Can Spearmint Tea Help Treat PCOS? How It Works?

What is Spearmint?

Spearmint, Mentha spicata, is popularly known as “Pudina” in India. This herb originated in Europe and is popularly used in many kinds of toothpaste and chewing gums for its fresh mint flavor. Its other names include garden mint, common mint, lamb mint, and mackerel mint.

In older times, spearmint tea has been used as a natural herbal remedy for a variety of minor ailments, including digestive issues. 

Additionally, it is used in a wide variety of cuisines, including sauces, desserts, and main courses. Spearmint tea provides several health benefits besides its minty taste.

Potential Benefits of Spearmint Tea:

Spearmint is rich in antioxidants and other healthy plant compounds. It can help in hormone balance, blood sugar regulation, digestion, stress reduction, and memory enhancement.

The following are the potential benefits of Spearmint Tea:

Fight against Bacterial Infections:

Spearmint is a common flavouring ingredient in toothpaste, breath mints, and chewing gum. However, its antibacterial and antimicrobial qualities could help eradicate the oral germs that cause foul breath and make your breath smell better.

Lowers Blood Pressure:

Studies have shown that spearmint contains the chemical carvone, which functions similarly to components of medications used to treat high blood pressure.

Helps with Digestive problems:

Additionally, spearmint could boost gut health and reduce symptoms like nausea. Spearmint tea may help ease these and other digestive issues by relaxing the muscles in your stomach.

Helps with Hirsutism:

Hirsutism is a condition that people with PCOS experience, which is excessive hair growth on both face and body. It is reported less hirsutism and a decrease in testosterone after drinking spearmint tea.

Helps in Joint Stiffness:

Spearmint tea contains rosmarinic acid, an antioxidant that significantly reduces joint stiffness and soreness. Studies have shown that those with osteoarthritis who drank rosmarinic acid-rich spearmint tea reported significantly less joint stiffness and soreness.

Spearmint Tea: Cure for PCOS?

Before we explore how to cure PCOS, it is important to know the connection between spearmint tea and the condition. Learn clearly how spearmint helps improve hormone balance.

PCOS and Androgens:

PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a complex endocrine condition that mainly affects women. It is characterized by the ovaries producing too many androgens, or male hormones.

Androgens are necessary for the maintenance of several aspects of female health, such as bone density and sexual and reproductive function. However, 60–80% of women with PCOS are thought to produce high levels of androgens, which can cause physical symptoms that are typical of the condition, such as weight gain, ovulation difficulties, facial hair, and scalp hair loss.

Spearmint Tea: Anti- Androgen Effects:

Recent studies have linked spearmint tea consumption to a decrease in androgen levels, including DHEA and testosterone, which are frequently increased in PCOS patients. By reducing testosterone levels, spearmint tea may help treat conditions like hirsutism (excessive hair growth), acne, and irregular menstruation.

In another study, participants who drank spearmint tea twice daily for five days during the follicular phase of their menstrual cycles experienced decreased free testosterone and increased LH and FSH.

According to one theory, spearmint may prevent the enzymes that transform testosterone into the stronger androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By lowering DHT levels, spearmint might decrease overall androgen levels and relieve PCOS symptoms like hirsutism and acne.

Is it Good to drink Spearmint Tea every day?

Most people can safely drink spearmint tea daily. According to study results, two cups a day is sufficient to improve digestion and hormones.

Although most people tolerate spearmint tea well, those who have specific medical concerns or sensitivities to any kind of mint should be cautious and speak with a healthcare professional before including spearmint tea in their daily diet.

How to make Spearmint Tea?

Changes may occur after consuming the tea for at least five to six months since it is a herbal tea, not a medication.

Ingredients:

– 1-2 teaspoons of dried spearmint leaves (or a handful of fresh spearmint leaves)

– 1 cup of boiling water

– Honey or lemon (optional)

Instructions:

1. The spearmint leaves should be put in a mug or teapot.

2. Pour the boiling water over the leaves.

3. Cover the container and let it steep for 5-10 minutes, depending on your preference.

4. Before pouring the tea into your cup, strain the leaves.

5. If desired, add honey or lemon to enhance the flavour.

Side Effects of Spearmint Tea:

Spearmint tea and its supplements, including capsules and extracts, may not be suitable for everyone. Some people may not benefit from taking supplements containing extracts and capsules of spearmint. 

The spicy and minty taste of these supplements might worsen symptoms for people with acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD). People who have liver or kidney problems or who are allergic to mint should also be careful.

It is also advised that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding consult a doctor before consuming spearmint supplements, including capsules.

So, Do you have to drink Spearmint Tea If you have PCOS?

The Bottom line is Spearmint tea isn’t an instant fix for reaching optimal testosterone levels. Still, it can help people with higher testosterone levels when paired with other PCOS-friendly practices like eating a diet high in fibre, protein, and healthy fats, getting enough sleep, controlling stress, and exercising frequently.