If you have been diagnosed with PCOS, as I have, then I am sure that you are often looking for ways to manage your symptoms as naturally as possible. If this is the case, I have some news for you. Spearmint tea may help you with some of your PCOS issues naturally- yes, it’s that simple!
There are many benefits of drinking spearmint tea for PCOS and I’m sure you have lots of questions about how it will help, how to prepare the tea, and how much you should have.
Let’s have a look at why you might want to take spearmint tea for your PCOS.
There was a recent randomized controlled trial looking at the benefits of spearmint tea for women with PCOS (1). Forty-two women with PCOS were split into two groups: 1 group drank spearmint tea twice a day for a month while the other group had a placebo herbal tea.
The results showed that the women who were in the spearmint tea group had significantly lower total and free testosterone levels, as well as increased luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone.
Although there was no clinical change in their hirsutism, women who had spearmint tea reported that they felt that their hair growth had reduced.
What does this mean in reality?
Well, spearmint tea may help with your PCOS symptoms by normalizing the hormones in your body. It has significant anti androgen effects which could improve hirsutism (unwanted hair growth) and acne in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
In the study we spoke about earlier, women reported a decrease in facial hair as a result of lower androgen levels.
We know that women with PCOS often struggle with fatigue and brain fog. Well, spearmint tea can help to combat this.
One study looked at 90 people who struggled with age associated memory impairment. After taking spearmint extract for 90 days, the study found that their memory had significantly improved (3).
Not only that, spearmint helped to improve mental focus and working memory, resulting in improved cognitive function.
So, not only can spearmint help with hormonal imbalances, but it can also help to improve memory and reduce stress.
Like many things in life, it’s important to be careful when we start taking something new. The herbal tea has been known to sometimes cause stomach upsets and should not be taken if you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any medical condition, please consult your doctor before taking spearmint herbal tea supplements.
These side effects haven’t been related to the consumption of the actual herb – it’s more likely to be related to overconsumption of supplements that contain spearmint. It is therefore very important that if you take supplements, you follow the dosages that are prescribed to you.
It was used to promote digestion and relieve stomach upsets in the past, but nowadays it is thought of more as a beverage or flavoring herb. Many women prefer spearmint tea for PCOS over other kinds because it contains diuretic and antibacterial properties that can be helpful in regulating water retention and relieving painful bloating and swelling. Spearmint is also thought to be helpful in promoting healthy hair and skin growth, which is great news for women dealing with PCOS!
You can also grow your own spearmint plant from spearmint seeds or buy a pot plant from a nursery. Then you can have fresh mint tea whenever you want!
What the Research Says About Spearmint Tea for PCOS
There was a recent randomized controlled trial looking at the benefits of spearmint tea for women with PCOS (1). Forty-two women with PCOS were split into two groups: 1 group drank spearmint tea twice a day for a month while the other group had a placebo herbal tea.
The results showed that the women who were in the spearmint tea group had significantly lower total and free testosterone levels, as well as increased luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone.
Although there was no clinical change in their hirsutism, women who had spearmint tea reported that they felt that their hair growth had reduced.
What does this mean in reality?
Well, spearmint tea may help with your PCOS symptoms by normalizing the hormones in your body. It has significant anti androgen effects which could improve hirsutism (unwanted hair growth) and acne in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
How Spearmint Tea may Help with Your PCOS Symptoms
We have said that spearmint tea can help to normalize your testosterone levels. There are a couple of other beneficial effects when it comes to spearmint:Spearmint Tea May Lower Blood Sugar Levels
I must confess that there isn’t a lot of human studies on this but animal studies show that spearmint tea can help to reduce blood sugar levels in diabetic rats (2). We know that women with PCOS are prone to insulin resistance and that can be a cause of type 2 diabetes. Taking spearmint tea may help to lower your insulin resistance, thereby lowering your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.Spearmint Tea for Menstrual Irregularity in PCOS
It is common for women with PCOS to suffer from irregular periods- sometimes referred to as oligomenorrhea. As spearmint tea has significant anti-androgen effects and can help with some of the hormone imbalances associated with PCOS, it can also help to reduce the number of unwanted ovarian follicles. This may help to improve the regularity of your menstrual cycle.Spearmint Tea May Help to Improve Unwanted Hair Growth
In the study we spoke about earlier, women reported a decrease in facial hair as a result of lower androgen levels.
Spearmint Tea May Help to Improve Female Hair Loss
One of the main benefits of spearmint tea is it can lower high testosterone levels. These high testosterone levels are also often the cause of male pattern baldness in women with PCOS. There is very little research on the benefits of spearmint tea for hair loss, but it is commonly associated with PCOS and is another reason that women may want to take spearmint tea.Spearmint Tea for Hirsutism or Acne in PCOS
Spearmint herbal tea, as we have said, has anti-androgen effects. Anti-androgens can help with hirsutism and acne in women with PCOS. A 2015 study by the American Academy of Dermatology, states that two cups of organic spearmint tea ingested daily reduced inflammatory acne lesions by 25% after one month and by 51% after three months.Spearmint Tea May Help with Brain Fog
We know that women with PCOS often struggle with fatigue and brain fog. Well, spearmint tea can help to combat this.
