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Spearmint is milder than peppermint and has one specific over-claimed health niche. This sits in the herbal cluster beside sage tea.
Important: general information only. Herbal tisanes are not treatments. Some carry genuine cautions (liquorice and blood pressure, herbs that interact with medication, some not advised in pregnancy). Check with a pharmacist or GP before regular use if pregnant, medicated or managing a health condition.
What it is
An infusion of spearmint (Mentha spicata), distinct from peppermint (Mentha piperita). Peppermint is a hybrid of spearmint and watermint, developed in the 18th century, with 40-50% menthol in its essential oil; spearmint contains under 1% menthol, dominated by carvone (50-70%), which gives the softer, sweeter character. Caffeine-free; a tisane not a true tea, see what counts as tea.
How it tastes and how to brew it
Soft, sweet, cooling mint, less sharp and less menthol-forward than peppermint; very easy to drink. Brew covered for 5-7 minutes with just-off-boil water: spearmint's aromatics are volatile and escape from an uncovered cup. Works well hot or iced. No bitterness even at longer steeps.
Traditional and digestive use
Used like other mints for a settled, refreshed feeling after eating; the gentler evening cup. See peppermint tea for the direct comparison, and Moroccan mint tea for spearmint's most celebrated cultural use.
The PCOS evidence niche
Two small randomised trials (Akdogan et al 2007; Grant 2010) found that two cups of spearmint tea daily for 30 days produced measurable reductions in free testosterone in women with PCOS-related hirsutism. The evidence is real but modest: small samples, Turkish populations only, not replicated at scale. It is not a replacement for prescribed PCOS management. If relevant, discuss with your GP before starting a daily protocol.
Cautions
Broadly well tolerated. If pregnant, medicated or managing a hormonal condition, check before regular high intake. The general herbal disclaimer applies: see herbal tea.
What you need to know: spearmint tea
| Aspect | Note |
|---|---|
| What it is | Herbal infusion of Mentha spicata; gentler than peppermint |
| Vs peppermint | Lower menthol, dominated by carvone; sweeter, softer character |
| Caffeine | Zero; herbal infusion |
| Traditional use | Digestive comfort; post-meal or evening cup |
| PCOS niche | Modest small-study evidence for androgen markers; not a treatment |
| Brewing | Just-off-boil, 5-7 min, covered; hot or iced |
| Pregnancy | Moderate amounts generally fine; check with GP if managing a condition |
Browse the herbal and fruit infusions for the range.
Reference noted
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