What is Spearmint Tea?

What is Spearmint Tea?

Spearmint (Mentha Spicata) is a perennial plant characterised by its spear-shaped leaves. Having a menthol flavour like peppermint, the cooling herb is grown for its aromatic and carminative essential oil. Spearmint varies from peppermint by featuring a subtler flavour that is not as strong as peppermint. Spearmint has been used in applications as early as in the 14th century. This was as an additive to the original variant of toothpaste we see today, and its alluring aroma led to its use as a mood inducer in chambers of feasts, recreation and repose. South America traditionally adopted spearmint oil as a stress reliever to aid in anxiety reduction. Interestingly, this has later been proven in scientific research where spearmint can directly interact with GABA receptors in the body to reduce nerve activity. 

Consuming spearmint as a drink, such as Spearmint tea or Spearmint and Rooibos infusion, may provide certain health benefits when consumed daily.


Benefits of spearmint


  1. Some research indicates spearmint can benefit the consumer with relaxation of digestive issues. A compound in Spearmint - carvone - inhibits contractions in the digestive tract, explaining how spearmint relieves digestive issues. 

  1. Spearmint may aid in hormonal imbalances in women. Research suggests that spearmint can reduce testosterone while increasing the production of female hormones required for ovulation such as the Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Estradiol. 

  1. Furthermore, spearmint extract has been known to help as a memory aid. Some stories identify that older adults experiencing memory impairment are more likely to retain short-term memory function while consuming a spearmint supplement, in contrast to those who did not consume spearmint as a daily habit. 

  1. Spearmint's signature compound, menthol, which provides the icy sensation, is celebrated for its combating of respiratory problems. Mint herbal mixtures and teas are known to help clear the trachea and bronchial systems as well as reduce inflammation in the respiratory system by helping clear out sinuses. 

  1. The menthol found in spearmint is proposed to aid in relaxation and improved sleep among those who may experience sleeplessness and insomnia.  Studies have identified menthol to reduce stress in the nervous system and  muscles, aiding in a more comfortable sleep and a longer period of REM / deep sleep. 

  1. Spearmint infusions are a haven of antioxidants, naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants which work against the degradation of molecules caused by free radicals. Oxidative stress in the human body links to a multitude of chronic ailments, including diabetes and cancer. Spearmint’s most iconic antioxidants include rosmarinic acid, limolene and vitamin C, which have been researched to combat free radicals developing.

  1. According to studies, the strong concentration of antioxidants in spearmint may help with the reduction of blood sugar in people with diabetes.

  1. Spearmint’s menthol concentration is known to hold antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which helps kill the bacteria and microbes in your mouth that can cause bad breath. As its effectiveness as a mouth freshener works in chewing gum and breath mints, the effect is also true in the form of an infusion tea as well. 


How to prepare spearmint tea

  1. Add one teabag of Dilmah Green Rooibos Lemongrass & Spearmint infusion to 220ml of water. For a stronger cup you can reduce the quantity of water to increase the concentration of the infusion. To note, increasing the water quantity provides for a diluted experience. 
  2. Make sure the water is boiled to 95 to 100 degrees Celsius. 
  3. Leave to sit for 3-5 minutes (5 minutes for a strong cup).
  4. Set aside your teabag and enjoy. 
Previous Article Next Article

3 comments

  • 555

    1
  • 555

    1
  • 555

    1

Leave a comment

Availability

YOUR CONSENT TO OUR PRIVACY AND COOKIE POLICY

We use cookies that help to increase the performance of our website to serve you better, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Click ACCEPT to give your consent to accept our cookies and start browsing the site or click to see a more detailed description in the Privacy Policy statement.

Item Added
Reviews