If you have been battling acne for a long time, we know your pain. Would you believe it if we said that you could use spearmint tea for acne treatment? The benefits of spearmint tea for the skin and acne relief are all over social media. To find out the truth, we decided to investigate this claim further. So, before you pour yourself a cup of spearmint tea, read this article to learn how it can help treat acne.
In This Article
Spearmint Tea For Acne: What Does Science Say?
Spearmint tea is not directly linked to acne reduction. However, its anti-androgen properties may help control hormonal acne.
Spearmint tea is a common herbal remedy in the Middle East for hirsutism in females. It is a natural anti-androgen and can reduce testosterone levels in the body. Androgens like testosterone are linked to the overproduction of sebum(1), (2), (3). Excess sebum clogs the skin pores, trapping dirt and bacteria, and causes acne.
Though testosterone is a male sex hormone, the ovaries may produce it in small amounts. Drinking spearmint tea reduces testosterone levels, thus regulating excess sebum production. This property may help reduce acne, especially if it is caused by hormonal fluctuations.
Further research is required to establish the efficacy of spearmint tea for acne. Its acne-reducing benefits are primarily anecdotal, and many people have tried this remedy and found it to be effective.
However, note that spearmint tea may not work for hormonal acne caused by hormones like insulin.
Spearmint tea is one of the most potent of all mints and is known for other benefits. Let us take a look at them.
Other Benefits Of Spearmint Tea
1. May Help With Hirsutism
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Hirsutism results from excess male hormones and causes excessive thick and coarse hair growth in women. Multiple reasons may cause it – one of them is polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS. A study found that drinking spearmint tea helped reduce hirsutism in women and could be used as a potential natural treatment for this condition and PCOS (3).
2. May Help Manage Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms
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Knee osteoarthritis is caused by degeneration of articular cartilage and is a non-curable condition. The treatments for it revolve primarily around pain management.
High-rosmarinic acid (rosA) spearmint tea has shown promising results in reducing the knee pain associated with the condition (4). This is a special variety of spearmint tea and is not the same as the commercially available variant.
3. May Help With Stress And Insomnia
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Columbian people use spearmint tea for stress relief and to reduce insomnia. A rat study found that spearmint had hypnotic and sedative effects due to phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids and tannins. Spearmint tea can be used for relieving anxiety (5).
Related: 8 Home Remedies For Insomnia That Will Help You Sleep Quickly
4. Rich In Antioxidants
Antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress caused by harmful free radicals. They cause inflammation and drive the process of acne on your skin. High-rosA spearmint has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (4). Moreover, spearmint tea also has phenolic compounds, like flavonoids and tannins, that can keep your skin healthy.
Well, when it comes to spearmint tea, it is not all rosy. Adding the tea to your daily routine can cause a few side effects. Understand them before you decide to give it a go.
Related: 15 Benefits Of Antioxidants And Their Best Sources
Side Effects Of Spearmint Tea
1. Reduces Testosterone
Spearmint tea reduces testosterone levels. Men need a healthy amount of testosterone to maintain their energy, libido, and overall mood. Hence, spearmint tea may not be the best solution for them.
2. Low Iron Absorption
Spearmint tea has tannins that can hinder the absorption of iron in your body (6). Thus, if you are anemic or have borderline iron levels, it is best to steer clear of spearmint tea.
3. May Irritate The Mucosal Lining
Spearmint tea aids digestion and does not cause heartburn. However, excessive intake may irritate the mucosal lining in your stomach (7). Hence, limit your intake to two cups daily.
4. Kidney And Liver Damage
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If you have any kidney or liver issues, it is best to avoid spearmint tea. Excessive intake of spearmint tea can worsen your condition (8).
5. May Damage The Uterus During Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, do not drink spearmint tea as it can damage the uterus lining. While there is not much evidence for spearmint tea’s side effects on breastfeeding women, it is better to avoid it (8).
6. May Cause Allergic Reactions
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Avoid spearmint if you are allergic to it. Drinking spearmint may cause rashes, hives, skin irritation, mouth and tongue swelling, itchy throat, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Let us see the quantity of spearmint tea that is safe for consumption.
Related: 14 Best Home Remedies For Skin Allergies | Causes And Symptoms
What Is The Advisable Quantity Of Spearmint Tea?
StyleCraze SaysYou should be aware that it will take at least 2-3 months to see the effects of spearmint tea, so be patient and allow the tea to work.
Since spearmint tea is natural, you can safely have about 2-3 cups of it daily.
Infographic: How To Prepare Spearmint Tea
Spearmint tea is a natural drink that is free of caffeine and calories. Drinking it regularly may help solve your acne issues, stress, and insomnia. Since it is a herbal tea, you can have 2-3 cups daily at any time of the day. You may include it in your diet to reap its benefits.
Check out the infographic below to learn how to prepare spearmint tea at home.
StyleCraze SaysAdditionally, spearmint tea can be mixed in several drinks, such as mojito, mint julep, and sweet tea.
Spearmint tea is not a cure-all for acne. However, it has the potential to minimize hormonal acne by lowering testosterone levels and regulating sebum production. Of course, it is advisable to follow your doctor’s advice and the treatment approach suggested for hormonal acne. Nevertheless, if you want to try spearmint tea for acne management, you can go ahead. It has other health benefits and may help with stress and insomnia. However, if you have anemia or low iron levels, it is advisable to avoid this tea or consult a doctor before consuming it.
