Spearmint has many benefits
May improve hormone imbalance
For women with hormone imbalances, spearmint tea may provide relief.
Studies in women have shown that it can decrease male hormones like testosterone while increasing female hormones necessary for ovulation, such as luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol.
In one five-day study in 21 women with hormone imbalances, two cups of spearmint tea a day decreased testosterone and increased LH, FSH and estradiol levels (9Trusted Source).
Relieve PCOS symptoms
Similarly, in a 30-day randomized study, 42 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who drank spearmint tea twice a day had lower testosterone levels and higher LH and FSH levels compared to women who drank a placebo tea.
Helps fight bacteria
It also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which may help kill the bacteria in your mouth that cause bad breath.
Studies have found that spearmint essential oil is effective against several types of harmful bacteria (18Trusted Source, 19Trusted Source).
Additionally, it has been shown to work against bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses, including E. coli and Listeria (20Trusted Source).
May help lower sugar
While human-based studies on this potential effect are lacking, animal studies have shown promising results.
In one study, rats were given a spearmint extract equivalent to 9 mg per pound (20 mg per kg) of body weight per day. While healthy rats appeared unaffected, rats with diabetes had significantly lower blood sugar (21Trusted Source).
Helps improve memory
In a more recent study, older adults with memory impairment who were given daily supplements containing 900 mg of spearmint extract experienced a 15% improvement in working memory (17Trusted Source).
Helps reduce stress
May improve arthritis pain
May help lower blood pressure
