Spearmint, or Mentha spicata is a pleasant-smelling species of mint containing vitamins, antioxidants, and vital nutrients.
Research published in Phytotherapy Research suggests that drinking two cups of spearmint tea a day, for 5 days could reduce the level of androgens in women while increasing female hormones necessary for ovulation, such as luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol along with hirsutism. A second, 30-day study, of 41 women with polycystic ovary syndrome, produced similar results.
Hirsutism in women causes hair to grow on the face, breasts, and stomach. It can lead to a great deal of distress. The hair grows because of excessively high levels of the “male” androgen hormones.
For women with hormone imbalances, spearmint tea may provide relief.
Additionally, in a study in rats, spearmint essential oil was found to decrease testosterone and ovarian cysts and increase the number of viable eggs in the rats’ ovaries.
Some serving suggestions are:
- Chopping the leaves and sprinkling it onto food
- Using the leaves to make mint sauce
- Preparing spearmint tea.
Ways of Consuming Spearmint
Spearmint Tea (Hot & Iced)
Ingredients
- 2 cups water (filtered)
- 15 mint leaves (fresh, peppermint or spearmint)
- Optional: 1 to 2 teaspoons sugar (or honey)
- lemon slices
- fresh lemon juice
- ice (optional)
Instructions:
- Gather the ingredients.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Remove from the heat and add the fresh mint leaves.
- Steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on desired strength.
- Add optional sweetener as desired. Start with 1 teaspoon per cup and add more as desired.
- If serving iced, fill tall glasses with ice and pour the tea over. If serving hot, pour the tea into mugs. Garnish with optional lemon slices and/or lemon juice to taste.
- Enjoy!
Spearmint Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 – 3 bunches of fresh mint leaves (and stalks if they are tender)
- 1 – 2 Tablespoons of White Wine Vinegar
- 4 – 6 Teaspoons of Brown or White Regular Sugar. (Brown is better if you have it handy).
Instructions
- Wash the mint well and discard any stalks which are thick and tough. Then chop finely.
- Place the mint in a bowl and add 1 Tablespoon of the vinegar. Give it a stir and it should be a thick consistency. If you need a little more vinegar, add a little at a time until you are happy with the thickness. You should be able to have a blob of mint sauce on a teaspoon without it being watery.
- Next, add a few teaspoons of sugar and stir well. Taste the mixture and add a little more sugar/jaggery until it is as sweet or sharp to your liking.
- Refrigerate (minimum 30 minutes) until you are ready to use.
Fresh Spearmint Ice Cream
Its pale color and sprightly flavor speak to its purity and its short ingredient list: milk, cream, sugar, eggs, and fresh-from-the-garden mint.
Servings: 6
Yield: Makes 3 cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup packed fresh spearmint
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
Instructions
- Prepare an ice-water bath. Cook mint in a small saucepan of boiling water until bright green, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer mint to ice-water bath. When cool, drain, and squeeze out excess water. Reserve ice-water bath.
- Puree mint and milk in a blender until mint is finely chopped. Transfer to a medium saucepan, add cream, and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Meanwhile, whisk together eggs and sugar in a medium bowl.
- Gradually whisk 1/3 of the cream mixture into the egg mixture, then pour egg-cream mixture into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Set over medium heat, and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until thick enough to coat the back of the spoon, about 8 minutes. (Do not let the mixture come to a simmer.)
- Strain through a fine sieve into a heatproof bowl, pressing on mint to extract liquid. Set bowl in ice-water bath. Let cool completely, stirring occasionally. Freeze until firm, about 4 hours (or up to 1 week).
Summary
Spearmint tea may have beneficial effects on hormones in women, including decreasing male hormones like testosterone and increasing hormones necessary for ovulation.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
