Constipation. Acne. Irritability. These are just some of the many classic signs of hormonal imbalance in women. Annoying, right?

Thankfully, there are natural ways to navigate this condition. One of which is brewing a spear-shaped, perennial plant native to Europe and Asia, now growing on five continents around the world — the Mentha spicata, more widely known as spearmint.

 

What is spearmint?

 

Spearmint is an aromatic herb or groundcover. They belong to the Lamiaceae (mint) family, along with peppermint. Spearmint has a square-shaped stem and tips similar to spears, hence its name. In their natural environment, spearmints can be found growing in moist fields, pond edges, and lake beds.

Because of their subtle sweetness and refreshing taste that can make the mouth feel clean, spearmint is a popular flavour used in toothpaste, mouthwash, chewing gum, and candies. They are also used as an ingredient in cosmetic products and healthy food staples.

One popular method to consume spearmint is by brewing either its fresh or dried leaves into tea. This way, you don’t only enjoy their delicate sweet taste but also their incredible health benefits.

 

Five impressive benefits of drinking spearmint tea for women

 

Spearmint comes with an impressive health profile that may help with symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women, including digestive upset, hormonal acne, fatigue and mood swings.

Below are some of its proven perks backed by research to prove it’s not just bogus.

 

1. It helps balance your hormones.

 

When your hormones are out of whack, it can wreak havoc on you sex drive, fertility, menstruation, sleep, appetite, skin and the list continues. Thankfully, a cup of spearmint tea can do wonders to mitigate the problem.

A study in 21 women with hormonal imbalance (12 with polycystic ovary syndrome and 9 with idiopathic hirsutism) has shown that two cups of spearmint tea per day can decrease male hormones such as testosterone, and increase female hormones essential for ovulation, such as luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol.

The same study also suggests spearmint can be an alternative to antiandrogenic treatment for mild hirsutism.

 

2. It relieves digestive issues.

 

It should be no surprise that stomach problems frequently accompany hormone imbalance as the gut contains more neurotransmitters than the brain.

Hormonal imbalance can negatively affect the population and function of the bacteria in your gut, which can result in symptoms like bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, or nausea.

Research found spearmint can help relieve digestive symptoms. Spearmint’s naturally occurring chemical carvone has been demonstrated to significantly suppress muscular contractions in the digestive tract, helping with stomach issues.

 

3. It reduces breakout.

 

Acne is one of the most visible signs of high levels of male hormones. A good skincare routine may help from the outside, but it’s worth investing in something that works from the inside out.

Evidence has found that spearmint contains anti-androgen, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties which can help with certain types of acne.

The anti-androgen properties in spearmint help reduce the overproduction of sebum that can clog your pores, make your skin oily and cause a breakout, which is particularly common before or during your period.

 

4. It promotes brain health.

 

Sex hormones play a fundamental role in cognitive and neural health. In women, estrogen and cortisol mediate chemical communication in the brain. Estrogen levels decline with age, specifically during peri-menopause, which can result in gradual memory loss.

A 2018 study demonstrates spearmint extract can sustainably improve the working memory of older adults with age-associated memory impairment.

 

5. It helps alleviate menstrual cramps.

 

Up to 10% of women suffer from period pain, severe enough to disrupt their daily lives. It’s no joke and affects almost every aspect of your life — your studies, job, relationships, social life (you name it).

Evidence suggests the antispasmodic properties of mint tea, which relieve the symptoms of digestive problems, may also aid with period cramps and discomfort.

A study also found that spearmint tea has treatment potential for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). By inhibiting testosterone and restoring follicular development in ovarian tissue, spearmint can help reduce the incidence of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which frequently causes painful periods.

Learn more about the best foods for relieving period cramps here.

 

 

Spearmint tea is an accessible and wholesome aromatic beverage that you can enjoy to give your monthly cycle a healthful boost.

For a more holistic approach to balancing your hormones, pair spearmint tea with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Contact us today for a diverse range of meal plans to match your health needs.