Peppermint tea is a herbal tea, also known as Tisane or Infusion, that has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. Available in various forms, the two most popular mint teas are peppermint and spearmint. Peppermint tea has a refreshing, cooling taste. Peppermint tea provides a cooling sensation. Peppermint tea has a delightful aroma that encourages the senses. Peppermint tea, made by extracting mint leaves in hot water. Peppermint leaves contain several essential oils including menthol, and limonene. Collectively, these give peppermint tea its refreshing, cooling, minty flavor.
Peppermint tea can be made using fresh leaves, dried leaves or tea bags. It’s naturally caffeine-free, so you can drink it as often as you like. Many people drink peppermint tea to enjoy the taste, but it has many potential health benefits. This article discusses the health benefits of peppermint tea.
Benefits of Peppermint Tea
1. Increase alertness and mood
A study of 180 volunteers showed that drinking peppermint tea can have a positive effect on mood and enhanced alertness. (1) Although it contains no caffeine, this tea can be refreshing and increase energy in the morning.
2. Relieve menstrual cramp
Peppermint tea can be effective in treating symptoms of menstrual cramps and dysmenorrhea which include nausea, diarrhea and intensity and duration of pain.
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3. Boost energy
Peppermint tea has been shown to be effective in boosting your energy when you are feeling sluggish. Although mint does not contain any caffeine or stimulants, it can help increase alertness, attention and energy. This makes peppermint tea the best option in the evenings when you need energy when you want to not stay awake all night. Peppermint tea provides energy to the body.
4. Improving memory
Studies showed that peppermint tea may be able to improve memory, both long-term and working memory.
5. Aiding sleep
Peppermint tea is a muscle relaxant and can provide relaxation before bed. It can help reduce stress and anxiety and promote better and healthier sleep. Since it contains no caffeine, it may be appropriate for most people.
6. De-stressing
Studies showed that peppermint is good for releasing stress, reducing depression, anxiety and fatigue. According to the International Journal of Neuroscience, this tea can even have a positive effect on self-confidence.
7. Treats bad breath
The aromatic scent of peppermint tea helps to carry away bad breath while the antibacterial properties work from within to destroy the germs and bacteria that cause bad breath in the first place. To get the fresh breath benefits of peppermint tea, drink a cup first thing in the morning or if you have bad breath. To neutralize the smell, you can drink peppermint tea after eating smelly foods such as garlic or onions.
8. Reduce nausea
This herbal tea is considered safe during pregnancy. Therefore, it is often used to reduce nausea and vomiting, as a safe alternative to regular medication.
9. Aid digestion
Peppermint tea is one of the best teas for dealing with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Peppermint tea plays an important role in promoting digestion and calming an upset stomach. The active ingredient carvone helps reduce painful muscle contractions in the digestive tract. It increases absorption of minerals from food and also soothes stomach disorders.
10. Relax muscles and calm the stomach
Peppermint tea may have “antispasmodic action on the smooth muscles of the digestive tract”. It is traditionally used to treat various stomach problems.
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11. Relieve flatulence
Peppermint tea can help relieve bloating. This is only recommended peppermint tea as a primary treatment to help with this problem.
12. Protect liver
Due to their high antioxidant content, both peppermint tea can have a protective effect on the liver.
13. Boost immunity system
Peppermint tea has antibacterial properties that help fight pathogens and improve the immune system. Signs of potassium, vitamin B and various antioxidants help the body to function healthy.
14. Relieve headaches
Studies have shown that peppermint tea can be effective in treating headaches like regular medicine. Peppermint oil can help with migraines, digestive headaches and tension headaches.
15. Antiviral activity
Peppermint tea can help fight viruses like herpes simplex virus influenza and Newcastle disease virus.
16. Prevent bacterial infection
Mint has strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that are very useful in treating mouth ulcers, bad breath, and dental infections. Peppermint tea effectively destroys bad bacteria that cause gum infections and gingivitis. Peppermint oil is very important in preventing the growth of various types of bacteria in the body thus improving the body’s immune system. Drink a cup of peppermint tea every morning to prevent colds and counteract the symptoms of viral fever.
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17. Improves respiratory health
The abundance of anti-inflammatory properties and soothing effects of peppermint tea make it very beneficial for respiratory health. It relieves sore throats, clears nasal and chest congestion and also soothes a dry, irritated base. It is also a powerful remedy for asthma, bronchitis, sinus and headaches.
How to make Peppermint Tea and how to use
To make peppermint tea, take 10 fresh mint leaves and wash them thoroughly and grind them thinly. Take a mug, and place the thinly ground leaves in it. Boil water in a pot once boiling, let it cool slightly before you pour the water into the mug. Remember, peppermint tea prepares well in hot water and not boiling water. After you let the water cool, carefully pour the water over the mint leaves. Once all the leaves are submerged in water, cover the mug and let it sit for at least 7 minutes. If you want the tea to be stronger, brew it for longer-probably about 15 minutes. Then arrange the tea in a cup and use it.
Side effects of Peppermint Tea
There is some evidence that peppermint tea may not be appropriate for those with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) as it may actually exacerbate symptoms rather than provide relief. If you struggle with burning sensation, or retain hernias or kidney stones, it may be prudent to avoid peppermint tea, as although no adverse reactions were found it may worsen these symptoms in some.
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Some people are allergic to mint. The leaves can cause skin or eye irritations, such as itching and honeydew. If peppermint tea is consumed, symptoms of the reaction usually occur within minutes, and may include an itchy tongue or throat, wheezing or coughing. In rare cases, this reaction can be serious and is a medical emergency.
Therefore, peppermint tea should be used in the right amount considering the benefits and harms as excessive use of any product can harm our health. The above is information provided for general knowledge purposes only. It is recommended to consult a doctor before using peppermint tea for medicinal purposes.
Conclusion
The information discussed in this article is about the health benefits of peppermint tea. In this article you will learn about the benefits and harms, uses and other information of peppermint tea. I hope the information mentioned in this article will be useful to you. Thank you!
FAQ
1. Is peppermint tea good for the immune system?
Ans: Peppermint tea has antibacterial properties that help fight bacteria that are harmful to your immune system. Peppermint tea also contains essential vitamins and nutrients that can boost your immune system so you get sick less often.
2. Can I drink peppermint tea at night?
Ans: Peppermint tea can improve your sleep. Peppermint tea before bedtime is an ideal option, as it is naturally caffeine-free. Furthermore, peppermint’s ability as a muscle relaxant can help you get educated before bed.
3. How many cups of peppermint tea should I drink a day?
Ans: There are no set guidelines on how many cups of peppermint tea you should drink in a day, most studies suggest 2-3 cups, a few researchers suggest drinking up to 4-5 cups may be better. This is because peppermint tea does not contain caffeine.
4. Does peppermint tea help to reduce belly fat?
Ans: Peppermint tea helps your stomach process fat, ensuring faster digestion of even high-fat foods such as burgers and steaks, which helps combat bloating.
5. Is peppermint tea a laxative?
Ans: Peppermint tea is the best tea for digestion. It is a popular herbal remedy for treating digestive disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and nausea. Tea also acts as a mild laxative to help the body remove waste properly.