Spearmint tea is brewed from the leaves of the spearmint plant (Mentha spicata).
Mentha spicata is a plant that has small spiky flowers that are pink, white, or lavender in color. The leaves of this plant have a sweet and mint fragrance.
Benefits of Spearmint Tea For Acne
Spearmint tea has several properties that make it useful for the treatment of acne.
Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, And Antibacterial Properties of Spearmint Tea
Spearmint tea has polyphenols specifically rosmarinic acid that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.(1) This can help in alleviating acne and related inflammation and redness.
Anti-Androgen Properties
Androgens are the hormones, excess of which can lead to acne in some people. It is seen particularly in teenagers. This can lead to the overproduction of sebum that clogs pores.
Spearmint tea has anti-androgen properties.(2)
Drinking spearmint tea can be beneficial for the treatment of hormonal acne.
Most of the benefits of spearmint tea for acne are anecdotal. Most of the studies highlight the properties that could be skin-benefiting. How it would affect acne is hard to predict.
Other Benefits Of Spearmint Tea
Spearmint tea is known to benefit in numerous health conditions.
Reduce Hirsutism In Females With PCOS
A study published in 2010 stated that drinking spearmint tea twice a day for one month reduced excess hair in females with the polycystic ovarian disease.(2)
It was concluded that the tea may have anti-androgen effects on the body, that was helpful in controlling this hormone related issues and other symptoms related to it.
Reduce Knee Pain
In a study, it was found that spearmint tea is high in rosmarinic acid and can help reduce knee pain in people suffering from osteoarthritis. (1)
After 16 weeks of drinking it reduction in pain, stiffness, and physical debility was felt. People also reported a reduction in stiffness.
Aids Sleep
A study done on rats displayed the ability of spearmint tea to induce or prolong sleep.(3) It was found that the tea was effective in increasing the time spent sleeping, in rats.
However, the study has not been conducted on humans.
Reduces Cancerous Cells
Spearmint essential oil can reduce tumor cell viability.
The cancerous cells showed a 50 percent reduction when spearmint oil was applied to them. The study was done on rats and not on humans.(4)
Downsides Of Drinking Spearmint Tea
Spearmint tea does not cause any severe side effects.
If consumed in large quantities it can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. Limit the intake to two to three cups in a day to keep yourself on the safe side.
There are numerous natural treatments to cure acne. If trying to manage acne at home and it’s not working, it may be time to speak with a dermatologist.
A dermatologist may examine the skin and accordingly suggest treatment, which may vary according to the skin type.
Spearmint tea is a proposed treatment for acne due to its potential anti-androgen effect. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, drinking two cups of spearmint tea can reduce acne lesions by 25 percent after one month and 50 percent after three months. There is not much potential research supporting this effect of spearmint tea. If you think, you have tried it long and it’s showing no effect, speak with your healthcare professional for the necessary advice.
