Drinking spearmint tea offers several health benefits, such as reduced inflammation, balancing hormones, and improved digestion.
Spearmint is a type of mint native to Europe and Asia.
One of the many benefits of spearmint is that you can use it fresh, in extract form, as an essential oil, or in tea form.
Now, one thing to remember is that spearmint and peppermint are two different things.
Peppermint is a hybrid of spearmint and watermint.
In this article, we’ll review what spearmint tea is good for and all the possible health benefits of drinking spearmint tea.
Additionally, we’ll review the best method to make spearmint tea at home and discuss potential side effects.
7 Benefits of Drinking Spearmint Tea
1) Balances Hormones
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is one of the most common hormonal imbalances among women.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), polycystic ovarian syndrome affects 13% of women of reproductive age, and what’s more shocking is that 70% of affected women haven’t been diagnosed.
Spearmint tea is a well-known remedy for reducing PCOS symptoms and balancing hormones.
According to an animal study, rats with PCOS had decreased testosterone levels after taking spearmint essential oil.
In another study on humans, those taking spearmint tea had a reduction of testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
While the results were promising, larger studies are still needed to determine the benefits and effects of spearmint on PCOS, but so far, the research seems promising.
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2) Reduces Inflammation
Spearmint is high in powerful antioxidants, such as flavanones (limonene and menthol), rosmarinic acid, and flavones.
Free radicals are harmful molecules that, when found in excess, can lead to oxidative stress, which leads to more inflammation.
Studies show that antioxidants, such as the ones found in spearmint tea, can help reduce free radicals, leading to a reduction in inflammation.
As a result, drinking spearmint tea can also decrease the risk of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.
3) Improves Digestion
Another possible health benefit of spearmint is relieving digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, nausea, and vomiting.
In a 2006 study, participants with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) taking spearmint saw a reduction in abdominal pain and bloating.
According to research, it seems that an active compound of spearmint called carvone may be responsible for reducing pain and having antispasmodic effects.
However, more research is still needed to determine the effects of spearmint oil on digestive issues.
4) Boosts Memory
Some evidence suggests that spearmint tea may help improve cognitive function, especially memory processes.
In a study on older adults, those taking a spearmint supplement experienced a 15% improvement in memory.
However, keep in mind that most of the studies regarding spearmint capsules and improved memory are seen using spearmint extract. There is little research regarding the possible cognitive benefits of spearmint tea.
5) Antibacterial Properties
There is a reason why spearmint is often added to toothpaste, mints, and chewing gums. According to research, it seems that besides giving you fresh breath, spearmint tea also appears to have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
6) Reduces Stress
Another possible health benefit of spearmint tea is reduced stress. In a study, spearmint extract showed improvement in stress reduction and sleep.
It seems that the menthol in spearmint may be the responsible one for this benefit.
However, most studies are animal studies. Therefore, more human studies are needed to determine the possible health benefits of spearmint in stress and sleep.
7) Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
Research shows that spearmint tea may have positive effects on blood sugar levels. While there are not many human studies, several animal studies have shown that spearmint tea may help reduce blood sugar levels.
In one study, rats taking spearmint extract had a significant reduction in blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of diabetes.
How To Make Spearmint Tea At Home
Making your own spearmint tea at home is one of the easiest things! If you are trying to cut back on caffeine, spearmint tea can be one of the best options to include as an afternoon pick-me-up.
But if you are unsure how to make spearmint tea, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered!
Keep in mind that you can make spearmint tea by using spearmint tea bags (but they are often mixed with other teas) or using pure spearmint leaves.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make spearmint tea at home:
- Heat one or two cups of water until boiling.
- Remove from heat.
- Place one or two teaspoons of dried spearmint leaves.
- Let it steep for 3-5 minutes.
- Strain to remove the spearmint leaves from the water.
- Enjoy!
If you prefer it iced instead of hot, you can let the beverage chill at room temperature or add some ice.
Different Ways To Use Spearmint Tea
One of the most common ways to drink spearmint tea is to have it iced or hot (as we mentioned before). However, there is so much more you can do with spearmint tea.
Here are some ideas for you to spice things up if you want to add spearmint tea into your daily routine.
Add It To A Smoothie
Instead of adding water when making your smoothie, add some spearmint tea for extra benefits. You can have a refreshing green smoothie in the morning that is going to be high in essential vitamins and minerals.
Make Popsicles
Another great way to use spearmint tea is to make popsicles by adding fresh fruit and lemon. It can be a refreshing and healthy snack for you to have on a hot summer day.
Add Fresh Fruit
Add some fruit slices, such as strawberries, oranges, lemon, or limes, to boost the flavor of your spearmint tea.
Does Spearmint Tea Have Caffeine?
No, spearmint doesn’t have any caffeine. Spearmint tea is a great option to drink in the evening since it may help you relax and induce sleep.
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Are There Any Side Effects Of Drinking Spearmint Tea Everyday?
While spearmint is safe and well-tolerated, some people may get complications, especially when dealing with spearmint extract.
The most common side effects of drinking spearmint tea include heartburn, contact dermatitis, and sleepiness
There are some contraindications when using spearmint extract or oil due to the large amount of spearmint.
People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have kidney problems, or have liver disease should speak with their healthcare professional before taking any spearmint supplement
Keep in mind that drinking spearmint tea is okay due to the lower levels of spearmint.
Conclusion
Spearmint tea is a refreshing drink that brings several health benefits. Research shows that thanks to its high antioxidant content, spearmint tea can help balance hormones in PCOS, reduce inflammation, improve digestion, improve digestion, reduce stress, and lower blood sugar levels.
However, keep in mind that most studies are performed using spearmint extract, meaning that to get the benefits, you may need to drink several cups of spearmint a day.
Nevertheless, spearmint tea serves as a caffeine-free option for those sensitive to caffeine seeking an evening pick-me-up.
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