How to Make Spearmint Tea

Spearmint or mentha spicata, is used as an active ingredient in toothpastes, chewing gums, mojito (yummy!), and mint julep. The leaves of spearmint has many benefits like decreasing the feeling of nausea, indigestion, stomach ache, hirsuteness (excess growth of hair in women), and also morning sickness in women.

With so many benefits, spearmint leaves are used in making tea. The tea has no traces of caffeine which in turn can be consumed by anyone, regardless of age or health. The distinctive smell and flavor provided in the tea is obtained due to the carminative oil present in the spearmint leaves.

You can even grow spearmint plants in your garden to make the tea from its fresh leaves. The steps to prepare the tea with the correct directions are mentioned below. Take a look.

To prepare the tea, you'll require a handful of spearmint leaves (properly washed), 4 cups of water, and honey. You can add 2% milk or sweet cream if you like. Once you have the ingredients, begin following the steps.

• In a pot, pour the 4 cups of water and place it on low heat.

• Add the washed spearmint leaves in with the water and let the water turn warm.
• We don't want to boil the water; just heat it. The warmer the water, the stronger the tea.
• Remove the pot off the stove and let the leaves steep in the water.

• After few minutes, strain the tea with a colander so the leaves are caught by it.
• Discard the leaves and let the tea cool down a bit.
• Add honey and milk or cream in the tea to your liking (quantity depends on you). Stir the tea properly and sip.

Variation #1 - Instead of heating the leaves with water in the pot, you can soak the leaves. To make the tea, you need to heat 4 cups of water in a pot and then add the leaves from the top. Let the leaves soak in the water for about 8 to 12 minutes. Strain the tea, add honey and cream (if you like), and enjoy the tea.

Variation #2 - Another method of preparing the tea is by soaking fresh spearmint leaves in water. Take a handful of leaves and place them in a pot. Pour 4 cups of water from the top and let the leaves soak in for 10 to 12 minutes. The soaked leaves will leave their flavor in the water.

Make sure you only heat the water and not boil it (this step is very, very crucial). Remove the leaves from the pot and heat the water over on low. Once the water is warm enough, strain and sip the tea.

If you can't grow the plant in your garden or have access to fresh spearmint leaves, you can use tea bags instead. To learn how the tea is made with tea bags, here are the directions.

• In a pot, heat 1 ½ cups of water over low heat.

• In a cup, place one spearmint tea bag and wait for the water to heat.
• Once the water is ready, pour it over the tea bag.
• Let the tea bag steep in hot (not boiling) water for 5 to 10 minutes.

• Depending on how strong or light you want the tea, steep the tea bag accordingly.
• When the tea is ready, remove and discard the tea bag.
• Add honey and/or cream if you like, and enjoy your tea.

Apart from the spearmint tea benefits mentioned above, the tea leaves you refreshed and rejuvenated. Although do remember, consuming spearmint tea excessively may also have its side effects. So consult with your doctor and have the tea in moderation.