What Is Spearmint Tea Good For?

Known for its stimulating properties, uplifting aroma and clean taste, spearmint tea has been used for various purposes throughout history. The warming and relaxing menthol qualities of spearmint tea help relieve congestion and relax the esophagus. Spearmint tea can be used to ease motion sickness and help ease stomach pain. Spearmint tea also as has been recognized as being able to help women with excessive hair growth in unwanted places.

Controlling Unwanted Hair Growth

The rare condition called hirsutism occurs when masculinizing androgen levels in the blood are too high, causing a female to have hair growth on her breasts, face and body. Prescription medications such as oral contraceptives are given to treat hirsutism; however, recent studies suggest that the use of spearmint tea is a natural alternative to treat hirsutism. According to Mehmet Tamer, the lead investigator of the Turkish study on hirsutism, drinking two cups of spearmint tea a day for five days may significantly reduce the level of blood testosterone in women who have hirsutism.

Historical Uses

Whether being rubbed into the sore muscles of ancient Greek athletes, or being used to purify drinking water, the use of spearmint tea has been documented throughout history. In the Middle Ages, spearmint tea leaves were commonly strewn about the house to discourage rodent infestations and was commonly believed to dispel the "evil eye." Spearmint tea leaves were also mixed with salt and applied to dog bites and bee stings.

Practical Applications

Spearmint tea leaves can be used in a steam vapor to help clear the sinuses and ease the nerves. Add 2 tbsp. of spearmint tea leaves to a bowl containing 1 cup of steaming hot water. Lean over the bowl and cover your head and the bowl with a towel then breathe in the steam.
A gargle of cooled spearmint tea helps treat a sore throat. Drinking spearmint tea helps ease headaches, nausea and diarrhea. To help relieve the pain and swelling of hemorrhoids, try adding a strong decoction of spearmint tea to your bathwater.

Brewing Instructions

Infuse 2 tsp. of spearmint tea leaves into 1 cup of boiling water. Let the spearmint steep for 10 minutes. Strain the herb from the tea. Add a small amount of sweetener if desired.

Spearmint Statistics

The United States currently produces 70 percent of the world's mint supply; primarily grown in the states of Oregon and Washington. Only 1 lb. of mint oil is needed to make 13,000 sticks of gum.