Spearmint for Hirsutism: The Best Capsules, Tea and Essential Oil
The Many Health Benefits of Spearmint
Many of us think of chewing gum when we think of spearmint. Spearmint has in fact many different species and it is a plant that is native to Asia as well as Europe. The leaves of the spearmint plant are its most useful part, as they contain the highest concentration of flavor and scent. Spearmint is used for many purposes including cooking as well as to flavor products such as mouthwash and toothpaste. In fact there’s (at least) 11 good reasons to give spearmint a try and we’ve listed all of them below for you!
1. It Helps to Fight Bacteria and Improve Immunity.
Spearmint tea contains many antibacterial elements which can help hold harmful bacteria in check and therefore supports a healthier immune system. It is also believed that spearmint has an effect on the growth of the bacteria H. pylori as well as E. coli.
If you have a poor immune system then you may be more prone to fungal infections. Spearmint is also said to have anti-fungal properties which can help to prevent the increase of fungal infections.
2. It Can Help With The Symptoms of PCOS
Spearmint is said to help balancing the hormonal system and positively affect it in many ways. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic hormonal condition that affects 5 – 10% of all women of reproductive age, and has symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, acne, growth of body hair, hair loss, anxiety and depression.
There are several studies that show a positive effect of spearmint on the reduction of hirsutism, the male pattern hair growth which can occur in women. This hair growth specifically appears in areas such as the chin, stomach, face and breasts, and is most of the time caused by a high level of androgen hormones.
Spearmint tea can also help with other symptoms of PCOS such as anxiety and stress, which are important areas to focus on when looking to get better with PCOS.
3. It Can Help to Improve Respiratory Health.
Spearmint tea can help to improve respiratory conditions such as asthma. It is believed to do this by reducing inflammation which in turn helps the respiratory system. This also means that spearmint could also help with sinus related issues, congestion, as well as sore throats.
4. It Can Help With Digestion.
Spearmint may help with an upset stomach as well as help reduce nausea and vomiting. To help reduce the side effects of gastrointestinal conditions such as bloating, flatulence, IBS and cramping, it may be worth looking into drinking spearmint tea. Do not drink large amounts of spearmint tea during pregnancy.
5. It Can Aid With Circulation.
Spearmint also contains iron, a mineral the body needs. Iron has a key role in the production of both red blood cells and hemoglobin. As well as preventing anaemia, this also helps to improve the circulation in the body and speed up the healing of wounds.
6. It Can Help with Anxiety.
The menthol found in spearmint tea can have a comforting and calming effect and could therefore help to reduce the side effects of stress hormones, as well as reduce symptoms related to anxiety and stress.
7. It Can Improve Heart Health.
As mentioned above, the iron in spearmint can aid with blood circulation. When it comes to blood pressure, spearmint can help as it contains a high level of potassium, which is important for the heart function
8. It Can Provide Relief From Stress.
We now know that spearmint contains menthol and this has a calming effect on our bodies. Therefore, if you suffer from stress or anxiety, spearmint tea can help to relax the mind and reduce the side effects that stress hormones place on the body.
9. It Can Improve Memory.
In spearmint tea, there are many antioxidants present such as limonene. This antioxidant could help with the memory function and the reduction of anxiety, according to early studies.
10. It Can Help with Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis .
The anti-inflammatory aspects of spearmint can help with joint pain related to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In some early studies, it has been stated that it is the rosmarinic acid in spearmint that reduces pain and improves joint stiffness for those with osteoarthritis in the knees.
11. It Has Antibacterial Properties.
Spearmint does not only freshen the breath when used in toothpastes and mouthwashes, it also has an anti-bacterial effect which can help to prevent the throat and mouth from infections. Halitosis, more commonly known as bad breath, is often caused by bacteria which lives under the gums. Spearmint can help to keep your breath smelling clean as well as help fight these bacteria.
That said, spearmint should not be taken in excessive amounts as it can have the opposite effect and in fact damage the liver.
Scientific Research: Spearmint for Hirsutism
Hirsutism affects 5-10% of women and causes male-pattern hair growth. In addition to excess hair growth, many women with hirsutism also experience acne. Since the results of early studies were promising, more research has been done on spearmint’s potential to support the treatment of hirsutism. In most cases of Hirsutism, there is an underlying cause that can be identified, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, which is why it’s important to schedule a check-up with a doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of Hirsutism. After discussing it with your doctor, spearmint tea might be a useful addition to your treatment regimen.
A 2017 overview paper evaluated and analyzed researched done to date on the viability of spearmint for treating hirsutism. The conclusion was, that spearmint tea may be useful in lowering androgenic hormones in women diagnosed with hirsutism and suffering from symptoms associated with excess androgens. If you’d like to dig a little deeper, here’s some more links you might want to check out!
