Discover the powerful health benefits of spearmint and its effects on digestion, stress relief, and overall wellness. Learn how this fragrant herb can support natural healing, boost immunity, and add a refreshing touch to teas, recipes, and home remedies.
Spearmint is more than just a refreshing flavor in tea or desserts—it’s a versatile herb with real health-boosting power. From supporting digestion to calming the mind and soothing tension, spearmint has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for everyday ailments. I love keeping it in my garden because it’s easy to grow, wonderfully fragrant, and always ready to lend its healing touch. In this guide, I’ll explore the powerful health benefits of spearmint and its effects, how to use it at home, and why this simple herb deserves a spot in your self-sufficient wellness routine.
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What is Spearmint
Spearmint is an herb in the mint family. It grows wildly and can take over your garden if not contained. Spearmint can be harvested multiple times throughout the growing season. It can withstand multiple cuttings and grows back quickly. It is one of the first plants to pop up in the early spring.
I grow a ton of it around the borders of my brick home. It repels many insects and spiders that I want to keep out of my home! My spearmint garden benefits me in multiple ways by keeping the pests away from my home, and I get to harvest it whenever I want, and it grows back so quickly and thicker each year.
Spearmint is so powerful that its oils can pack a ton of health benefits, as I will discuss in the following paragraphs. It can be enjoyed in teas, especially great around the holidays. You may wonder if spearmint and peppermint are the same, and you must know that spearmint has a more subtle taste of mint than peppermint.
The Effects and Health Benefits of Spearmint
Spearmint is great for digestive issues, relieving symptoms of indigestion, gas, nausea, and vomiting. When these symptoms arise, steep a warm mug of spearmint tea to help combat these symptoms.
Another benefit of spearmint is that it is high in antioxidants and can help battle heart disease and diabetes. It can also help fight against bacterial infections and foodborne illnesses. For this very reason, I like to keep dried crushed spearmint leaves in a jar in my basement pantry to add spearmint to any of my tea blends I feel inspired to make at any moment.
Spearmint can also help relieve headaches and muscle aches. I have provided recipes and instructions below on how to make spearmint salve to use on your temples and sore muscles.
More Great Health Benefits of Spearmint
One great thing about spearmint is that it is known to help reduce facial hair for women when drunk as tea. This works in the way that it helps balance and reduce the level of male hormones or androgens that are linked to excessive growth of facial hair in women. It is especially great to drink during pregnancy when all those weird, unwanted hairs develop in unwanted areas. While most women may not experience these issues, I have heard about this happening to some pregnant people because hormones are known to become unbalanced during pregnancy.
There is evidence that spearmint can aid in memory. When you are studying for a test, either drink some spearmint tea, keep a cotton ball drenched in spearmint essential oil next to you, or chew spearmint gum. On the day of the test, do the exact method you were doing while studying, and your memory will prove to you that you can pass the test. This works by your brain remembering what you were studying while sniffing or chewing on spearmint.
Health Benefits of Spearmint
Digestive Issues: Indigestion, Gas, Nausea, and Vomiting
Spearmint has long been valued as a gentle digestive aid. Its natural compounds can help soothe the stomach lining, relieve gas, and calm feelings of nausea. For anyone dealing with occasional digestive upset, sipping a warm cup of spearmint tea can provide quick, calming relief while also promoting regular digestion.
Beyond immediate relief, spearmint may help regulate overall digestive function over time. By reducing inflammation and supporting healthy gut bacteria, this aromatic herb can ease discomfort from bloating or indigestion and make your digestive system feel lighter and more balanced naturally.
High in Antioxidants and Fights Heart Disease, Diabetes, Bacterial Infections, and Foodborne Illnesses
Spearmint is packed with antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and protect the body from cellular damage. These compounds not only support overall health but may also lower the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes by improving blood flow and regulating blood sugar.
In addition to supporting the heart and metabolism, spearmint contains antibacterial properties that help protect against common infections and foodborne illnesses. Incorporating fresh spearmint into your diet—whether in teas, salads, or recipes—can be a simple, natural way to boost your immune defenses and maintain long-term wellness.
Reduces Facial Hair in Women by Balancing Hormones
Spearmint is known for its gentle hormone-balancing effects, which can help reduce unwanted facial hair in women. Studies suggest that regular consumption of spearmint tea may help lower androgen levels, making it a natural and non-invasive option for supporting hormonal health.
Beyond hair growth, balancing hormones with spearmint can have additional benefits, including improved mood and reduced acne. Drinking spearmint tea consistently or adding it to meals can be a small, easy step toward hormonal harmony and overall well-being.
Improves Memory and Brain Function
Spearmint isn’t just good for the body—it’s beneficial for the mind too. Research shows that compounds in spearmint can help improve memory, focus, and cognitive performance, making it a handy herb for anyone looking to boost brain function naturally.
