Does spearmint really help with hormones?

Small clinical trials in women with mild hirsutism and PCOS show that two cups of spearmint tea daily for 30 days modestly lowered free testosterone and improved subjective symptoms. It is a useful adjunct.

Fresh, dried, or oil — what's best for daily use?

Fresh leaves in salads and yogurt and dried mint in soups and tea are the safest daily Persian forms. Reserve concentrated peppermint oil capsules for specific complaints like IBS, and only after talking to a clinician if you take other medications.

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Mint

The Essentials

Everyday Persian mint is gentler than peppermint, fine for daily use.

Dried mint sautéed in oil (na'na dāgh) is a classic Persian flavor and digestive aid.

Trials suggest spearmint tea may support women's hormonal balance.

Spearmint is a fast-spreading perennial 30–100 cm tall with square stems, bright green lance-shaped serrated leaves, and pale pink-violet flower spikes in summer. The aerial parts, fresh or dried, are the medicinal portion. Unlike peppermint, spearmint contains very little menthol — its dominant aroma comes from carvone.

Family: Lamiaceae (mint family).