- Effect of spearmint (Mentha spicata Labiatae) teas on androgen levels in women with hirsutism – Read Full Study
- Spearmint herbal tea has significant anti‐androgen effects in polycystic ovarian syndrome. a randomized controlled trial – Read Full Study
When and How to Drink Spearmint Tea for Hirsutism
There isn’t much scientific evidence on the appropriate dose of spearmint for hirsutism. Early research, however, indicates, that drinking a cup of spearmint tea twice daily could help to decrease the levels of male sex hormones (testosterone) in the blood of women with male-pattern hair growth within a month.
Many women who have followed this advice have experienced improvements. There is no “best time” to drink spearmint tea, although one cup in the morning and one at night is often the preferred way of consumption.
While generally considered safe, Warnings have been issued for pregnant or breastfeeding women and anyone with kidney disorders or liver disease.
If you’re interested in starting with spearmint tea, it’s a good idea to discuss it with your doctor first.
Spearmint Tea or Capsules?
Whether you should drink tea or take capsules to get your spearmint fix, really depends on your preference. While spearmint tea is most popular among women with hirsutism, some may prefer taking capsules. Women who choose capsules over tea are often simple sick of the taste of spearmint or drinking so much tea.
The Best Spearmint Tea for Hirsutism (Reviews)
So you wanna give spearmint tea a try? That’s great! As mentioned, I’ve drank my fair share of spearmint tea over the years. so I thought I’d share my 3 favorites with you!
Perfect for Everyday Use: Traditional Medicinals Organic Spearmint Tea
Traditional Medicinals Organic Spearmint Tea is my go-to tea for everyday use. It comes in sealed bags and has a sweet, minty and refreshing taste. The taste is a little milder than peppermint. All ingredients are certified organic and 100% fair trade certified. Pharmacopoeuial grade herbs are used for this tea
The brand Traditional Medicinals was founded in 1974 by Drake Sadler and Rosemary Gladstar, a fourth-generation herbalist. The company pioneered a new ethical sourcing model, that promotes organic agriculture, long-term fair trade relationships and investments in sourcing communities. It is available on Amazon.
Perfect for Tea Nerds: Spearmint Loose Leaf Herbal Tea
If I’m feeling fancy I sometimes use this Spearmint Loose Leaf Spearmint Tea. It is not quite as practical as the tea bags, but it can be relaxing to really take the time to properly brew your tea. I sometimes also mix this tea with other loose leaf teas to mix up the taste. I use one tea spoon of this per cup
This tea has a pungent and fresh taste and is naturally caffeine free. It is available for purchase on Amazon.
Perfect for Those in Need of a Change: Organic Spearmint & Orange Spice Tea
This Organic Spearmint & Orange Spice Tea Bag Box has 8 tea bags in it. The ingredients of this herbal blend are dried honey, organic orange peel, organic spearmint, natural flavor and organic cinnamon.
You only get 8 bags of tea in this box, but I still get it, as it’s so great to mix it up a little sometimes. It’s perfect for days when the thought of having to drink another cup of spearmint tea is just too much. I really like the orange and cinnamon flavors and that it’s all organic. I don’t think it’s the right tea for everyday use, if you’re serious about getting your regular spearmint fix, but it’s a great tea to have every once in a while. You can buy this tea on Amazon.
If you’re not the “tea-drinking-kinda-girl” or simply need a break from spearmint tea, you might wanna give capsules a try. Capsules are quick and practical. I usually carry them in my handbag, have some at home and at work to be sure I don’t forget.
My Go-to Supplement: Swanson Spearmint Leaf Capsules
The Swanson Full Spectrum Spearmint Leaf Health Supplement is my go-to spearmint supplement. The capsules deliver 400mg spearmint leaf per capsule, which is great and helps me to get enough spearmint without having to drink cups of spearmint tea.
Swanson has been around for nearly 50 years and their facilities are Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Certified, which means, that their supplements are of hight quality.
They also offer a 100% money back guarantee, so if you’re unhappy with their products, you can return the unused portion for a full refund within 30 days of purchase. Swanson Spearmint Capsules are available on Amazon.
A Good Choice if You Struggle with Sleep: TerraVita Valerian and Spearmint Supplement
The Valerian and Spearmint Combination by TerraVita is great if you have a mild form of hirsutism and struggle with sleep at the same time. In addition to the benefits of spearmint, which may help reduce hair growth, you also get the health benefits from Valerian, which can help you to sleep better.
