Peppermint tea is a beverage that is made by steeping herbal, non-caffeinated, peppermint leaves in boiled water. It can be served hot or as iced tea. You can apply it topically, and use it for aromatherapy. This tea is quite refreshing and has a mild minty flavor and aroma. But these are just a few of the benefits of peppermint tea.
The main ingredient in peppermint is menthol. Tea made from Mentha piperita leaves is known to be helpful with digestion, nausea, infections, anxiety, cholesterol, pain, and unpleasant breath. Let us explore some of these properties in a bit more detail. As with all natural remedies, please seek the advice of your healthcare professional.
10 Benefits of Peppermint Tea to Enjoy This Summer
1. Improved Digestion
One of the top benefits of peppermint tea is that it can help relieve bloating and associated gas in the intestines. Drinking a cup of peppermint tea can soothe an upset stomach and calm abdominal cramping. Naturopathic and homeopathic remedies for irritable bowel often include peppermint oil in the formula.
- Steeping peppermint tea leaves in a cup of boiled water for a few minutes, then sipping it, has been shown to stimulate the flow of bile through the digestive tract.
- This helps with the digestion of fats and encourages better bowel movements.
- Be aware that peppermint can cause heartburn in some people with acid reflux.
2. Relieving from Nausea
Nausea can be so unpleasant and often leads to vomiting. According to the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, peppermint is antispasmodic. This may be why it is recommended that one suck on mint candies to prevent motion sickness.
Drinking peppermint tea can reduce nausea and prevent the onset of vomiting. Expectant mothers often sip on peppermint tea to help with morning sickness.
3. Cold and Flu Symptom Relief
The uses and benefits of peppermint tea are many when it comes to dealing with upper respiratory infections. Drinking the tea can soothe a sore throat and calm a spasmodic cough. Peppermint has anti-viral properties that can help with an infection.
- A terrific way to clear the nasal passages and lungs is to steep peppermint tea in a bowl of steaming water.
- Then, cover your head with a towel and breathe in the vapors.
- Be careful not to burn yourself by getting too close to the steam.
4. Anxiety Management
Because of the antispasmodic properties of peppermint, it can help calm the nerves and the mind. If you have ever sniffed a bottle of peppermint essential oil you can instantly feel tension ease, especially if you have a headache from stress. You can do the same with peppermint tea by using it in a simple aromatherapy recipe.
- Boil a small pot of water with 2 tea bags and let it simmer. Your home, especially the kitchen, will smell great and you can breathe the mint essence in to relax you.
- Of course, you can also drink a cup of tea for added benefit. It can have a calming effect.
5. Cardiovascular Health
The relaxing qualities of the menthol in peppermint tea help your body to relax. This can assist in reducing your blood pressure. It is believed that consumption of mint can reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Studies have also shown that peppermint can significantly reduce levels of blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
6. Supports the Immune System
If your digestion is optimal, your immune system will be working better. Over all good health begins with proper digestion. When the gastrointestinal system is functioning well you are likely to have less inflammation and fewer toxins. Ridding the body of toxins daily reduces stress on the immune system. As already mentioned, peppermint tea improves digestion.
This tea also contains B vitamins, calcium, and potassium. The substances help to support the antibodies that fight illnesses and infections. The benefits of peppermint tea for the immune system make it something that you should include in your diet if you tolerate it well.
7. Pain Reliever
The menthol in peppermint tea is a natural analgesic. Menthol is an ingredient in many topical pain-relieving creams and patches. If you are experiencing muscle pain or spasms you can make a compress using peppermint tea leaves.
- Steep the leaves in a few cups of hot water to make a strong tea.
- Soak a cotton cloth in the tea, wring it out, and place it on the sore spot.
- Repeat as the cloth cools down until the pain and inflammation reduce.
8. Soothe a Sunburn
Similar to the benefits of peppermint tea for pain relief, you can also make a cold herbal compress with peppermint and other tea leaves for use on sunburn.
It can ease the pain and reduce the inflammation caused by overexposure to the sun. Mother Earth Living has an easy recipe for an herbal tea compress.
9. Disease Prevention
Peppermint is rich in many antioxidants, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. Antioxidants are essential for cell protection against the oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Scientists consider them to be the primary cause of premature aging and diseases, such as cancer.
10. Treats Bad Breath
Bad breath can often be a symptom of oral bacteria, tooth or gum decay, stomach upset, or a sluggish digestive system with toxic build-up. The antibacterial properties of peppermint tea start working immediately in the mouth to kill germs.
As the tea continues through your gastrointestinal system it helps to stimulate your organs to release fat digesting bile. This helps the intestines to work better and eliminate toxins. This can all decrease foul-smelling breath. Another of the great benefits of peppermint tea is that it smells minty, cool, and fresh.
Refreshing Up
People from around the world enjoy herbal teas both as beverages and for their medicinal qualities. The benefits of peppermint tea are especially impressive.
If you enjoy peppermint tea and have personal experiences you would like to share, or have any questions, please leave a comment. We always enjoy hearing from our readers.
