A delicious and refreshing tea is something that has been lauded for centuries for innumerable health benefits. The reason for recommending a cup of herbal tea for almost all types of health issues is because of its rich concentration of polyphenols (antioxidants). One of the teas having magical properties is Spearmint tea which has been enjoyed for centuries.
Spearmint Herb
This lush green aromatic herb has many common names like garden mint, common mint, and lamb mint. Its botanical name is Mentha Spicata and it belongs to the mint family. This sweeter milder mint can be used in cooking instead of normal mint. This herb has a cooling, rejuvenating quality that is filled with abundant health-benefiting vitamins, and phytonutrients.
It is well-known and recognized all over the world because of its versatility. It is used as an ingredient in baking, making chocolate sauces, whipped into cocktails as well as making a delicious cup of hot or iced tea.
What is Spearmint tea?
The spear-shaped wrinkled green leaves (either fresh or dried) of the spear plant are plucked and brewed into teas. It has been in place since the golden days of Rome. This tea is slightly less minty and less intense due to the presence of less menthol. The slightly sweeter taste is because of the presence of the carvone compound. It is naturally caffeine-free and smooth in taste.
Nutrition Information
Here’s the list of nutritional components for one cup of this herbal tea;
- Calories: 2
- Total fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 2 milligrams
- Total carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Sugars: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
Nutrients:
- Antioxidants
- Vitamin C
- Flavones and flavanones
- Iron
- Limonene
- Dihydrocarvone
- Cineol
- Folate
Benefits of Spearmint Tea
The powerhouse of nutritional components such as vitamins and minerals and has an impressive range of antioxidants, Spearmint tea offers numerous health benefits. Whether you are looking to unwind after a long hectic day or want to enjoy a delicious beverage for soothing symptoms Spearmint is a good-to-go drink.
Following is a little detail of the benefits offered by Spearmint;
1. Spearmint Tea for PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is a common endocrine disorder in which the hormone system is not correctly working in women of reproductive age. In this condition, the normal menstrual cycle is disturbed due to the excess production of male hormones (androgens) resulting in cyst formation inside the ovaries. Spearmint tea aids in dealing with an underlying condition associated with hormonal imbalance, hirsutism, and abnormal hair growth on the chin, face, or on chest.
Spearmint tea contains anti-androgenic properties and helps in lowering male hormones and increasing the production of female luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). A study was conducted in which twenty-one people showed a significant decrease in androgens.
2. Spearmint Tea Hormonal Benefits
Innumerable hormonal interactions are taking place within the body that decides our mood, appearance, activity levels, and energy metabolisms. Spearmint tea is known to benefit these hormonal cycles and prevent mood imbalance and irritability. One cup of this magical tea daily for a few months helps to deal with mood and energy by regulating hormones.
3. Benefits for Acne by Spearmint Tea
Acne is a condition in which there are pimples on the skin with inflammation. The reasons are maybe some allergic reaction or environmental factors. Hormonal imbalance is one of the reasons for acne. High level of androgens leads to the overproduction of sebum which leads to severe acne.
Among all kinds of acne, hormonal acne is the worst. It is very painful and can’t go away easily. Spearmint tea is a great way to combat acne by regulating hormones.
4. Benefits of Spearmint Tea in Bloating and Nausea
A naturally occurring compound -carvone in spearmint is known for its beneficial properties in stomach health and prevents nausea and bloating by reducing muscle contraction in the digestive tract. Having loaded amounts of anti-inflammatory compounds, this herbal tea prevents stomach and intestinal inflammation and aids in healthy digestion. It may be able to relax stomach muscles and relieve digestive problems due to its antispasmodic properties.
5. Soothes congestion and inflammation
It is the best thing for nasal congestion and respiratory problems because of the presence of menthol which has potential numbing effects that help to numb the pain of sore throat. Along with that anti-inflammatory properties of rosmarinic acid in spearmint are beneficial for asthma, chronic bronchitis, and respiratory ailments. It is not a cure for common cold or nasal problems but alleviates throat pain.
6. May Fights Bacterial Infections
Spearmint possesses strong antimicrobial and antibacterial properties which are helpful in treating bacterial infections such as E. coli and Salmonella. Due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, it is useful to prevent mouth soreness and gum diseases. Tooth decay and gingivitis can be reversed by using this herbal tea. Overall, it promotes good health and prevents bacterial activity.
7. May Aid your Arthritis Pain
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, this magical tea prevents from headaches and other body pains mostly joint pains. Arthritis is a condition that is very common and millions of people around the globe are affected by this. Out of all types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common one, which is caused by damage to the cartilage between bones due to wear and tear for a long period of time, which results in pain, stiffness, and swelling.
