🌿 Spearmint

{"conditions_treated": ["Mild digestive upset (gas, bloating, nausea \u2014 gentler than peppermint, suitable for children)", "Nausea (including morning sickness \u2014 the safer mint for pregnancy)", "Hormonal acne (anti-androgenic effects \u2014 reduces excess androgens)", "PCOS symptoms (reduces testosterone levels \u2014 clinical evidence)", "Hirsutism (excess facial/body hair in women \u2014 anti-androgen)", "Fever (mild diaphoretic \u2014 promotes sweating)", "Headaches (milder than peppermint, suitable for children)", "Respiratory congestion (mild decongestant)"], "preparation_methods": ["Mild digestive tea: 1-2 tsp fresh/dried leaves steeped 5-10 min; suitable for children", "Spearmint tea for PCOS: 1 cup twice daily (clinical studies used 2 cups/day for 30 days \u2014 significant testosterone reduction)", "Tincture: 1:5 in 40% alcohol; 2-4ml for digestive or hormonal use", "Culinary use: The preferred mint for tabbouleh, mint sauce, and general cooking", "Facial steam: Spearmint infusion for acne-prone skin"], "active_compounds": ["Carvone (primary \u2014 no menthol)", "Limonene", "1,8-cineole", "Rosmarinic acid"], "toxicity_warnings": "Much safer than peppermint \u2014 contains almost no menthol. Generally safe for children and during pregnancy in culinary/tea amounts. However, anti-androgenic effects mean men should limit high medicinal doses. May interact with hormone therapies. Large amounts may affect libido in men."}