Spearmint

Botanical Overview

Spearmint is one of the oldest and most widely cultivated herbs in the world, native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia and now grown on every inhabited continent. A member of the same mint family as peppermint, it is actually the older of the two — peppermint is a naturally occurring hybrid of spearmint and watermint that arose much later. Spearmint has been used since antiquity: ancient Greeks used it to scent their bath water and flavor sauces; Romans spread it throughout their empire as a table herb and digestive remedy; and it appears in the Bible among the tithed herbs. Its name comes from the spear-shaped points of its bright green leaves. Unlike peppermint, spearmint's cooling character comes not from menthol but from carvone — a gentler compound that produces a sweet, soft minty freshness without the sharp intensity of its more famous cousin. This makes spearmint one of the most approachable and universally enjoyed herbal flavors in the tea world. It is naturally caffeine-free and wonderfully versatile — equally at home in a bright morning cup or a calming evening blend. In recent years, spearmint has attracted significant scientific interest for its remarkable anti-androgenic properties and its potential to support hormonal balance in women.

Flavor Profile

• Sweet, fresh, and gently cooling — milder and softer than peppermint
• Clean minty brightness with a pleasant, naturally sweet finish
• Light and refreshing without the sharp menthol intensity of peppermint
• Approachable and crowd-pleasing — wonderful for those who find peppermint too strong
• Excellent both hot and iced — one of the finest summer cold brew herbs
• Pairs beautifully with chamomile, lemon, rose petals, lavender, and green tea

Traditionally Used For

• Supporting hormonal balance — spearmint's anti-androgenic properties may help reduce excess androgens in women
• May reduce unwanted hair growth (hirsutism) associated with hormonal imbalance and PCOS
• Soothing digestive discomfort, nausea, and bloating
• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
• Supporting memory, focus, and cognitive function — carvone has shown neuroprotective promise in research
• Freshening breath and supporting oral health
• Easing headaches and stress with its calming aroma
• Gentle enough for children's digestive complaints

Brewing Notes

• Water temperature: 200–212°F / 93–100°C
• Steep time: 5–7 minutes for a full, bright cup
• Use 1–2 teaspoons of dried spearmint per 8 oz of water
• Fresh spearmint leaves also brew beautifully — use a generous handful per cup
• Excellent cold brewed overnight for a clean, refreshing iced mint tea
• Pairs wonderfully with chamomile for a soothing, digestive evening blend
• Add a slice of lemon and honey for a bright, uplifting morning cup