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
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
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
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).
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.
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
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
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.
What Is The Advisable Quantity Of Spearmint Tea?
Since spearmint tea is natural, you can safely have about 2-3 cups of it daily. Is green tea or spearmint tea better for acne? Check out the infographic below to learn how to prepare spearmint tea at home. Both teas are good for treating acne. While spearmint tea has anti-androgen properties that may control hormonal acne, green tea’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help treat acne lesions. However, the topical application of green tea is more effective than oral intake (9). Can spearmint tea cause breakouts? No, spearmint tea does not cause acne breakouts.
