Peppermint tea is an herbal infusion of peppermint (Mentha piperita) leaves. The plant is a cross between spearmint and watermint.
Peppermint is native to Asia and Europe and has been used in various medicinal purpose. Its tea is popular around the world for its refreshing taste and therapeutic values.
Peppermint tea is quite refreshing, soothing, and delicious. It possesses a number of health benefits including the ability to improve digestion, treat headaches, pain, inflammation, and sinus, etc.
Menthol, the key component of peppermint is responsible for the refreshing and appealing taste of peppermint tea, making it one of the most popular beverages in the world.
Continue reading to explore more about the benefits, side effects, and a simple procedure to make peppermint tea.
Benefits of Peppermint Tea
Here are some of the benefits and medicinal application of peppermint tea:
1. Peppermint Tea Can Soothe Upset Stomach.
Peppermint tea is a popular and effective remedy to soothe digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, and indigestion.
The soothing effects of peppermint tea can ease stomach inflammation, bloating, and cramps. It can also stimulate bile flow, promoting a healthy bowel movement.
A study published in the Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics confirms the efficiency of peppermint in reducing inflammation in the stomach.
READ ALSO: 14 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Stomach Ache That’ll Actually Work
2. It May Relieve Headaches.
Peppermint tea can elevate the confined blood vessels in the brain, promoting relaxation and easing the severity of headaches.
A cup of refreshing peppermint tea may help relieve headaches, migraines, and other stress-related problems.
According to a study published in the Phytotherapy Research, peppermint tea can act as a pain reliever and muscle relaxant. It can be used to treat different types of headaches.
Poor diet can lead to svere headaches sometimes that you can treat with peppermint tea.
READ ALSO: 10 Home Remedies for Sinus Headaches & How to Use Them
3. Peppermint Tea May Reduce Mental Stress.
Peppermint tea can help get relief from mental stress, thanks to the natural sedative nature of menthol.
The soothing and relaxing properties of peppermint tea can help you relax and stress-free.
This caffeine-free tea can help reduce your body temperature and blood pressure, as well as uplift your mood.
READ ALSO: 12 Essential Oils for Stress Reduction & How to Use Them
4. It May Aid in Weight Loss.
Peppermint tea is calorie-free and comes with a refreshing flavor. It can be a good choice if you want to lose weight.
However, there are some controversies about the efficacy of peppermint tea in losing weight.
Research published in The Jornal for Nurse Practitioners states the use of peppermint in preparing weight loss formulations.
On the other hand, an animal stdy published in 2015 shows that mice received peppermint extract gained more weight compared to the control group.
Further studies are needed to prove the effect f peppermint tea in weight loss.
READ ALSO: Drinking Oolog Tea for Weight Loss: Good or Bad?
5. Peppermint Tea Can Ease Symptoms of Sinus.
Peppermint tea is an antispasmodic. It can relax the muscle of your throat and chest, providing you relief from the irritation that makes you want to cough.
According to a 2006 research, peppermint tea may effectively treat sinus and other respiratory problems.
Drinking peppermint tea regularly may also eliminate the symptoms of cold and flu.
6. It May Promote Sleep.
The muscle relaxing capacity of peppermint tea makes it an ideal choice to drink before bedtime.
The tea is caffeine free, so people are suffering from insomnia can drink this tree to experience a sound sleep.
However, studies found mixed results about the sedative nature of peppermint oil.
In an animal study, chronic intake of pppermint oil prolonged the sleeping time of mice given as a sedative. But, acute intake didn’t have any sedative effect.
However, as it is relaxing and caffeine free, drinking a cup of peppermint tea before bed may help.
READ ALSO: Lavender Essential Oil for Sleep: How Effective?
7. Peppermint Tea Can Treat Gastrointestinal Disorder.
The anti-helicobacter pylori activity of peppermint tea can give you relief from any gastrointestinal problems.
Research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology shows the use of plants with anti-helicobacter pylori activity as a traditional medicine for gastrointestinal diseases. Peppermint was one of them.
8. It May Improve Your Immune System.
Peppermint tea is rich in nutrients like Vitamin B, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, and potassium. These components help fight illness and keep you healthy.
According to the research published in the Toxicology and Industrial Health, the antioxidant properties of peppermint can kill the free radicals.
Another study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry reports that the antimicrobial effects of peppermint can eliminate the pathogen.
READ ALSO: Essential Oils for Immune System: How Effective?
9. Peppermint Tea Can Eliminate Bad Breath.
The menthol in peppermint plays an important role in improving your breath that makes it an important ingredient in toothpaste, gums, and mouthwashes.
A study published in 2014 shows the antibacterial activity of peppermint tea can kill the germs in your mouth and help improve your breath quality.
While the antibacterial properties can kill the bacteria, menthol can overpower the bad smell and leaves your breath clean and fresh.
10. It May Soothe Menstrual Cramps.
The muscle relaxant activities of peppermint tea may help relieve menstrual cramps.
While there’s no study on the effect of this tea in relieving menstrual pain, properties found in peppermint herb shows positive results to that effect.
In a 2016 study, 127 women with painful periods received peppermint extract capsules. The result shows its effectiveness in reducing the intensity and duration of the pain.
READ ALSO: 21 Simple Ways to Get Rid of Period Cramps (& How to Use Them)
11. Peppermint Tea Can Prevent Nausea.
According to a study published in the Arabian Journal of Chemistry, peppermint oil has been used as a traditional treatment for nausea and vomiting.
the menthol in peppermint may help reduce nausea and vomiting, even when you take it as tea.
Peppermint Tea Recipe
It’s quite easy to make peppermint tea at home. You will need some peppermint leaves (fresh or dried) or peppermint tea bag to make this refreshing drink.
- Pour some water to a saucepan and let it boil.
- Turn off the heat and add some peppermint leaves.
- Let them steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Turn on the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Strain the tea and drink.
- You can also add some honey based on your preference.
Is there Any Side Effects of Peppermint Tea?
Although peppermint tea provides a wide range of health benefits, some people may experience some side effects.
Research published in the Allergy & Rhinology states that menthol in peppermint can cause allergy to some people. You may experience allergic asthma and some other allergic reactions after drinking this tea.
Bottom Line
Peppermint tea is extremely refreshing and may benefit your health in various ways.
Peppermint herb is rich in numerous therapeutic properties that can help treat several health problems. Taking it as a tea may help you in the same way.
However, if you’re allergic to menthol, consult with your doctor about the possible reaction of drinking this tea.
You can find the peppermint tea at your nearest grocery store. They are available as organic peppermint tea in both the loose leaf and tea bag version.
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