Hi All.
I can't find almost anything at all about spearmint on this forum, so I'm starting this thread.
I've liked the taste of spearmint for as long I can remember, most notably in the form of chewing gum with xylitol, but I drank my first cup of spearmint tea/infusion only yesterday. I prepared the drink from hot water and powdered spearmint leaf, which was not particularly expensive.
As for the effects of this herb, it seems to be best known (beyond its use for flavour) for reducing androgens in women. Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects are also often mentioned, as well as benefits for certain stomach complaints. It is known to contain rosemarinic acid, which is claimed to be beneficial for working memory.
In my own (still very brief!) experience, it often improves mood, though not dramatically. I don't know if it provides this effect on its own, or whether it interacts with adaptogens (eg. ginseng, rhodiola rosea, and ashwagandha). Meanwhile, I haven't noticed anything at all from saffron, which is certainly more well-known than spearmint for its antidepressant effects.
Please add to this thread if you have more information about spearmint, including personal experience!
-alpha2A
