Spearmint tea is a caffeine-free herbal infusion brewed from the dried or fresh leaves of Mentha spicata, producing a light, sweet, refreshingly minty flavour that lacks the sharp, cooling intensity of peppermint. One of the most widely consumed herbal drinks in the Mediterranean and Middle East, spearmint has gained significant attention from clinical researchers due to its demonstrable anti-androgenic effects — particularly relevant to women with conditions involving elevated male hormones such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hirsutism.
In-Depth Explanation
Spearmint vs. peppermint:
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) and peppermint (Mentha × piperita) are closely related but clearly distinct:
| Spearmint | Peppermint | |
|---|---|---|
| Main aromatic compound | Carvone (55–65%) | Menthol (35–55%) |
| Flavour | Sweet, soft, mild mint | Sharp, cooling, intense |
| Cooling effect | Minimal | Strong (from menthol) |
| Caffeine | None | None |
| Common uses | Tea, mojitos, culinary garnish | Tea, confectionery, medicine |
The absence of high menthol in spearmint means it lacks peppermint’s characteristic cooling that comes from menthol’s interaction with cold-sensing TRPM8 receptors. This makes spearmint gentler and more palatable to many people, especially children.
Anti-androgenic effects:
The most scientifically interesting recent research on spearmint concerns its apparent anti-androgenic (anti-testosterone) activity — the ability to reduce free androgen levels in the body. Two randomised controlled trials (Akdoğan et al. 2007; Grant 2010) found that drinking two cups of spearmint tea daily significantly reduced levels of free testosterone in women with PCOS or idiopathic hirsutism (excess hair growth), along with subjective improvements in hair growth.
This has driven substantial interest in the wellness and women’s health community, with spearmint tea widely discussed in online PCOS communities as a dietary intervention alongside medical treatment.
Clinical evidence summary:
| Condition | Evidence | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Hormonal hirsutism (women) | Two small RCTs; reduced free testosterone | Promising; needs larger replication |
| PCOS symptom management | Observational and clinical; hormonal reduction documented | Used as adjunct; not replacement for medical treatment |
| Digestive support | Traditional use; L-carvone shown to relax gut smooth muscle | Plausible mechanism; limited clinical trials |
Cultural context:
- Morocco and North Africa: Spearmint (nana) is the essential mint in traditional Moroccan mint tea (though Moroccan tea is typically spearmint + gunpowder green tea + excessive sugar).
- Middle East broadly: Fresh spearmint is a standard garnish and flavouring; spearmint tea is common household daily drink.
- Mediterranean: Standard culinary mint across Greece, Turkey, and Italy.
History
Mentha spicata is one of the oldest cultivated mint species, with records of use in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The Romans used it to scent tableware and as a breath freshener — the Latin menta gives the English “mint.” In North Africa, the spearmint, green tea, and sugar combination became the definitive Moroccan tea ceremony form likely during the 18th–19th century spread of Chinese green tea into Moroccan trade networks.
Common Misconceptions
“Spearmint and peppermint are interchangeable in tea.” Their flavour profiles are noticeably different. Spearmint is softer and sweeter; peppermint is more intense and cooling. Moroccan mint tea made with peppermint is a different drink.
“Spearmint cured my PCOS.” The clinical evidence shows hormonal changes with regular spearmint tea consumption, but this is not a cure for PCOS and should not replace medical management including hormonal treatments, metformin, or lifestyle interventions as appropriate. The effect is a modest adjunct.
Taste Profile & How to Identify
Aroma: Light, sweet mint; floral; no sharp menthol.
Flavour: Gentle, sweet mint; clean; slightly herbaceous.
Colour: Pale green.
Mouthfeel: Very light body.
Brewing Guide
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Amount | 1–2 tsp dried leaves (or 4–5 fresh sprigs) per 250ml |
| Water temperature | 90–95°C |
| Steep time | 3–5 minutes |
| Infusions | 2 |
Spearmint brews quickly and does not turn bitter with slightly longer steeping (unlike many teas). Works well cold-brewed overnight.
Last updated: 2026-04
Related Terms
See Also
Research
- Grant, P. (2010). Spearmint herbal tea has significant anti-androgen effects in polycystic ovarian syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. Phytotherapy Research, 24(2), 186–188.
[Randomised controlled trial in 42 women with PCOS demonstrating significant reduction in free testosterone with 2 cups spearmint tea/day for 30 days.]
- Akdoğan, M., et al. (2007). Effect of spearmint (Mentha spicata Labiatae) teas on androgen levels in women with hirsutism. Phytotherapy Research, 21(5), 444–447.
[Earlier crossover trial in 21 women with hirsutism showing reduced LH, FSH, and free testosterone with spearmint tea consumption.]