One study looked at 90 people who struggled with age associated memory impairment. After taking spearmint extract for 90 days, the study found that their memory had significantly improved (3).
Not only that, spearmint helped to improve mental focus and working memory, resulting in improved cognitive function.
So, not only can spearmint help with hormonal imbalances, but it can also help to improve memory and reduce stress.
Spearmint Tea is a Powerful Antioxidant
Finally, spearmint tea can help to lower stress levels and protect your body from oxidative stress (4). Women with PCOS are prone to higher levels of oxidative stress and the anti-oxidants found in spearmint tea can help to combat this. Another great benefit for women with PCOS!How long does spearmint tea take to work?
I would suggest that you do not expect spearmint tea to work immediately. There is a lot of research on the benefits of spearmint tea but it takes time. In most studies looking at this, women with PCOS drank spearmint herbal tea for a period of six months before they saw any beneficial changes. So be patient and keep taking your spearmint tea.How to Prepare Spearmint Tea for PCOS
Again, there isn’t a lot of evidence on the right way to prepare spearmint tea but in most cases, women make it in an ordinary pot using boiling water, leave it to steep for 10 minutes before drinking. Some people recommend you drink it cold.How much Spearmint to Lower Testosterone?
The recommended dosage is about two cups of spearmint tea per day. Studies show that 1 gram of dried spearmint can be used in approximately 12 ounces of water; however, the exact amount may vary according to the source. It is important that you first consult your healthcare professional before taking any supplement or herbal tea to avoid complications or side effects.Spearmint Tea Cautions and Side Effects
Like many things in life, it’s important to be careful when we start taking something new. The herbal tea has been known to sometimes cause stomach upsets and should not be taken if you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any medical condition, please consult your doctor before taking spearmint herbal tea supplements.
These side effects haven’t been related to the consumption of the actual herb – it’s more likely to be related to overconsumption of supplements that contain spearmint. It is therefore very important that if you take supplements, you follow the dosages that are prescribed to you.
How to Make Spearmint Tea
Spearmint has a very distinctive, herbal flavor. I think it is one of the best-tasting herbs out there! It tastes really good in lots of things. For example, if you are making herbal tea for someone who doesn’t like minty-flavored drinks, spearmint works really well to give you that great minty flavor without overpowering or tasting too much like mint. Some women prefer to drink spearmint tea cold while others prefer to have it hot. It all depends on your personal preferences and what you can stand in terms of temperature. Iced herbal teas are super refreshing, especially during the warm summer months- they really hit the spot.What are the Other Benefits of Spearmint?
Spearmint (mentha spicata labiatae) is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae and native to Europe, Asia, North Africa, and Australia. It has many culinary uses- you might use it in mint tea, mint jelly or mint sauce. The leaves are used as an aromatic garnish for lamb dishes and the oil is extracted from the leaves to flavor candies. Spearmint is also grown commercially to produce spearmint oil which is a common ingredient in toothpaste and chewing gum.
It was used to promote digestion and relieve stomach upsets in the past, but nowadays it is thought of more as a beverage or flavoring herb. Many women prefer spearmint tea for PCOS over other kinds because it contains diuretic and antibacterial properties that can be helpful in regulating water retention and relieving painful bloating and swelling. Spearmint is also thought to be helpful in promoting healthy hair and skin growth, which is great news for women dealing with PCOS!
Can you use Spearmint Essential Oil Instead of Spearmint Tea?
There has been some research on using spearmint essential oil instead of spearmint tea. However, the research was done on rats, not human subjects. In the study on rats, the spearmint oil was dissolved in sesame oil and then taken orally. If you are looking into spearmint extract or spearmint essential oil, I would really recommend that this be done under the supervision of a doctor or licensed homeopath to ensure that you are taking it correctly and at the right dose.Best Spearmint Tea for PCOS
It can be difficult to find spearmint tea on it’s own. It is often sold as part of a mint tea blend. However, online retailers do sell spearmint tea in the form of tea bags or dried leaves. This is my personal favorite spearmint tea, available from Amazon.
You can also grow your own spearmint plant from spearmint seeds or buy a pot plant from a nursery. Then you can have fresh mint tea whenever you want!
Summing It Up
Whether you’re looking for a natural alternative to birth control or just want to improve your hormonal balance, spearmint tea may be the answer. This powerful anti androgen can help with hair growth and reduce facial hair in hirsute women who suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). If it sounds like something that might work for you, we recommend giving this plant-based remedy a try! Have any of you tried spearmint tea? What benefits did you see when drinking it regularly?
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