Spearmint is similar to peppermint but more vigorous in growth, and the flower spikes are narrow and pointed as opposed to thick and blunt like peppermint. According to Purdue University, spearmint is cultivated like peppermint for oil, but less extensively. The leaves and flowers of spearmint are used either fresh or dry in teas and in addition being a very flavorful drink, spearmint tea has several health benefits associated with it.
Nutritious
Spearmint tea is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. It contains niacin, potassium, vitamins A and B6, riboflavin, folate, calcium, iron, copper, magnesium and manganese. Spearmint tea is also caffeine free and very low in calories, making it a great alternative to black tea or coffee.
Gastrointestinal Benefits
Spearmint tea is beneficial in relieving irritable bowel symptoms such as indigestion and colonic muscle spasms, according to Steady Health. The oil and menthol in spearmint tea help with stomach issues by soothing and relaxing the muscles of the intestines.
Relieves Facial Hair in Women
According to a February 2010 journal article in "Physiotherapy Research," spearmint tea may have anti-androgenic properties in women with hirsutism or female facial hair growth caused by elevated androgen hormones such as testosterone in the body. This journal article states that in a Turkish study, total testosterone in women was significantly decreased after daily consumption of drinking two cups of spearmint tea per day for 30 days.
Asthma Relief
Steady Health states that the rosmarinic acid found in spearmint can bring relief to people with asthma because it is able to block the production of proinflammatory chemicals such as leukotrienes. Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects the bronchial tubes and fills airways with mucus; spearmint tea may help with asthma by breaking up mucus and soothing the sore throat associated with dry coughing.
Cold and Flu Relief
Spearmint tea may help clear your stuffy nose when you have a cold because the menthol in spearmint thins out mucus and acts as a decongestant. It also soothes and calms sore, irritated throats, and according to Steady Health, it may relieve nasal symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis, an allergic inflammation occurring in nasal passages.
Digestion
According to Yoga West, spearmint tea can aid digestion and is especially useful in stimulating the digestion of proteins. Spearmint tea also helps reduce flatulence and soothes cramping related to digestion.
Member Comments