What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- FDA: Notification of Statements of Nutritional Support
- "Phytotherapy Research": Spearmint Herbal Tea Has Significant Anti-Androgen Effects In Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. A Randomized Controlled Trial
- "Phytotherapy Research": Spearmint Herbal Tea Has Significant Anti-Androgen Effects In Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. A Randomized Controlled Trial
- MayoClinic.com: Caffeine: How Much Is Too Much?
- "American Journal of Physiology": Central Nervous System Effects Of Caffeine And Adenosine On Fatigue
- "American Journal of Physiology": Central Nervous System Effects Of Caffeine And Adenosine On Fatigue
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Spearmint Tea and Caffeine
Spearmint tea is a medicinal beverage made from the leaves and flowering tops of the spearmint plant. Unlike teas made from the camellia sinensis tea plant – such as green tea – spearmint tea does not contain any caffeine. Although no clinical studies have been performed on the interaction between spearmint tea and caffeine, moderate dosages of both substances are not likely to cause a negative reaction.
Definition
According to a study published in a 2010 issue of “Phytotherapy Research,” spearmint tea may have a significant anti-androgen effect on individuals suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome 1. One of the side effects of this condition is hirsutism, a cosmetic and psychological problem caused by increased levels of androgen and other male sex hormones in women. Like peppermint and other plants of the mint family, spearmint may also alleviate digestive discomfort, although this effect has not been clinically studied.** Aside from its medicinal uses, spearmint tea also is consumed for its minty flavor and aroma.
- According to a study published in a 2010 issue of “Phytotherapy Research,” spearmint tea may have a significant anti-androgen effect on individuals suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome 1.
- Like peppermint and other plants of the mint family, spearmint may also alleviate digestive discomfort, although this effect has not been clinically studied.
Spearmint and Caffeine
Which Herbs Reduce Uterine Fibroids?
Learn More
Both spearmint and caffeine have a stimulating effect on the nervous system 5. According to a report published on the FDA website, spearmint can have a beneficial effect on energy circulation. Caffeine has a much more pronounced effect on the central and sympathetic nervous systems, and can stimulate the production of stress hormones after consuming 100 to 200 milligrams of caffeine. One of the reasons why caffeine is considered so potent is its inhibitive effects on fatigue receptors called adenosine 5. As a result of caffeine in the brain, these receptors are prevented from causing symptoms of drowsiness and sleepiness, resulting in an overall delay in fatigue sensations.
Interactions
There are no known interactions between spearmint tea and the caffeine found in beverages and foods. According to the “The New York Times” Health Guide, both caffeine and spearmint may cause a worsening of heartburn and other gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms 3. Like peppermint tea, spearmint can be added to green or black teas to form an aromatic caffeinated beverage. Mild to moderate intake of spearmint tea and caffeine is not likely to cause any adverse effects or interactions.
- There are no known interactions between spearmint tea and the caffeine found in beverages and foods.
Precautions
Side Effects of Caffeine Free Hydroxycut
Learn More
The BreastCancer.org website includes spearmint among its list of estrogen-containing herbs. Individuals suffering from hormone imbalance, estrogen dominance, breast or other cancers should avoid taking spearmint without a doctor’s approval. Although caffeine is generally considered safe when kept to daily doses of 300 milligrams, some individuals may experience unpleasant effects such as:
- upset stomach
- irritability
- anxiousness
- muscle tremors
- accelerated heart rate after consuming caffeine
Related Articles
References
- "Phytotherapy Research": Spearmint Herbal Tea Has Significant Anti-Androgen Effects In Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. A Randomized Controlled Trial
- BreastCancer.org: All About Hot Flashes
- "New York Times": GERD Overview
- MayoClinic.com: Caffeine: How Much Is Too Much?
- "American Journal of Physiology": Central Nervous System Effects Of Caffeine And Adenosine On Fatigue
- Meredith SE, Juliano LM, Hughes JR, Griffiths RR. Caffeine Use Disorder: A Comprehensive Review and Research Agenda. J Caffeine Res. 2013;3(3):114-130. doi:10.1089/jcr.2013.0016
- Richards G, Smith AP. A Review of Energy Drinks and Mental Health, with a Focus on Stress, Anxiety, and Depression. J Caffeine Res. 2016;6(2):49-63. doi:10.1089/jcr.2015.0033
- Brunyé TT, Mahoney CR, Rapp DN, Ditman T, Taylor HA. Caffeine enhances real-world language processing: evidence from a proofreading task. J Exp Psychol Appl. 2012;18(1):95-108. doi:10.1037/a0025851
- Koppelstaetter F, Poeppel TD, Siedentopf CM, et al. Caffeine and cognition in functional magnetic resonance imaging. J Alzheimers Dis. 2010;20 Suppl 1:S71-84. doi:10.3233/JAD-2010-1417
- Harrell PT, Juliano LM. Caffeine expectancies influence the subjective and behavioral effects of caffeine. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2009;207(2):335-42. doi:10.1007/s00213-009-1658-5
- Lucas M, O'reilly EJ, Pan A, et al. Coffee, caffeine, and risk of completed suicide: results from three prospective cohorts of American adults. World J Biol Psychiatry. 2014;15(5):377-86. doi:10.3109/15622975.2013.795243
- Abdel-Hady H, Nasef N, Shabaan AE, Nour I. Caffeine therapy in preterm infants. World J Clin Pediatr. 2015;4(4):81-93. doi:10.5409/wjcp.v4.i4.81
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th edition. Washington DC; 2013.
- Turnbull D, Rodricks JV, Mariano GF, Chowdhury F. Caffeine and cardiovascular health. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2017;89:165-185. doi:10.1016/j.yrtph.2017.07.025
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alcohol and Caffeine. Updated October 23, 2018.
- Alsunni AA. Energy Drink Consumption: Beneficial and Adverse Health Effects. Int J Health Sci (Qassim). 2015;9(4):468-474.
- Lyngsø J, Ramlau-Hansen CH, Bay B, Ingerslev HJ, Hulman A, Kesmodel US. Association between coffee or caffeine consumption and fecundity and fertility: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Clin Epidemiol. 2017;9:699-719. doi:10.2147/CLEP.S146496
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Pure and Highly Concentrated Caffeine. Updated September 21, 2018.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction. Updated July 2018.
Writer Bio
Based in the Appalachian Mountains, Brian Connolly is a certified nutritionist and has been writing professionally since 2000. He is a licensed yoga and martial arts instructor whose work regularly appears in “Metabolism,” “Verve” and publications throughout the East Coast. Connolly holds advanced degrees from the University of North Carolina, Asheville and the University of Virginia.