Benefits of Spearmint Tea: Internal and External Uses

Benefits of Spearmint Tea: Internal and External Uses
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Spearmint, a species of mint, is native to the Mediterranean and has been used for hundreds of years to rejuvenate the mind. It is a perennial plant with spear-like leaves and delicate little flowers that bloom in late June through August. Constituents in spearmint include alpha-terpineol, arginine, beta carotene, calcium, eugenol, hesperidin, limonene, menthol, niacin, thiamin, thymol and tryptophan.

Benefits

Hirsutism

Hirsutism, excessive growth of facial and body hair, is a problem many women suffer from. It is usually caused by high levels of male sex hormones, including testosterone. In one study, performed at the Suleyman Demirel University in Isparta, Turkey and published in Phytotherapy Research, male sex hormone levels decreased significantly in women after drinking two cups of spearmint tea a day for five days. An increase in female hormones were also noted.

Sinus Problems

To help drain and soothe swollen sinus passages, add 1 cup of boiling water and a couple of tablespoons of spearmint tea in a shallow bowl, lean over it with a towel over your head (to trap in the steam) and inhale through your nose. Steam can be very hot so be careful you do not burn yourself. It is best to keep your face about 10-12 inches away from the bowl.

Gastrointestinal Problems

Drinking a refreshing cup of hot tea can improve digestion and help treat nausea, gas, diarrhea and heartburn.

Sore Throat

To soothe a sore throat, you can either gargle with some warm tea or you can drink a glass of iced tea.

Other

Drinking spearmint tea can also calm nerves, relieve menstrual cramps, freshen bad breath and treat a fever.

External Uses

You can also use externally to treat itchy skin, muscle aches and arthritis pain. Prepare a strong cup of tea, soak a washcloth in it when cools down a bit, wring out the washcloth and apply to the affected area. You can also add a couple of strong cups of tea in bath water and soak for 15-20 minutes.

Grow Your Own

Spearmint is easy to grow outdoors and indoors. In fact, it can spread rapidly so you may want to consider growing it in a container. It requires rich, moist and well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7. Spearmint prefers full sun. If growing indoors, standard fluorescent lamps are sufficient. Keep the lamps about 2-4 inches from the tops of the plants. Water on a regular schedule and do not over water.

Preparation

To prepare a cup of spearmint tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 heaping teaspoon of dried leaves, cover and steep for 5-10 minutes. To get the benefits of spearmint tea, drink up to three cups a day as needed.

Side Effects and Precautions

Spearmint is considered generally safe if it is not used in excess. As with any herb, consult your health care provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are taking medications or have a medical condition before taking.

References

The Medical News: Spearmint tea - natural treatment for hirsutism - https://www.news-medical.net/news/2007/02/21/22071.aspx

Spearmint Tea - https://www.spearmintplant.net/spearmint_tea/spearmint_tea.html

Spearmint - https://www.altnature.com/gallery/Spearmint.htm

Growing Mint - https://herbgardening.com/growingmint.htm

Image courtesy of https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Flowers_of_the_spearmint.JPG

Disclaimer

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