Spearmint tea is one of the healthiest beverages. There are exceptional health benefits of spearmint leaves.
Spearmint plant species are native to Asia and Europe [1].
It has a uniquely minty flavor. Spearmint tea may promote your health for the better in so many ways!
According to numerous research evidence the herbal drink may treat irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, and bacterial infections.
Read on to learn more about the health benefits of spearmint tea and its key nutrient facts.
19 Health Benefits of Spearmint Tea
1. Spearmint Tea Can Fight Bacterial Infections
Having bacteria inside the body is actually necessary for good health.
But, it can become a problem when bacteria like Streptococcus or E. coli invade your system. These bacteria produce toxins that damage healthy tissues [2].
When this happens, you can turn to spearmint tea, which may have antibacterial properties [3, 4, 5].
According to Japanese researchers, spearmint’s inhibitory effects work on common infectious bacteria. These are Helicobacter pylori, Salmonella enteritidis, and Escherichia coli [3].
Its effects are so strong that it can combat even those that are resistant to antibiotics [3].
Spearmint has phenolic compounds named carvone, limonene, microlens, and myrcene. These components are responsible for spearmint’s bactericidal activities [4].
Key Takeaways:
- A balance of good and bad bacteria exists inside the body.
- When there are more bad bacteria than good, infection occurs.
- Spearmint has potent antibacterial properties that can fight even antibiotic-resistant harmful pathogens.
2. It Has Potent Antioxidant Properties
Free radicals can cause many serious ailments. These are arthritis, heart disease, gastric ulcer, lupus, hypertension, etc. [6]
These by-products of oxidation harm health by damaging healthy cells.
One way you can put up a good defense against free radical damage is with antioxidant-rich herbs. And spearmint is one of those herbs.
Various studies have evaluated spearmint’s antioxidant activities. The results show that the compounds fight bacteria and can also neutralize free radicals [7, 8].
Drinking spearmint tea can help prevent the ailments brought about by oxidative stress.
Key Takeaway:
- Fight free radical damage by drinking a cup of spearmint tea often.
3. Spearmint Tea Can Prevent and Treat Gastric Ulcer
Also called a peptic ulcer, the gastric ulcer is an “open sore or raw area in the lining of the stomach or intestine”.
Its most common symptom is abdominal pain.
It’s important to treat this condition immediately to feel better and to be able to go back to your normal routine.
To relieve the pain and discomfort caused by a gastric ulcer, drink a cup of spearmint tea.
Spearmint is the most effective in inhibiting the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. It is the most common cause of gastric ulcers [9].
Spearmint can prevent this bacterial strain from growing and spreading [9].
Killing the cause of infection can provide immediate relief from pain.
Key Takeaways:
- Gastric ulcer causes many unpleasant symptoms. The most common of them is abdominal pain.
- Feel better by using natural remedies like spearmint tea. It works by controlling the growth and spread of the bacteria causing this condition.
Read More: 11 Soothing Home Remedies for Ulcers & How to Use Them
4. It May Help Women with PCOS
If you have prolonged menstrual periods or excessive hair growth, you might have PCOS.
The exact cause of this condition is not known. But what researchers do know is that certain herbal remedies such as spearmint tea can help.
42 participants attended a study in 2009. Half had to take spearmint tea twice daily for one month and the other half received a placebo [10].
Spearmint can help prevent excessive growth of hair among women who have PCOS. Because it has antiandrogen properties [10].
Spearmint may not be able to resolve PCOS itself. But it can ease the problematic symptoms that come with this condition.
Key Takeaway:
- Spearmint’s antiandrogen properties can help resolve excessive hair growth. It’s a common symptom of the polycystic ovarian syndrome.
5. Spearmint May Help Tone Down Inflammation
Inflammation is actually the body’s “protective response” against a harmful substance. These include bacteria, irritants, and damaged cells.
But, it can bring moderate to severe pain. Thus, you would want to tone it down a bit using natural remedies like spearmint tea.
Its anti-inflammatory responses can ease different kinds of inflammatory diseases [11, 12, 13].
Its primary compounds work by suppressing the activities of pro-inflammatory mediators [11].
This tea is effective for both acute and chronic cases of inflammation [12].
