Spearmint (Mentha spicata), like peppermint, is a type of mint. The concentrated forms of different kinds of mint may offer similar health benefits. But spearmint leaves have unique health benefits that make its tea stand out. Spearmint is one of the mints that sometimes is forgot about but it benefits are amazing.
A minty herbal tea can help balance hormones and loosen stiff joints. When choosing gum or mints, deciding between peppermint and spearmint often depends on taste. Peppermint has more menthol and a highly intense flavor, while the taste of spearmint is subtle and sweeter.
The best thing about tea is that it’s affordable, readily available and easy to make,” says registered dietitian Natalie Romito, RDN, LD. “That means anyone can enjoy the benefits of spearmint tea.”
1. Improves hormonal imbalance associated with PCOS
As many as 5 million women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) in the United States live with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — a condition marked by severe hormonal imbalance. People with PCOS typically have:
High levels of androgens, a group of male sex hormones that includes testosterone.
Low levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), the hormones responsible for sexual function.
“Multiple studies have shown that spearmint tea can benefit people AFAB who have a hormonal imbalance due to PCOS,” Romito says. “It helps bring testosterone levels back into the normal range, which may improve some of the symptoms associated with high testosterone.”
In one study, people with PCOS drank spearmint tea twice a day. After a month, they had lower levels of testosterone and higher levels of LH and FSH compared with participants who drank placebo tea. But you may see results sooner than that. In another study, people with hormonal imbalances saw improvement after just five days of drinking spearmint tea.
“The benefit likely depends on how far out of normal range your numbers are,” Romito says. “If your testosterone levels are a little high, the tea may be enough. If they are very high, you may need additional medication to see improvement.”
2. Helps with excessive hair growth
Some people AFAB experience excessive hair growth (hirsutism). The dark, coarse hair typically grows on their face, breasts and stomach.
Approximately 5% to 10% of people AFAB of reproductive age experience hirsutism. It can be a side effect of some medications and a symptom of other conditions. But half of those who have it also have excess male hormones. The extra hormones overstimulate hair follicles. “One of the symptoms of PCOS and hormonal imbalance can be excessive hair growth,” Romito shares. “But that symptom decreases and even goes away when you lower the testosterone level.”
Spearmint tea can help. In the same study that found drinking spearmint tea lowers testosterone, participants also reported reduced hirsutism.
3. Improves joint stiffness
One of the antioxidants in spearmint tea, rosmarinic acid, provides powerful benefits for joint pain and stiffness. Research shows that people with osteoarthritis who drank spearmint tea containing a high level of rosmarinic acid significantly reduced their joint pain and stiffness. But your joints will benefit even if you don’t have access to tea high in rosmarinic acid. Study participants who drank generic spearmint tea purchased at their local supermarket found that their joint stiffness greatly improved.
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