Spearmint Tea

Spearmint tea, a herbal caffeine-free drink, is produced from a mint species called spearmint (Mentha spicata), native to Asia and Europe. Savored for its soothing qualities, refreshing aroma, and medicinal effects, this herbal tea provides a more grounded and smoother taste than peppermint tea. Sweet iced tea, savored with spearmint, is a traditional summer drink in Southern United States.

Spearmint Tea

History and origin

The Romans cultivated spearmint for its ability to refresh the mind and introduced the herb to the local people during their conquest of England. In Bible, the herb is referred to as a tithe given by the Pharisees. In Ayurveda and other traditional medicines, the tea has been used to cure headaches, colds, vomiting, stomach problems, and infantile colic.

Spearmint Tea

Spearmint tea benefits: What is it good for?

Numerous health benefits are associated with consumption of spearmint tea including alleviating symptoms of sore throat, cramps, toothache, fatigue, muscle pain, arthritis, etc. Its useful medicinal properties include:

• Antioxidant activity: According to a published report in the Journal of Chemistry, extracts of spearmint herb, used in making the tea, have significant antioxidant properties capable of preventing harmful chemicals from causing cell damage.
• Relieving digestive disorders: Spearmint tea relaxes stomach muscles, and in turn helps to alleviate symptoms of digestive problems.
• Nausea and vomiting: Spearmint tea has been traditionally used in Ayurveda as a herbal remedy for nausea and vomiting. A human study performed in chemotherapy patients in 2013, published in Ecancermedicalscience, illustrated that spearmint has positive effects on vomiting and nausea.
• Hirsutism (unwanted hair) in women: A clinical study conducted in 21 hirsute women by the researchers from Suleyman Demirel University, Turkey, showed that consumption of spearmint tea stimulates a hormonal shift, which aids women reduce unwanted facial hair.
• Promoting fertility: The aforementioned clinical study also confirmed that drinking this medicinal infusion for around five days (twice each day) causes a reduction in androgen levels, while improving fertility in women by controlling PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).
• Reduction in acne: With regular consumption of organic spearmint tea for 2-3 weeks, balance in testosterone levels could be restored, giving you clear skin by reducing reappearance of acne.
• Weight Loss: Consumption of spearmint tea helps in suppressing your appetite, making you feel full sooner every time you eat. As a result, you consume lesser calories throughout the day, making it easier to lose weight.

Spearmint Tea Pictures

How to make spearmint tea

• Take 1-1.5 tsp. of dried, crushed spearmint leaves or finely chopped fresh spearmint leaves and place them in a teacup.
• Add a cup of boiling water over the leaves.
• Allow the mixture to steep for about 10 minutes.
• To add taste, add small amounts of sugar or honey.

Spearmint tea safety and precautions

Side effects

People sensitive to herbs from the mint family may be affected by skin irritations and skin rashes. However, since spearmint has very less quantity of menthol, it does not lead to any particular health risk when consumed as part of a normal diet.

Spearmint Leaf Tea

Consumption during pregnancy

Since not enough scientific evidence is available to justify the intake of spearmint tea in breast-feeding and pregnant women, it is safe to avoid its use during this period.

Spearmint Tea Images

Spearmint Tea Photos

Where to buy spearmint tea

The USDA approved, pure spearmint tea is available in sealed tea bags containing either dried or fresh green tea leaves, which can be purchased either from online tea stores or from local herbal teashops.