Why it works: Spearmint tea contains rosmarinic acid. This key compound helps balance hormones by reducing androgens, which are often elevated in women with PCOS. This hormonal regulation is important for improving PCOS symptoms.
What it is: Spearmint tea is brewed from mentha spicata, a fragrant herb that’s cherished for its soothing and medicinal properties. Recent research suggests it may offer relief for women dealing with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) by targeting hormone imbalances.
Word of Caution: Early research on spearmint tea for PCOS is promising. However, it’s important to remember that the studies are limited in size and scope. More large-scale human trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness across diverse populations.
Spearmint Tea Benefits For PCOS
When you consume spearmint tea, rosmarinic acid plays a significant role in supporting hormonal balance, particularly for those with PCOS. Here’s how it works:
1. Androgen Regulation
High levels of androgens1 are responsible for many PCOS-related symptoms. Spearmint tea hormonal balance benefits include reducing elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) in women with PCOS.
2. Inflammation Reduction
Rosmarinic acid’s anti-inflammatory properties in spearmint tea come into play for relieving PCOS symptoms by helping to reduce systemic inflammation. This anti-inflammatory effect inhibis certain enzymes and pathways that lead to inflammation.
3. Improved Insulin Sensitivity
Some studies suggest that spearmint tea supports insulin regulation. Rosmarinic acid in the tea acts as an antioxidant that may improve insulin sensitivity, for women with PCOS, since many struggle with insulin resistance.
4. Spearmint Tea For Hirsutism
2The Anti-androgenic effects of spearmint tea can potentially reduce the growth of unwanted facial and body hair in women with PCOS. Rosmarinic acid helps achieve this by decreasing the production of these hormones.
5. Menstrual Cycle Regulation
Irregular periods are one of the common symptoms of women with PCOS. Regular spearmint tea consumption may help restore more balanced menstrual cycles and related acne breakouts due to spearmint hormone balancing benefits.
Spearmint Tea Uses
Spearmint is widely-known as one of the best herbal remedies for a number of ailments. The tea is used to soothe digestive issues, reduce nausea, and ease bloating. It’s also taken to calm the nerves, alleviate arthritis3 pain and improve sleep.
Where to Purchase Organic Spearmint
Spearmint for making tea is readily available in local grocery stores, health food stores, and online marketplaces. When purchasing, it’s best to opt for organic, responsibly sourced varieties to ensure quality and avoid pesticide contamination.
Here are three options along with their pros and cons to help you make the best choice:
| Formulation | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Loose Spearmint Leaves | Fresher flavor, customizable brew strength. | Requires a tea infuser or strainer. |
| Spearmint Tea Bags | Convenient and easy to use. | May not be as potent compared to the loose leaves counterpart. |
| Spearmint Tea Blends | Combined with other herbs such as peppermint or green tea. | Less concentrated spearmint content. |
Spearmint Tea Recipe
To make spearmint tea, simply steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried spearmint leaves (or one tea bag) in 8 ounces of boiling water for about 5-7 minutes. Strain and enjoy it hot or iced.
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How to Use Spearmint For PCOS
Recommended Consumption: For managing PCOS symptoms, it’s best to drink 1-2 cups of spearmint tea daily. Consuming the tea in the morning or early afternoon may be better. Consistent use over several weeks may offer the most noticeable benefits.
Spearmint Tea Side Effects
While spearmint tea is generally considered safe, especially in moderate amounts, there are a few potential side effects to be aware of:
- Nausea or Upset Stomach: Some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea or an upset stomach, particularly if consumed in large amounts. It’s usually best to start with small amounts and see how your body responds.
- Lowered Libido: Spearmint tea has been noted for its ability to lower androgen levels, which can be beneficial for women with PCOS but may also result in a reduced sex drive. This side effect is rare and primarily occurs with excessive consumption over time.
- Hormonal Imbalance in Men: Due to its androgen-lowering effects, the tea may potentially interfere with hormonal balance in men, leading to a reduction in testosterone levels. This could result in decreased libido or other symptoms related to low testosterone if consumed frequently.
- Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some people might be allergic to spearmint or other plants in the mint family. Symptoms of an allergic reaction could include itching, swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing. If you have a known allergy to mint, it’s best to avoid spearmint.
- Kidney and Liver Concerns: Excessive consumption of spearmint tea could potentially strain the liver or kidneys over time due to its high concentration of certain compounds. Although this is more of a concern with essential oils, it’s still wise to consume spearmint tea in moderation.
Side effects are minimal for most people if the tea is consumed in moderation (1-2 cups daily). However, individuals with specific health conditions, like those on hormone treatments or with a history of allergies to mint, should consult a healthcare provider before adding it to their diet.
Related Article: You may also like Jamaican Black Mint Tea
Conclusion
Spearmint tea is rich in active compounds, including flavonoids and rosmarinic acid making it one of the best natural remedies for PCOS symptoms. By incorporating it into your daily routine, you may also benefit from its anti-inflammatory and digestive-supporting properties.
Remember to consume it in moderation and always seek professional advice if you have any health concerns.
References
- Rodriguez Paris, Valentina, and Michael J Bertoldo. “The Mechanism of Androgen Actions in PCOS Etiology.” Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 7,9 89. 28 Aug. 2019, doi:10.3390/medsci7090089 ↩︎
- Grant, Paul. “Spearmint herbal tea has significant anti-androgen effects in polycystic ovarian syndrome. A randomized controlled trial.” Phytotherapy research : PTR vol. 24,2 (2010): 186-8. doi:10.1002/ptr.2900 ↩︎
- Connelly, A Erin et al. “High-rosmarinic acid spearmint tea in the management of knee osteoarthritis symptoms.” Journal of medicinal food vol. 17,12 (2014): 1361-7. doi:10.1089/jmf.2013.0189 ↩︎
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