It helps resolve Rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, allergic rhinitis, colitis, etc. [11, 13]
Key Takeaways:
- Contrary to what some people think, inflammation is not bad. Because it is the body’s way of protecting itself against harmful invaders.
- But, it can cause pain and discomfort. So, it’s understandable to look for relief from inflammation.
- Spearmint tea is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. It can help resolve inflammation-related disorders like asthma, arthritis, and colitis, among others.
6. It Can Help Reduce Fever
A fever is not a disease itself but a sign of infection, as explained in Mayo Clinic
The rise in temperature inhibits the ability of the viruses to replicate and spread. So, it is the body’s way of protecting itself
It’s crucial to check temperature levels as high temperatures can have adverse effects on the body.
Sometimes, it causes convulsions, particularly in children.
There was a study conducted in Bangladesh. It probed the antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties of spearmint. These are all useful for alleviating fever [14].
Researchers tested these properties in mice subjects. They used the hot plate test and writing method [14].
Findings reveal that this herbal remedy can indeed lower body temperature. At the same time, it can also soothe the discomfort caused by fever [14].
Key Takeaways:
- Spearmint tea has antipyretic properties that can reduce body temperature and bring relief.
- It also possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities that are also useful for fever.
Read More: 11 Effective Home Remedies to Get Rid of a Fever & How to Use Them
7. Spearmint Tea Can Provide Pain Relief
Are you in constant pain?
Chronic pain in any part of the body can signal an underlying medical condition. You should bring it to the attention of your physician.
Now, if you only suffer from minor pains and aches, you can rely on natural remedies such as spearmint tea.
Research has shown that spearmint tea has analgesic effects on the body [14].
It is also a potent anti-inflammatory. Thus, it can also tone down inflammation, which is also known to cause pain.
Drinking spearmint tea is a quick and efficient way to soothe body aches and pains.
Key Takeaway:
- Spearmint contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is a natural way of getting quick relief from minor aches and pains.
Read More: 10 Research-Backed Essential Oil Remedies for Back Pain + Directions
8. It is a Good Remedy for Morning Sickness
Pregnancy is no walk in the park.
Pregnant women worry about the welfare of their unborn babies. Besides, they suffer from unpleasant symptoms.
Morning sickness is quite common during the first months of pregnancy [15].
Despite its name, it can take place at any time during the day.
To feel better, sip some spearmint tea.
A study reports that spearmint is a strong anti-emetic that can ward off nausea and vomiting [16].
There’s no need to worry about side effects, as it is safe during pregnancy.
To be sure, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor first.
Key Takeaways:
- Pregnant women don’t have to suffer from morning sickness all the time if they drink spearmint tea as a remedy.
- It’s effective in alleviating nausea and vomiting. It is also safe and does not produce harmful side effects to the mother and her baby.
Read More: 11+ Remedies to Get Rid of Morning Sickness
9. Spearmint Tea May Reduce Severity of COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory ailment. It causes difficulty in breathing, coughing, and wheezing [17, 18].
It is a serious respiratory disease that can cause complications. Thus, you should treat it immediately.
A good way to ease COPD and its symptoms is with spearmint.
Spearmint has significant protective effects on the lungs. It can ward off damage and injury caused by COPD [19].
Results show that it can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the lungs [19].
Key Takeaways:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious progressive respiratory disease. You should treat it right away.
- Spearmint tea is a good remedy for this problem, minimizing damage and injury in the lungs.
Read More: 9 Best Essential Oils for Asthma Attacks + (How to Use Them)
10. It Can Inhibit Fungal Infections
There are various kinds of fungal infections that can affect you on any given day.
Common fungal infections include athlete’s foot, jock itch, and yeast infections [20].
You’re more likely to succumb to fungal infection if you have a weak immune system [21].
Luckily, these are usually minor problems that go away on their own after a few days or weeks.
If you’d like to get rid of any of these infections, it would help to make use of natural solutions like spearmint tea.
Spearmint strengthens your immune system with its many essential nutrients.
Apart from this, spearmint has antifungal effects. These can inhibit the growth and spread of pathogenic fungi [22, 23].
Key Takeaways:
- Fungal infections are not a cause for alarm.
- If you’d like to resolve this type of infection, you can use spearmint. Because it has proven antifungal effects that thwart the growth and spread of fungi.