A study on 62 arthritis patients has proved that regular intake of spearmint tea helps to reduce physical disability due to joint pain.
8. Spearmint Tea in Pregnancy
Drinking spearmint tea in moderation is considered safe during pregnancy and has potential health benefits. Morning sickness and nausea condition can be relieved by taking this amazing herbal extract but a high intake can lead to a reduction in breastmilk supply. So, consume it in moderation and get wonderful results. Consult a healthcare provider in case of any query before consuming this tea
9. Spearmint Tea for Weight Loss
This tea has been gaining attention for some time due to its beneficial effects on weight loss and hormonal imbalance. It has been part of traditional medicine for times. Due to its refreshing sweet taste, used as an alternative to sugary drinks and reduces carbohydrate cravings. Moreover, it is a low-calorie drink having 2 calories per 8 oz. which improves metabolism and reduces appetite. By considering all these factors, it is a useful tool for weight loss when combined with a healthy lifestyle and physical activity.
Hand-Picked Content: Why Do I Look Skinny in the Morning?
10. Improves your memory
It is not guaranteed that after sipping a cup of tea, you will memorize the whole lesson in seconds. It is proven to conduct a study on older adults having impaired memory showed improved working memory by 15%.
Acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter is essential for learning and improving memory. Rosmarinic acid helps to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine and helps advance memory. Antioxidants present in spearmint also prevent brain damage caused by free radicle stress.
11. Aiding in Stress Reduction
People in South-East Asia often turn to spearmint as a natural solution for reducing stress and improving sleep. An essential oil of spearmint contains menthol, which stimulates the senses, calms the body, and promotes mild relaxation. By activating the GABA receptors in the brain.
Spearmint Tea Benefits: FAQs
Q1. Is it good to drink Spearmint tea every day?
Yes! Since it has so many health benefits, experts recommend making spearmint tea a part of your daily diet. It improves mood, aids in digestion, strengthens the immune system, and is also good for your skin! So ideally, you should drink at least one cup of spearmint tea every day.
Q2. How much spearmint tea lowers testosterone?
As mentioned earlier, spearmint tea is really good for PCOS, a condition in which female bodies start producing high levels of male hormones, such as testosterone, and form cysts in the ovaries. According to a study, women (suffering from PCOS) who had 2 cups of spearmint tea per day showed decreased levels of testosterone and increased levels of LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone). So, drinking two cups of spearmint tea daily is enough to lower testosterone and cure PCOS.
Q3. Does Spearmint tea regulate periods?
Yes. Not only does spearmint tea regulate periods but it also reduces pain caused by period cramps. Moreover, it also helps with fatigue, bloating, and mood swings that come with your menstrual cycle. The benefits of spearmint tea for PCOS are well-known as well.
Q4. Is Spearmint tea good for your skin?
Spearmint tea contains high amounts of antioxidants that kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. Since harmful bacteria mostly cause acne, drinking spearmint tea regularly kills acne-causing bacteria and other germs. Plus, it also helps in the growth of new skin cells, giving you fresher, clearer skin.
Q5. How long does it take to see the benefits of Spearmint tea?
Indeed, spearmint tea is a wondrous health potion, but don’t expect any miracles overnight. Most people report seeing benefits at least after 3 weeks of use. Generally, it can take anywhere from 3 weeks to a month for visible results to appear. Your internal system will start improving much sooner. However, if you’re using this tea for skin health, it’ll take some time. Rest assured, after a month, your skin will definitely be radiating, feel moisturized and smooth, and you’ll observe an overall healthier complexion.
Q6. Does spearmint tea have side effects?
Excess of anything is bad. The same is true for spearmint tea. Studies show that consuming an excessive amount of spearmint tea can increase the chances of kidney and liver damage. Because spearmint tea is so rich in nutrients, it takes a toll on your kidneys and liver to process it. That’s why, you should limit yourself to only one or two cups of spearmint tea daily.
Q7. Can We take spearmint capsules instead of tea?
Recent studies suggest that brewing and preparing spearmint tea improves hormone levels and helps lower blood pressure. Some studies were conducted to get an insight into the benefits of spearmint capsules or oil but it is still under observation and more research on humans is required.
Conclusion
Not only is spearmint tea delicious and refreshing but it is also jam-packed with amazing nutrients that can improve your overall health fast! It is especially beneficial for PCOS, hormone imbalance, digestive disorders, pain relief, as well as skin issues like acne, pimples, etc. Not to mention that it improves fertility in women too. Furthermore, since it has hardly any calories and improves metabolism, it is an essential drink for people trying to lose weight. In short, if you want to improve your health and see results fast, spearmint tea is your best bet!
