loose-leaf teas in the Himalayas. With robust flavors and many health benefits, we invite you to try our high-quality black teas. These teas are available in 2.5-3.5 oz or 1 lb variants. We also offer monthly subscriptions to these products.