Preliminary scientific research suggests spearmint tea may reduce excess hair growth caused by mild cases of hormone-related hirsutism. Hirsutism is defined as abnormal facial and body hair growth in women, often associated with an excess of male hormones. A scientific study published in Phytotherapy Research reported that ingestion of spearmint tea reduced free testosterone (male hormones) and increased estradiol levels (female hormones) in hirsutism study participants. More research needs to be conducted to confirm spearmint's reliability in treating hirsutism. Consult with your doctor regarding excess hair growth to rule out any serious medical conditions before beginning home spearmint tea treatment. With your doctor's approval, you can enjoy the refreshing taste of spearmint and reduce hair growth.
Place 1 heaping tsp. of dried, ground spearmint leaves or 1.5 tsp. of fresh, finely chopped spearmint leaves in a tea cup.
Pour 1 cup of boiling water in the tea cup, over the spearmint leaves.
Steep the tea for 10 minutes.
Add a small amount of honey or sugar to taste, if desired.
Drink two 8-ounce cups of spearmint tea a day.
Warning
The University of Maryland Medical Center states "most cases of hirsutism are not severe and have no underlying cause, but "sometimes there is a more serious underlying condition, such as Cushing's syndrome."
References
- Phytotherapy Research; Effect of Spearmint (Mentha spicata Labiatae) Teas on Androgen Levels in Women with Hirsutism; Akdogan M, Tamer MN, Cüre E, Cüre MC, Köroglu BK, Delibas N; May 21, 2007
- The University of Maryland Medical Center: Hirsutism
Writer Bio
Rose Kivi has been a writer for more than 10 years. She has a background in the nursing field, wildlife rehabilitation and habitat conservation. Kivi has authored educational textbooks, patient health care pamphlets, animal husbandry guides, outdoor survival manuals and was a contributing writer for two books in the Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader Series.
