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What are the benefits of peppermint tea is a valuable question for not just those weighed down under some obscure malady, but also those looking to regulate their health, and yes, even tea lovers, wanting to extend the scope of their flavor palates.
Tea drinking in actuality is a liminal actuality. On the surface, it may seem to be very simple, but for the true tea-lover, it is nothing short of pure art. And for the nutritionist and the health-aware individuals, it is a sacred matter altogether.
With the rise of a new age of Tisanes, commonly known as herbal teas, peppermint tea has emerged as one of the foremost options to set your health straight with a natural remedy. As a herbal remedy, peppermint offers a host of opportunities.
No matter if you are a true tea guru looking for a healthy option to satiate your tea craving or a novice getting into the art of tea-making; take out your kettle and glass teacups and warm some water.
Because we are about to get down and dirty with making some peppermint tea!
1. Introduction to Peppermint
There are around 30 different species of mint in the mint family; all of them have some or other therapeutic properties and have been used in cooking for thousands of years.
Peppermint is a recent addition to the mint family, and it’s a naturally occurring aromatic herb cross between spearmint leaves and watermint leaves.
Linnaeus, a botanist, discovered peppermint in the United Kingdom in the 18th century.
Peppermint tea is recommended to treat various diseases by many health professionals and herbalists. Further, peppermint oil or the aroma of peppermint can help with headaches and colds.
2. What Is Peppermint Tea?
Peppermint tea is one of the world’s most versatile herbs. It is a popular herbal tea made from the dried leaves of peppermint plants (Mentha piperita). Fresh or dried peppermint leaves are steeped in hot water to make peppermint tea.
It’s an aromatic tea that may instantly warm you up on a chilly day or cool you down on a hot day. Evidence shows that dried peppermint leaves were found in tombs inside Egyptian pyramids in 1000 BCE.
Peppermint leaves contain several essential oils such as menthol, menthone, and limonene. Menthol provides peppermint leaves with their distinctive minty taste and cooling effects.
Peppermint tea with a long history of medicinal usage is cherished worldwide for its properties as a breath freshener, headache reliever, and a popular remedy for an upset stomach, candies, and other food.
3. Forms of Peppermint Tea Consumption
3.1. Tea Bags
In several parts of the world, peppermint tea bags are widely available, with prices ranging from low to high. Peppermint tea bags are a cost-effective way to get your peppermint intake.
Peppermint green tea, peppermint and licorice tea, and organic peppermint tea are some of the other flavors available if you decide to go for a tea bag intake.
3.2. Loose Leaf Tea
Loose-leaf peppermint tea seems like a daily delight. You can take a break from your busy day by pouring boiling water over dried peppermint tea leaves and steeping for 3–5 minutes. Loose-leaf tea can make an iced mint tea.
3.3. Home-made Peppermint Tea
Making your own peppermint tea from scratch can prove to be very fulfilling. All you need is to remove the peppermint leaves from the plant and wash them to remove any dirt. Then the fresh leaves (crushed) need to be put to boil in water.
After steeping the mint leaves for 10 to 15 minutes, your homemade peppermint tea is ready to grace a mug and hop into your palms as you sip away into food heaven.
4. What Are The Benefits of Peppermint Tea?
There are several potential health benefits of peppermint tea in addition to its flavor. Let’s look at what are the benefits of peppermint tea and extracts that have been scientifically proven.
4.1. Relief from Upset Stomach
The most well-known therapeutic 1use of peppermint tea appears to be in aiding digestion by relaxing the digestive system.
Peppermint essential oil, which contains menthol, menthone, and limonene, has been found to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and prevent cramps in the stomach muscles.
Peppermint oil capsules are also potent as a natural cure for IBS symptoms2 such as abdominal pain, bloating, and flatulence.
Mixing peppermint leaves with other beneficial herbs and extracts provides various digestive benefits, such as easing constipation.
Some health professionals believe that drinking peppermint tea regularly can help treat gastrointestinal issues, although consuming peppermint oil may cause heartburn.
4.2. Clears Sinuses and Aids Breathing
Menthol, the naturally occurring chemical that gives peppermint its refreshing cooling sensation and unique minty flavor, can aid in the treatment of sinus issues.
Sipping (and smelling) peppermint tea may help if you’re sick or have chronic discomfort.
Menthol, present in peppermint leaves, calms inflamed mucous membranes in the sinuses and throat, making it less prone to obstruct breathing and a stimulant, breaking up phlegm 3and mucus production.
It can also assist with nausea. Before drinking peppermint tea, you should inhale the steam.