Read More: 8 Coconut Oil Remedies for Vaginal, Skin, and Oral Yeast Infections
11. Spearmint Tea is a Natural Antihistamine
Having a hypersensitive immune system can be a problem.
You’ll find yourself sneezing, itching, or swelling all the time.
What you can do to tone down your body’s allergic reactions is to drink a cup of spearmint tea.
The flavonoids in spearmint have significant antihistaminic activities [24].
So, you will experience fewer allergic reactions to common irritants and allergens.
Key Takeaway:
- Spearmint is a natural antihistamine. It can help relieve you from allergic reactions like sneezing, skin itching, and so on.
Read More: 22+ Natural Antihistamines to Prevent Allergy (#6 is Incredible!)
12. It May Relieve Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Don’t let severe abdominal pain and other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome take a toll on your life.
Although there is no cure for IBS, there are things you can do to cope with this condition [25].
Drinking spearmint tea is one of them.
There was a clinical trial with 79 participants. Those who used mint experienced reduced abdominal pain, flatulence, and stool frequency [26].
Key Takeaways:
- Irritable bowel syndrome causes severe pain and other distressing symptoms.
- There’s no cure for this condition. But drinking spearmint tea can ease abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
13. Spearmint Tea May Boost Immune System
Spearmint tea contains vitamins A and C, thiamin, folates, riboflavin, pyridoxine, phenols, and a flavonoid. It also has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. [27]
The Food Chemistry journal states that spearmint tea has “excellent antioxidant activity.” The herbal tea also has cineol, limonene, and dihydrochalcone antioxidants.
These important components help you keep off the free radicals and bacterial infections. [27]
Thus, spearmint tea can be a very efficient immune booster to keep all sorts of infections at bay.
Key Takeaway:
- Spearmint tea has a high antioxidant value. Thus, it can boost your immune defense against infectious diseases.
14. It Can Balance Hormone Levels
Hormones are chemicals that are part of the body’s endocrine system. They act as messengers originating from the endocrine. Then they travel through the bloodstream to different tissues and organs of the body.
Hormones are responsible for controlling a wide spectrum of activities inside our bodies. Hormonal interactions define our metabolism, energy cycle, appearance, mood, etc.
Hence, a healthy balance in the regulations of these body hormones is very important.
Its potent organic components have positive effects on regulating and balancing hormones. It can lower excessive male hormone or testosterone in women. [28]
An excess of male androgen hormones may lead to hirsutism in females. Thus women experience the awkward appearance of hair on the face, stomach, and breasts. Consuming spearmint tea can be useful for women who are victims of hirsutism. [28]
Key Takeaway:
- The bioactive compounds of spearmint tea can balance body hormones. It can also help prevent hirsutism in women.
15. Spearmint Tea May Improve Memory
One of the fascinating health benefits of spearmint tea is its ability to improve memory.
The antioxidant in spearmint tea such as limonene can counter the free radicals. Thus, it helps in improving neurotransmitter or cognitive activities.
Prof. Susan Farr conducted a study on the positive cognitive impacts of spearmint tea. [29]
The antioxidants in spearmint and rosemary are superb when it comes to cognitive tasks, enhancing memory and learning. These two herbal extracts can also be beneficial in curbing age-related memory decline. [29]
Key Takeaway:
- Spearmint tea has potent antioxidants that can help enhance memory, concentration, and focus.
16. It May Promote Heart Health
Spearmint tea is a natural source of iron and potassium. The iron content in it has a positive effect on blood production and the circulation system.
Whereas the high level of potassium in spearmint can control blood pressure. Moreover, it acts as a vasodilator and stress reliever in the arteries and blood vessels. [30]
It regulates and controls the natural flow of blood through the vessels and arteries. Thus, spearmint tea can help prevent strokes, heart attacks, atherosclerosis, etc. [30]
Key Takeaways:
- Spearmint has a high level of potassium that can check your blood pressure.
- Spearmint regulates free blood flow in the blood vessels and arteries. Thus, it prevents many heart problems.
17. Spearmint Tea Relieves Stress and Depression
Are you stressed? Maybe your workloads or a relational issue are burning out all your energy. Stress is the new smoking because it kills you like the latter. So it’s important for you to live a stress-free life.
