Peppermint is a beneficial ingredient to be included in our daily lives. From relieving an upset stomach to adding flavor and aroma to our refreshing drinks, peppermint has some of the most calmative properties. It helps us feel relaxed, releasing stress and anxiety. Know about the wonderful benefits of peppermint tea, its recipe and other essential things.
Peppermint Tea Benefits
What is mint tea?
Mint tea is a kind of herbal tea that has been into use since traditional times to treat a wide range of ailments. Also known as an infusion or tisane, mint tea is available in different varieties, the most popular ones being spearmint and peppermint tea. You can also get some fruit-infused mint teas like lemon mint tea and apple mint tea.
What is its taste like?
Mint tea has a cool, fresh flavor completed with a tingling touch. It provides a cooling sensation that is liked by many for its refreshing mist. Some kinds of peppermint tea also have a hint of vanilla or green tea flavors based on the blend or infusion. Its pleasing aroma activates the senses.
Peppermint Tea – the underlying science
With the scientific name ‘mentha piperita’, peppermint tea grows to a height of 3 feet and is a hybrid of watermin and spearmint. It can be found easily across the world in different forms, from shrubs in Congo to exotic gardens of Australia. The fragrant, wondrous, dark green tea plant contains more than 40 chemical compounds like menthone, menthol and menthyl acetate. These chemical compounds make it a good antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral, antispasmodic, myorelaxant, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, antioxidant, vasodilator and analgesic. Now you can have the idea of its powerful health benefits, right?
What are the benefits of peppermint tea?
Provides fresher breath
Peppermint offers a perfect flavoring for its clean, soothing smell and delicious taste. Drinking peppermint tea regularly helps in having fresher breath naturally, thus fighting bad breath problems efficiently.
A 2017 study revealed that gargling with a blend of peppermint, tea tree and lemon oils improved bad breath in various participants post spine surgery. Peppermint tea can also be equally helpful.
In a 2015 review of peppermint tea, experts suggested that the antibacterial properties of peppermint reduce the bacteria, causing gum disease and plaque. A cup of peppermint tea daily can keep you away from these dental problems.
Relieves tension headaches
In a 2016 study, researchers revealed that peppermint oil can alleviate muscle pain and render relaxed bones and muscles.
The cooling sensation of menthol in peppermint tea can also do wonders in reducing migraine and tension headaches. You can also try using peppermint oil for your temples and forehead.
Minimizes nasal congestion
Another study of 2016 suggested that vapors from peppermint oil help reducing respiratory problems like nasal congestion. Inhaling vapors from peppermint tea and sipping a hot cup of peppermint tea also soothes nasal congestion.
Improves digestion
It has been long since people used peppermint tea and its other forms (oil) to improve digestion. It also helps fight other digestive problems like bloating, gas and an upset stomach.
A study of 2017 inferred that consuming peppermint oil capsules reduces abdominal pain in children. Peppermint tea might also have a similar result.
Reduces menstrual cramps
Peppermint oil reduces severe menstrual cramps and problems of dysmenorrhea. In a 2016 study, researchers showed that around 127 women suffering from dysmenorrhea consumed peppermint oil capsules as an effect to reduced menstrual pain. It is due to the mefanamic acid, a kind of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. You can also use peppermint tea to get relief from menstrual cramps.
Boosts energy levels
Peppermint oil and peppermint tea help to alleviate the symptoms of fatigue, as a result, boosting energy levels. A 2018 study involving 24 participants inferred that peppermint oil capsules tend to reduce mental fatigue and improved cognitive functioning. Believably, peppermint tea also has the same effects.
Kills harmful bacteria
The antibacterial properties of peppermint help killing harmful bacteria. A 2018 study revealed that peppermint oil controls bacteria growth such as Listeria, Salmonella and Escherichia coli when added in pineapple juice.
The antibacterial and anti-fungal properties of peppermint tea prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Rejuvenates oily and dull skin
With increasing pollution and going out in the harsh sun create havoc on the skin, which makes it greasy and dull. Consuming peppermint tea every day helps to rejuvenate the dead skin cells clearing the pores. The antioxidants in peppermint tea are the key! It has been ages since the use of menthol or peppermint for the treatment of greasy and oily skin. The fundamental element of peppermint, menthol, reduces oil secretion from sebaceous glands. It efficiently clears the oil on the skin that possibly leads to acne and pimples. However, talk to your dermatologist before adding peppermint tea to your daily lifestyle.
Clears Acne
Acne is no less than a curse in our lives, especially during our teenage life and sometimes even youth. You might have tried so many tricks to get away from acne but making a simple change in your daily diet can do wonders for your skin!
Regular consumption of peppermint tea improves eliminating and reducing those unwanted zits on your face. The process is quite slow comparing to various commercial products. Still, there’s no denial of peppermint tea, when it comes to long-term cure. Menthol’s cooling effect works well, soothing the pimple-prone oily areas on your skin. Have some patience and drink a cup of peppermint tea every day. However, talk to your dermatologist before adding this to your daily diet.
Boosts hair growth
If you feel stressed over excessive hair fall or the receding hairline, try out having peppermint tea after consulting with your dermatologist. According to scientific research, peppermint acts as an excellent stimulator for the scalp and helps in hair growth. It has got the abilities to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow to the root of your hair, enhancing your hair’s health.