TerraVita operated by the highest possible standards or purity and freshness. All products are made according to the highest quality standards, from raw materials through the entire manufacturing process. The capsules are sold on Amazon.
Made Fresh to Order: NUTRIHERBS Spearmint Capsules
What is great about these NUTRIHERBS Spearmint Capsules, that they are made fresh to order. Freshly ground herbs are used to produce these hight quality herbal supplements
The capsules are made from veggie cellulose (suitable for vegans) and have each have 500 mg of spearmint, which makes it easy to get all the spearmint you need. All ingredients are non-irridated and GMO free. NUTRIHERBS Capsules can be bought on Amazon.
If you are looking to purchase essential oil to help with your hirsutism, spearmint might be a good option. If you are looking to purchase Spearmint Essential Oil, make sure it is of high quality. And make sure to only use it topically, so on your skin, in a diluted form. Ask your dermatologist for advice.
To learn more, you can check out my post on how essential oils can benefit those with hirsutism here.
Edens Garden Spearmint Essential Oil
Edens Garden’s Spearmint Oil is my go-to. I only occasionally use essential oils, but when I do, it’s this one. All of Eden Garden’s oils are 100% pure therapeutic grade and undiluted. If you’re using essential oils, it is important to purchase a high quality oil. Eden’s Garden is a brand I personally trust.
Edens Garden Spearmint 10 ml 100% Pure Undiluted Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil is tested by third-party experts. It is available in different sizes (5ml, 10ml, 30ml, 4oz and value pack) on Amazon.
Spearmint Tea Before and After (Hirsutism Results)
Spearmint Tea: Before and After… A popular search term here on this blog… Maybe you’re just doing your research or maybe you’ve been drinking spearmint tea for a week, are getting a little sick of the taste and just want a little reassurance, that it’s all worth it – Either way I understand, that it can be encouraging to know, that there’s other women out there, who have successfully reduced hirsutism with spearmint tea.
Watch the videos below of other women who have tried it and share their experience.
How to Make Spearmint Tea to Reduce Hair Growth and Hirsutism
Making spearmint tea is pretty straight forward, which makes it easy to drink it every day.
- Add one tea bag or one tea spoon of dried or fresh spearmint to a cup
- Add hot water
- Let the tea draw for 10 minutes
- Add sweetener, if needed.
If you’re struggling with hirsutism, you should watch your sugar intake. If you must have a sweetener in your tea, I recommend using honey instead of processed sugar.
Spearmint vs Peppermint: Are They The Same?
The short answer is no. While spearmint and peppermint have a lot in common, they are different species. I have always stuck to spearmint tea for hirsutism, however there are women, like Arlene, who have also seen benefits from drinking peppermint tea.
Where is Spearmint Grown?
Spearmint is a pretty common herb. It grows in nearly all temperate climates. It is often grown in pots, prefers partial shade and loomy soils with lots of abundant organic material.
While fresh spearmint is very popular, it can also be dried, frozen or preserved. The leaves loose their smell after the plant flowers, which means they should be cut just before the flowers open. It is recommended to cut about half way down the stalk.
Can I Grow Spearmint at Home?
You can easily grow spearmint at home. I’ve done it before in a pot on my window bench and even though I don’t really have a green thumb, I succeeded. It’s nice to be able to use fresh herbs for your tea. The seeds are really cheap and even sell on Amazon.
How to Include Spearmint Into Your Diet
If you’re looking to add some spearmint to your diet for reasons other than hirsutism, there’s some yummy recipes out there you can try. While doing research for this article for example, I came across a spearmint ice cream recipe, which sounded delicious. This inspired me to dig a little deeper and I’ve linked some of my favorites below.
Best Recipes with Spearmint
So after discovering the ice cream recipe, I decided to look into other foods, that were sugar-free and carb-free, since I try to avoid sugar as much as possible in my attempt to follow a healthy diet.
You’ll notice that all of those recipes are paleo. Some women have seen an improvement to hirsutism after going on a paleo diet.
Conclusion
If you struggle with hirsutism, spearmint might actually help you to reduce male-pattern hair growth, as it in known to reduce testosterone levels in your blood. Many women have seen success drinking 2 cups a day for a period of one month or so (some even less). So if you have hirsutism and are looking for a natural remedy, I recommend you give it a try. You have nothing to loose, as spearmint has many other health benefits and is very safe. However, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor about changes you want to make in your diet, lifestyle or supplements you’re interested in.
While spearmint is probably the most popular and well known natural supplements for hirsutism, there are many other supplements you might wanna learn a little more about. You can read more about them in this separate post, which talks about the best natural supplements for hirsutism.
Have you tried spearmint? Has it worked for you? Please share your experience in the comments!