Regularly enjoying spearmint, whether as a tea or in culinary dishes, may help support mental clarity, reduce brain fog, and maintain sharp thinking over time. It’s a simple addition to a daily routine that can make a noticeable difference in mental energy and memory retention.
Relieves Headaches and Muscle Aches
Spearmint’s natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties make it an excellent herb for easing headaches and muscle discomfort. A cup of warm spearmint tea or a gentle spearmint-infused compress can help reduce tension and provide soothing relief.
Additionally, spearmint can be a useful ally for post-activity soreness or stress-related tension in the body. Its calming effects support overall relaxation, making it a practical, plant-based solution for maintaining comfort and promoting natural healing after a long day.
Homemade Healthcare Recipes of Spearmint
Spearmint Tincture: To make a spearmint tincture, harvest some fresh spearmint leaves and wash them well. Allow the leaves to completely air dry on a dishcloth. Tear the leaves in a mortar and pestle or with your hands to release the spearmint oils. Pack the spearmint leaves in a Mason jar and completely immerse them in 80% alcohol. Seal the jar lid tightly and keep in a dark, cool room such as a basement or pantry. Every few days, when you are in and out of your pantry, remember to give it a good shake. Do this for at least a month or two. You can add fresh spearmint leaves as needed for more potency. You will then strain it through a fine mesh strainer a few times and keep it sealed in an air-tight container.
Spearmint Oil: To make spearmint oil, use the same procedure as the tincture instructions written above; however, rather than immersing the spearmint leaves in 80% alcohol, you will use an unflavored oil like olive oil.
Spearmint Salve: Spearmint salve can help alleviate sore muscles and headaches, and it is easy to make and keeps well in your natural herbal medicine cabinet. You will need 3 1/2 ounces of mint-infused oil from the instructions above, 1/2 ounce beeswax pastilles, and 40 drops of peppermint or spearmint oil. Add the oil and beeswax into a heatproof jar and set it in a pan with several inches of water, creating a double boiler. Wait until the wax melts and remove from the heat. Do approximately 40 drops of the essential oil and stir nicely. Pour into two separte two ounce salve tin containers or one four-ounce jar. It will set and cool down.
Conclusion
Spearmint is a small but mighty herb, offering a wide range of benefits for both the body and mind. From soothing digestive issues and reducing muscle aches to supporting memory, hormonal balance, and immune health, the powerful health benefits of spearmint and its effects make it a must-have for any home garden or kitchen. Whether enjoyed as a tea, added fresh to meals, or used in natural remedies, spearmint is an easy and versatile way to bring wellness into your daily routine. Growing your own spearmint not only ensures fresh, potent leaves at your fingertips but also connects you to centuries of traditional herbal wisdom.
For more information on holistic health nutrition, check out my article: The Ultimate Guide to Holistic Health Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can spearmint help with digestive problems?
Yes! Spearmint can help relieve indigestion, gas, nausea, and vomiting by soothing the stomach lining and supporting healthy gut function. Drinking spearmint tea after meals is a simple and effective way to ease digestive discomfort.
2. How does spearmint support heart and immune health?
Spearmint is rich in antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and protect the body from chronic diseases. Its antibacterial properties can also fight infections and foodborne illnesses, while compounds in the herb support heart health and help regulate blood sugar.
3. Can women use spearmint for hormonal balance?
Absolutely. Regular consumption of spearmint tea may help lower androgen levels, which can reduce unwanted facial hair and improve other hormone-related concerns like acne and mood swings.
4. Does spearmint improve brain function?
Yes. Studies suggest that compounds in spearmint can enhance memory, focus, and cognitive performance. Adding spearmint to your daily routine—through teas, culinary dishes, or supplements—can help support mental clarity and sharp thinking.
Summary
I hope I have inspired you to improve your health with herbal medicine under the guidance of your physician and begin to reap the benefits of what medicinal herbs offer.
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Here are some more of my gardening inspiration posts to check out!
The Ultimate Guide to Holistic Health Nutrition
Barefoot Grounding: 7 Best Surfaces to Revitalize Your Power!
Discover the #1 Secrets of Growing a Japanese Tea Garden!
Thyme: Powerful Health Benefits of Thyme
Lavender: Powerful Health Benefits of Lavender
Chamomile: Powerful Health Benefits of Chamomile
Sage: Powerful Health Benefits of Sage and Its Effects
Garlic: Powerful Health Benefits of Garlic and Its Effects
Holy Basil: Powerful Health Benefits of Holy Basil and Its Effects
16 Best Medicinal Herbs to Grow in Your Garden Now
8 Best Natural Pain Relievers For Survival Without Pharmaceuticals
Blessings,
The Off Grid Barefoot Girl