Works for weight loss
Most often we wish to lose weight in the easiest ways possible, without workouts, dieting and similar efforts. And not to mention the side effects of strict diet habits, we adapt to lose weight quicker. Trusting the reports from various studies, researchers proved that peppermint tea is a reliable source of losing weight. It increases fluid absorption in the body, assisting in weight loss. However, only consuming a particular amount of peppermint tea daily won’t be enough to cut off all the unwanted fat layers from your body. Regular exercise, a healthy diet and proper sleep remain essential in losing weight along with peppermint tea. You can get more details by talking to a certified dietician.
Lowers cholesterol levels
To believe an animal study, it peppermint can promote in the prevention of dyslipidemia or very high cholesterol and glucose levels. Another animal study concluded that peppermint extract can help in lowering the LDL ‘bad’ cholesterol levels. So, drinking peppermint tea regularly help in maintaining your cholesterol levels, which further prevents risks of cardiovascular problems like heart stroke and heart attack. However, there’s lot more information not yet revealed.
Have antibacterial properties
Research shows that the essential oils from peppermint can kill harmful bacteria.
A study in 2018 inferred that peppermint oils could help in reducing the growth of bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella and Escherichia coli in pineapple juice.
However, it responded better when added to mango juice. A review study of 2015 also concluded that peppermint has antibacterial properties that can kill harmful bacteria in the mouth.
So, drinking peppermint tea can help in reducing the unwanted bacteria in our mouth.
In addition to this, it also has anti-fungal properties.
Prevents Nausea
With its antispasmodic properties, peppermint tea can prevent nausea and vomiting. It’s refreshing smell can combat the feeling of nausea and the organic compounds present in peppermint helps soothing your stomach muscles, the contraction of which leads to vomiting. Try drinking peppermint tea before boarding a flight or boat as it also helps to prevent the feelings of seasickness and motion sickness.
Helps reducing fever
You might be surprised to know but peppermint can be highly useful in controlling fever. Menthol works as a decongestant and is the main ingredient of tea. It renders a cooling effect for the body ultimately lowering the body temperature, internally and externally. This way, having peppermint tea during fever can reduce issues of inflammation and discomfort. However, do not ignore consulting your physician if the fever is not under control.
Helps cures respiratory disorders
Peppermint has antispasmodic and antiseptic effects that help in relieving coughs, reducing mucus, throat infections, relieves sinuses, asthma, colds, bronchitis, flu, etc. Now you know how peppermint tea keeps your respiratory track clear and protects you from any infections. If you have any chronic illness related to respiratory system, do consult your doctor before including this amazing ingredient to your daily diet.
Eases breastfeeding
Several women face issues while breastfeeding the newborn. It is a common disorder called nipple fissure caused due to excessive friction, resulting in irritation, soreness or sometimes bleeding in the nipple area.
Having peppermint tea has been effective in easing breastfeeding as it has anti-infection and anti-inflammatory properties, As always, lactating and pregnant women should talk to their gynecologist before taking this herbal tea.
Promotes good sleep
With all these stressful jobs and lifestyle of today’s youth, proper sleep is something we strive to attain. To get away with the day’s tiredness, you can opt for peppermint tea is the most effective option. If you have tried caffeine for good sleep, you are only increasing your anxiety level. Peppermint tea helps to calm your senses and relaxes your body, ultimately getting you a good sleep.
So, now that you know the great benefits of peppermint tea, it is time you consult your physician and include it in your daily lifestyle. Before that, let us know the right way to prepare peppermint tea.
How to make peppermint tea?
The incredible thing about peppermint tea is you can grow at home and use it to prepare the herbal concoction. Here’s how you can make the soothing peppermint tea:
- Boil 2 cups water in a saucepan.
- Tear a few mint leaves in pieces.
- Add these leaves to the boiling water as per how strong you want your tea.
- Let it boil for some time. Do not strain it right after you turn off the burner. Keep it in the water for a few minutes to allow the goodness of mint release in the solution.
- After a few minutes, strain the tea in a cup. If you want it a little sweet, you can add some honey to it.
Note: Do not add honey while the tea is on boil. Add it after straining it in a mug or cup.
Ditch milk tea and include this healthy drink to your daily routine for a balanced health.
How much peppermint tea should you drink?
You can drink peppermint tea at any time of the day. It is naturally free from caffeine, so you won’t be staying up all night. It contains zero calories, making it a perfect alternative to fruit juices, soda and different sugary drinks.
However, adding honey, sugar or cream will make it filled with calories.
Are there any side-effects of peppermint tea?
There are a few things to consider for consuming peppermint tea. It is safe for people of any age. However, it might not suit everyone and could lead to symptoms like GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease) and heartburn.
If you are allergic to peppermint or any of its chemical ingredients, better don’t consume it or talk to your physician for better advice.
The Bottom Line
Peppermint tea has immense benefits in promoting a healthy lifestyle. It helps cure skin problems like acne and oily skin, reduces tension headaches, lowers cholesterol levels, improves good sleep, and many more. However, we would suggest you talk to your health expert before including it in your daily diet.