The simple act of enjoying a cup of spearmint tea can help you de-stress. A study proved that spearmint tea can actually work on stress hormones and relax you. (31)
Spearmint has sedative and anti-depressant qualities. It can calm your nervous system and relax your mind.
Key Takeaways:
- Spearmint decoction or tea contains antidepressant and sedative properties.
- Spearmint tea can soothe your nervous and hormonal system to distress.
Read More: 11 Effective Home Remedies for Anxiety That Actually Work
18. It May Promote Oral Health
Oral health comprises strong teeth and fresh breath. Spearmint tea can be your dental remedy at home for tooth decay, cavities, and foul breath.
Spearmint tea can keep dental infections such as staphylococcus in check. Because it has antibacterial properties (32).
Polyphenols and mint flavors in spearmint tea can give a refreshing feel to your mouth.
Key Takeaways:
- Spearmint tea can solve dental cavities, gum infections, tooth decay, etc.
Read More: 13 Home Remedies for Toothache for Instant Relief
19. Spearmint Tea Boosts Energy Levels and Improves Mental Alertness
Being mentally alert is to be truly alive. Think for a while about how much you missed in life due to a lack of focus. Mental alertness is the prerequisite for a productive life.
The amino acid L-theanine in spearmint tea has effects on modulating brain waves. It can give you prolonged attention and focus on work. That’s why tea breaks between long sessions of work or lectures always help you refocus. (33)
The iron content in spearmint tea takes part in red blood cells production in the body. Hence, spearmint tea can energize you and lift you up even after a long hectic day.
Key Takeaways:
- Spearmint tea contains essential minerals. They contribute to red blood cells production and modulate neuron functions. Thus spearmint tea can remove the fatigue of a draining day and enhance mental alertness.
Read More: Naturally Overcome Adrenal Fatigue: 18 Lifestyle Hacks + Supplements
Key Nutrient Facts
A cup of spearmint tea provides vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. It has a very small amount of fat, and zero cholesterol.
The list below contains nutritional information based on a 100-gram serving of spearmint tea. The percentage values are for a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Calories 44
- Fat 7 g
- Cholesterol 0
- Sodium 30 mg
- Potassium 458 mg
- Carbohydrates 8 g
- Dietary fiber 7 g
- Protein 3 g
- Vitamin A 81%
- Vitamin B6 10%
- Vitamin C 22%
- Calcium 19%
- Iron 66%
- Magnesium 15%
To find out more about the reasons why you should drink spearmint tea more often, read on.
Read More: 15 Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea (Backed by Science)
Some Q&A About Tea
- Many people suggest drinking tea with honey. Should I do it?
- Honey is a great source of nutrition. It is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidants. Unprocessed honey contains most of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents. Tea brewers suggest that you should add it to tea. Honey and tea together make it a soothing drink. Even so, spearmint tea with honey can be a great option to drink!
- Is it good to drink spearmint tea after steeping?
- To be honest, it is always best to drink tea on the same day you brew it. But, if you plan to keep it longer then you should refrigerate it. In the case of spearmint tea, it is best to brew and drink it fresh. Don’t steep it, please!
- Is there any specific time when I should drink tea?
- There is not a specific time to drink tea. But, you should always drink tea between meals. Always avoid drinking before going to bed or when you had a meal. It is because the caffeine in tea will keep you awake if you drink it before bed. Plus, drinking tea after a meal might cause stomach problems.
- What is the difference between natural and artificially flavored tea?
- Natural flavor comes from natural sources. While artificial flavoring is a carefully balanced chemical composition. Spearmint tea brewed at home can be both natural and artificial. If you choose to brew the tea with spearmint leaves, then it is going to be the best choice to drink.
- Should I use organic tea when brewing my spearmint tea brew?
- Organic tea is always the best option as there are no harmful chemicals. So, if you want to brew healthy spearmint tea for the best health benefits, then choose an organic variant!
Final Word
Drinking tea is a popular morning ritual. It kicks starts the day for millions of people around the world. Tea is a refreshing drink filled with a great number of nutrients and antioxidants. And, its use dates back thousands of years.
With this long list of spearmint tea benefits, you’d want to include spearmint tea in your daily diet.
It may prevent many ailments. Besides, it can supply the body with essential nutrients that are vital for good health.
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