Peppermint tea is one of the most popular herbal infusions which offer many positive effects.
For starters, sipping a nice cup of peppermint tea will make you feel relaxed and refreshed at the same time.
Peppermint itself has been known as a type of herb with multiple nutritious contents.
There are lots of peppermint tea benefits that your body can reap as soon as you start drinking this herbal tea regularly.
A. What is Peppermint Tea?
Classified under the mint family, peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a type of herbal plant which features fresh and strong flavor.
It is a cross variety between two different mint species: spearmint and water mint.
The plant is originated from the Mediterranean areas, but these days, you can easily find peppermint cultivars in almost every country.
Peppermint is not only famous for its distinctive aroma and flavor, but also its versatility.
For centuries, this herb has been used for many different purposes. During the civilization of ancient Egypt, dried peppermint leaves were included in the tombs to complete the process of embalmment and mummification.
In later periods, the leaves are extracted into multi-purposed oil with cooling and healing properties.
Peppermint tea is one of many uses that peppermint offers until these days. This herbal tea has a minty and refreshing flavor, which are perfected by the aromatic scent.
Aside from that, peppermint tea is valued the most for its relaxing effect. Drinking this tea in the morning can boost up your mood to start the daily routine.
Meanwhile, sipping a cup of peppermint tea at night will induce sleep and help you drift into a more peaceful state.
B. Does Peppermint Tea Have Caffeine?
Peppermint is caffeine-free, so you are free to drink it any time any day.
In fact, because of its zero caffeine compounds, peppermint tea is considered the best option for those who want to relax and relieve stress at the same time.
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C. Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea
There are numerous peppermint tea benefits that you can get when drinking a cup of this tea regularly.
For starters, peppermint tea can serve as a stress reliever, immunity booster, and breaths freshener.
It is also beneficial for your skin and oral health. The considerable health benefits offered by peppermint tea are listed below.
1. Relieving Stress and Anxiety
One of the main contents in peppermint tea is a sedative substance called antispasmodic.
It is responsible for producing calming and relaxing effect whenever you savor a cup filled with this herbal infusion. Antispasmodic can also help you get better sleep at night.
2. Freshening Breath
The aromatic scent of peppermint is often used as a breath freshener. More importantly, drinking peppermint tea can help you maintain oral health and hygiene.
You can use peppermint tea for sore throat as well due to its effective antimicrobial properties.
3. Warding Off Cold and Fever
Drink peppermint tea for cold remedy whenever you feel any feverish symptoms.
Peppermint tea contains several types of antioxidants that can help you fight cold, sinuses, and fever as well as improve your immune system.
4. Alleviating Nausea
Peppermint tea for nausea is a safe and natural choice to deal with the uncomfortable, nauseous feeling.
In addition to peppermint leaves, you can add a few drops of lemon for better and faster result.
5. Increasing Focus and Concentration
Peppermint tea, especially its aromatic feature, is often associated with the improvement of cognitive functions.
A study in the Journal of Neuroscience suggests that drinking peppermint tea in the morning will make you focus and concentrate better throughout the day.
6. Treating Headache and Migraines
If you suffer from headache or migraines, peppermint tea is something you can count on to treat them.
As a natural remedy, peppermint tea will calm neuron cells and ease the blood flow to the head.
7. Reducing Bloating and Swelling
You can also use peppermint tea for bloating and swelling treatment.
The anti-inflammatory properties contained in this herbal tea are effective to reduce internal swelling and indigestion while preventing more serious illnesses.
8. Curing Stomach Ailments
The benefits of peppermint tea for stomach health are quite surprising.
This herbal tea is known for its ability to treat various stomach ailments, from relieving stomach upset to promoting better digestion in constipation cases.
D. How to Make Peppermint Tea
To get the best results of peppermint tea benefits, you can make this herbal infusion on your own.
There are many ways to go when it comes to brewing peppermint tea. You can make do with store-bought peppermint tea bags, dried peppermint, or even better, use fresh peppermint leaves from the garden.
Making peppermint tea from tea bags or dried leaves don’t require a lot of effort.
All you have to do is put them in a teacup, and then pour hot or boiling water to complete the procedure.
However, the case will be different if you choose fresh peppermint leaves.
The following tips should be considered when turning the fresh leaves into a cup of peppermint tea.
- To release the flavor, grind fresh peppermint leaves to bits before you start brewing.
- The aroma and flavor of fresh peppermint will emit better if you use hot instead of boiling water. You need to let the water cool for several minutes after it boils.
- While steeping the leaves, they should be left for at least 10 minutes inside covered mug or teapot. That way, the tea flavor can develop better.
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E. Peppermint Tea Side Effects
Although it is loaded with many health benefits, the effects of peppermint tea may backfire on some people with certain conditions.
If you suffer from stomach ailments like GERD or acid reflux, it is better for you to avoid drinking peppermint tea.
The substances in peppermint affect the acid flow in your stomach, which can trigger the symptoms of your illness. People with GERD usually feel heartburn and indigestion after drinking this tea.
Moreover, there is a peppermint tea pregnancy caution for women who are expecting.
As suggested by some medical studies, peppermint tea may carry the risk of miscarriages.
For this reason, pregnant women should limit the intake of peppermint tea—or better, avoid it at all cost.
The same caution also applies to breastfeed mothers. Drinking peppermint tea while breastfeeding is not recommended since it can lead to infants’ breathing problems.