4.3. Breath-Freshener
Peppermint has a breath-freshening solid effect and it has antibacterial properties that fight the microorganisms which cause bad breath. Studies have shown rinsing the mouth with peppermint is very effective in eradicating traces of bad breath.
Toothpaste, breath mints, and chewing gums include peppermint, readily available in most grocery stores. On the other hand, peppermint tea is an excellent natural way to wash away bacteria that can cause bad breath.
4.4. Headache Reliever
Peppermint acts as a headache reliever, and it can help with headaches and migraines caused by stress or a bad diet. Peppermint tea opens up blood arteries in the brain, providing comfort to headache patients.
Peppermint oil can aid with migraines, help to relax muscles, common cold, cough, etc. If you get a headache pain in the future, instead of taking pills, seek some dried or fresh peppermint leaves.
You may notice that your pain goes away within a few minutes of steeping and sipping without any side effects.
4.5. Boost the Immune System
Peppermint has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, which could help the immune system by killing harmful germs.
Peppermint tea may also help ease a congested nose and treat upper respiratory tract infections. Drinking a hot cup of peppermint tea and inhaling the menthol vapors will help relieve nasal congestion if you have a cold or sinusitis.
4.6. Caffeine-free and Sugar-free
Peppermint tea is a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea. Caffeine avoidance, especially in the afternoon and evening, can aid in treating insomnia, anxiety, etc.
You’ll be less likely to experience an energy drop once the caffeine wears off because you won’t have as much caffeine.
If you’re trying to reduce your sugar intake, sip a calorie-free cup of mint tea instead of reaching for a sugary soft drink. It’s a terrific way to stay hydrated instead of sugary colas, fruit juices, and soft beverages.
4.7. Allergy Reaction Reliever
Rosmarinic acid which is present in peppermint and some of the mint family helps to reduce allergic reaction symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose, including seasonal allergies such as hay fever.
4.8. Help In Menstrual Pain
Peppermint considers a natural painkiller, and mint leaves contain relaxing chemicals which may help alleviate dysmenorrhea symptoms (menstrual cramping).
Next time you have menstrual cramps, drink peppermint tea instead of taking the painkillers. You will start feeling better in no time.
4.9. Helps to Combat Free Radicals
Peppermint contains strong antioxidant properties and can help protect against free radicals, which are unstable chemicals that cause aging, illnesses, and chronic diseases.
4.10. Boost Your Memory Naturally
Peppermint and other essential oils have been shown in studies to improve focus and memory naturally.
Drinking peppermint tea is believed to help promote mental alertness and attention by providing a refreshing and energizing effect.
Peppermint tea may also activate the limbic system, which improves memory and recall.
5. Purchasing and Storing
Peppermint tea4 bags can be found in grocery stores or online, and dried mint is also commonly available. After roughly a year, dried mint or peppermint tea leaves lose their potency.
It is therefore advised that do not use tea leaves that have been dried and stored for more than six months. Keep changing and refilling the stock of peppermint leaves to ensure you have a steady supply.
6. What Are the Side Effects of Peppermint Tea?
Peppermint tea must be consumed in meditation to ensure that it doesn’t have any adverse impact. Here are some potential side effects to look out for, in case you suspect some peppermint-related issues.
- If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you should avoid peppermint tea. Because peppermint tea relaxes muscles, it can worsen acid reflux by affecting the muscle that connects your esophagus to your stomach.
- You should avoid peppermint tea if you have a bile duct, gallbladder, liver disorder, hernia5, or kidney stone.
- If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you may need to avoid peppermint tea.
- Anyone with a health concern or taking medications should see their doctor before adding peppermint tea to their diet.
Hopefully, now you have a better understanding of what is peppermint tea.
If you still have any questions or concerns about what are the benefits of peppermint tea or its side effects, talk to your doctor or a herbalist before making any dietary changes.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
7.1. What Does Peppermint Tea Do for Your Body?
Peppermint tea can help improve your immunity. It is anti-inflammatory and has antibacterial properties. It can help with headaches, menstrual cramps, sinus problems, and gastrointestinal issues6 as well.
7.2. Is it Good to Drink Peppermint Tea every day?
Peppertea can be consumed multiple times a day. However, it is better to impose a reasonable limit because over-consumption can have some side effects.
7.3. What are the Side Effects of Drinking Peppermint?
Too much consumption of peppermint tea can cause heartburn. It may also lead to a dry mouth phenomenon, which requires the intake of more fluids. It’s advised to take peppermint tea with temperance.
7.4. What is the Difference Between Mint and Peppermint Tea?
The difference lies in the extent of the menthol content. Mint has more concentration of menthol and a stronger flavor. While peppermint has a lower concentration of menthol.
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Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology
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