Most people think of mint as a palate cleanser. You get that little sprig on the side of a dessert plate, or maybe you use a peppermint-flavored toothpaste to wake up your mouth in the morning. But spearmint? Spearmint is different. It’s actually a powerhouse. Honestly, if you’re looking for a simple, dirt-cheap way to nudge your hormones in the right direction or finally clear up that stubborn cystic acne on your jawline, the benefits of spearmint tea are kind of a big deal.
It tastes sweeter than peppermint. It doesn't have that intense, eye-watering menthol kick. Instead, it’s mellow.
But behind that mild flavor is some pretty aggressive chemistry.
We aren't just talking about a "relaxing cup of tea" here. We are talking about a plant—Mentha spicata—that has been studied by researchers for its ability to actually lower free testosterone levels in women. That is a massive claim for something you can buy for five bucks at a grocery store. It's not magic, and it’s definitely not a substitute for medical intervention if you have a serious condition, but the science is there.
The Anti-Androgen Effect Everyone Is Talking About
If you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), you’ve probably spent hours in Reddit threads or Facebook groups. Someone always brings up spearmint. Why? Because of a specific study published in Phytotherapy Research.
Researchers took a group of women with PCOS and had them drink spearmint tea twice a day for a month. The results weren't just "they felt better." Their free and total testosterone levels significantly dropped. Meanwhile, their luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) went up.
Think about that for a second.
A tea—literally just dried leaves in hot water—altered the endocrine signaling in their bodies. For women dealing with hirsutism (that’s the medical term for unwanted dark hair on the face or chest), this is life-changing. It’s not an overnight fix. You can't drink one cup and expect your chin hair to vanish. It takes consistency. You have to be patient. Usually, it takes about 30 to 90 days of consistent sipping before you notice the hair growing back thinner or slower.
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Why Your Skin Loves This Stuff
Acne is rarely just about "not washing your face."
Most adult acne, especially the deep, painful bumps that pop up around your period, is hormonal. When your androgens (male-type hormones like testosterone) are too high, your skin’s sebaceous glands go into overdrive. They produce too much oil. That oil clogs pores. Bacteria moves in. Boom—breakout.
Because the benefits of spearmint tea include lowering those circulating androgens, it acts like an internal skincare routine. It’s basically nature’s version of Spironolactone, a common medication dermatologists prescribe for hormonal acne. While the tea is obviously less potent than a pharmaceutical drug, many people find it’s a great "entry-level" intervention that doesn't come with the side effects of prescription meds, like dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.
- It helps reduce sebum production.
- The antioxidants in the tea, specifically rosmarinic acid, help fight inflammation.
- It’s a systemic approach rather than just slapping a cream on a pimple.
I’ve talked to people who spent thousands on laser treatments and high-end serums only to find that two cups of spearmint tea a day did more for their jawline than any bottle of Vitamin C ever could. It’s sort of frustrating how simple it is.
Digestion and the "Stomach Soother" Reputation
We have to talk about the gut.
Spearmint contains a compound called (-) -carvone. This stuff is a natural antispasmodic. Basically, it tells your digestive tract to chill out. If you’re dealing with bloating or that uncomfortable "heavy" feeling after a meal, spearmint helps relax the muscles in your stomach and intestines.
It’s different from peppermint in one key way: reflux. Peppermint is notorious for relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter, which is the "trap door" that keeps stomach acid down. If you have GERD or acid reflux, peppermint can actually make it worse. Spearmint is generally much gentler. It provides the carminative benefits (gas-relieving) without necessarily triggering that burning sensation in your throat.
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It’s also surprisingly good for nausea. Whether it's motion sickness or just a "weird stomach" day, the scent alone can help.
Memory and Cognitive Perks You Might Not Expect
This is where things get really interesting and a little bit "nerdy."
There was a study involving older adults with age-associated memory impairment. They gave them a concentrated spearmint extract. The participants showed a 15% improvement in "working memory" and a better ability to fall asleep.
Now, a tea bag isn't a high-potency extract. Let's be real about that. But the polyphenols found in spearmint are known to cross the blood-brain barrier. They protect neurons from oxidative stress. If you’re looking for a late-afternoon pick-me-up that won’t keep you awake like coffee does, this is your best bet. It’s a subtle, clear-headed focus. No jitters. No crash. Just a bit more "mental grease" to get through the day.
A Quick Reality Check on Limitations
I’m not going to sit here and tell you spearmint tea cures everything. That’s nonsense.
First, if you’re a man, you might want to be careful. Since spearmint can lower testosterone, drinking huge amounts of it daily might not be ideal for male hormonal health, though the occasional cup is totally fine.
Second, quality matters. If you’re buying dusty old tea bags that have been sitting on a warehouse shelf for three years, the volatile oils (the stuff that actually works) are probably gone. You want tea that smells like... well, spearmint. Pungent. Fresh. Sweet.
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Third, it’s a "slow burn" remedy.
If you’re the type of person who tries something for three days and quits because you don't see a miracle, this isn't for you. You have to make it a ritual. It’s the cumulative effect that creates the change.
How to Actually Use Spearmint Tea for Results
Don't just throw a bag in some lukewarm water for two minutes. You’re wasting it.
To get the full benefits of spearmint tea, you need a proper steep. Use boiling water. Cover the mug with a lid or a small saucer. This is crucial because it keeps the essential oils from evaporating with the steam. Let it sit for at least 5 to 10 minutes.
Most people aiming for hormonal balance shoot for two cups a day. One in the morning, one in the evening. You can drink it hot, or you can brew a big batch, let it cool, and keep it in the fridge for an iced version. It’s actually really refreshing with a squeeze of lime.
Moving Toward Better Balance
If you’re struggling with PCOS symptoms, adult acne, or just general digestive "blah," spearmint is a low-risk, high-reward habit. It’s one of those rare instances where the "old wives' tale" actually stands up to modern clinical scrutiny.
Start by swapping your second or third coffee of the day for a cup of spearmint. Monitor your skin and your cycles over the next two months. Keep a simple log in your phone. Note the intensity of your breakouts or the frequency of bloating. Often, the changes are so gradual that you don’t realize they’re happening until you look back and realize you haven't had a "bad skin day" in weeks.
Buy high-quality, organic loose-leaf spearmint if you can. It’s usually cheaper in the long run and the potency is much higher than the supermarket tea bags. Steep it long, keep it covered, and stay consistent. Your hormones—and your mirror—will likely thank you.