Mint Helps Hairy Ladies
By Sarah Gillham
Spearmint - the best a woman can get? Apparently so, as scientists believe they have found a possible cure to the distressing and embarrassing problem of hirsutism - a condition characterised by excessive hair growth in women (think bearded lady).
You may sneer but the problems of a bearded lady are no laughing matter. The excessive hair growth normally occurs on areas such as the face, breasts and stomach, and while stubble may be a good look for men, the same can’t quite be said for women.
According the latest studies at Suleyman Demirel University in Turkey, spearmint tea is the natural answer, as just two cups a day can keep the bum fluff away.
The condition is caused by abnormally high levels of male androgen hormones that are responsible for stimulating hair growth. Oral contraceptives are often used as treatment as they help to reduce the production of androgens or block the androgen receptors in the body thereby halting their normal effect.
Many women prefer a more natural approach, however, and researcher Mehmet Numan Tamer has shown that ‘spearmint could be a good natural alternative for women who have mild symptoms’. One heaped teaspoon of dried spearmint leaves brewed for five to ten minutes in a cup of boiling water could just do the trick.
The initial study idea arose from previous links between spearmint and the reduction of libido in men. Never previously thought possible, it seems the spearmint caused a reduction in androgen level and consequently this reduced level of excitability in the men.
The researchers agree however, that further studies are needed to discover the reliability and full extent of this miraculous plant’s hair-loss benefits. So for the time being, Gillette can sleep well.
You may sneer but the problems of a bearded lady are no laughing matter. The excessive hair growth normally occurs on areas such as the face, breasts and stomach, and while stubble may be a good look for men, the same can’t quite be said for women.
According the latest studies at Suleyman Demirel University in Turkey, spearmint tea is the natural answer, as just two cups a day can keep the bum fluff away.
The condition is caused by abnormally high levels of male androgen hormones that are responsible for stimulating hair growth. Oral contraceptives are often used as treatment as they help to reduce the production of androgens or block the androgen receptors in the body thereby halting their normal effect.
Many women prefer a more natural approach, however, and researcher Mehmet Numan Tamer has shown that ‘spearmint could be a good natural alternative for women who have mild symptoms’. One heaped teaspoon of dried spearmint leaves brewed for five to ten minutes in a cup of boiling water could just do the trick.
The initial study idea arose from previous links between spearmint and the reduction of libido in men. Never previously thought possible, it seems the spearmint caused a reduction in androgen level and consequently this reduced level of excitability in the men.
The researchers agree however, that further studies are needed to discover the reliability and full extent of this miraculous plant’s hair-loss benefits. So for the time being, Gillette can sleep well.
Image: Iris Fogel
Share this
