10 Stunning Peppermint Tea Benefits Backed By Science

Peppermint tea, with its fresh and invigorating flavor, has been a staple in many cultures for centuries. From its use in traditional medicines to its place in everyday health and wellness, peppermint tea has garnered attention worldwide.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about peppermint tea, its preparation, the extensive list of peppermint tea benefits, ways to enjoy it, and potential side effects to consider.

So, grab your cup of tea and prepare for an interesting read on peppermint tea benefits!

What is Peppermint Tea and How is it Made?

Peppermint tea is a type of herbal tea, brewed using the leaves of the peppermint plant (Mentha piperita L.). Known for its aromatic, cool, and invigorating flavor, peppermint tea is often consumed for both its delicious taste and various health benefits. It’s a caffeine-free beverage, making it a great choice for those looking to limit their caffeine intake.

To delve deeper into the types of peppermint tea and their unique characteristics, head to our complete guide on peppermint tea.

How to Make Peppermint Tea

Here’s how you can prepare peppermint tea using dried peppermint leaves or tea bags:

1. Boil Water: Start by boiling fresh, cold water in a kettle. The temperature should be at boiling point, around 212°F (100°C).
2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of pure organic peppermint tea for each cup (8 oz) of water into a teapot.
   • If you’re using a peppermint tea bag, place one tea bag into a cup or mug.
3. Steep Your Tea: Once the water is boiled, pour it over the tea in your container. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes. Peppermint tea requires a longer steeping time compared to other herbal teas to fully extract the flavor and benefits.
4. Strain and Serve:
   • For leaves, strain the tea into a cup to remove the leaves.
   • For tea bags, simply remove the bag from your cup.

Peppermint tea is caffeine-free, which makes it a great choice for those who are sensitive to caffeine or are looking to reduce their caffeine intake.

Now that you know how to make peppermint tea, let’s move on to the numerous health benefits of drinking peppermint tea.

List of Peppermint Tea Benefits

Peppermint tea offers a myriad of health benefits, making it not just a flavorful beverage, but a healthy choice too.

1. Digestive Aid

A digestive aid is something that aids in the digestion process. Peppermint tea has long been used as a digestive aid due to its ability to relax the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. This can help alleviate symptoms such as indigestion, bloating, and stomach cramps (Jarosz & Taraszewska, 2014).

2. Antimicrobial Activity

Peppermint tea exhibits antimicrobial properties, meaning it can inhibit the growth of microorganisms. The tea has demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against a range of pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (Chandrasekara & Shahidi, 2018).

3. Antioxidant Properties

Peppermint tea is rich in phenolic compounds like rosmarinic acid and flavonoids that exhibit antioxidant activity. These compounds protect the body against oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals (Chandrasekara & Shahidi, 2018).

4. Nausea Relief

Peppermint tea benefits also extend to the relief of nausea and vomiting. It has been traditionally used to alleviate these symptoms, especially in cases of motion sickness or morning sickness during pregnancy (Brown et al., 2003; Pathak, A. & Kumary, V., 2022).

5. Mental Health Support

Peppermint tea has been shown to improve subjective alertness, enhance memory, and reduce anxiety and stress levels, providing support for mental health (Moss et al., 2016; Abdelhalim, 2021).

6. Weight Management

Peppermint tea may aid in weight management by decreasing appetite and hunger cravings, which can lead to a reduction in calorie intake (Gadaka et al., 2021).

7. Respiratory Health

The menthol content in peppermint has a soothing effect on the respiratory tract, helping to relieve symptoms such as coughs, congestion, and sinusitis (Chakraborty et al., 2022).

8. Anti-inflammatory Effects

Peppermint tea benefits also include anti-inflammatory properties. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease (Chakraborty et al., 2022).

9. Cardiovascular Health

Consumption of peppermint tea may have positive effects on cardiovascular health, including helping lower cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (W et al., 2014; Sinija & Mishra, 2008).

10. Oral Health

Peppermint tea has antimicrobial properties that can help combat oral bacteria and reduce the risk of dental caries and gum disease (Beatushi et al., 2020).

These are just a few of the numerous peppermint tea health benefits. For more information about other types of teas and their health benefits, check out our comprehensive article on the health benefits of drinking tea.

What’s the Best Way to Take Peppermint Tea?

Peppermint tea can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer it hot or iced, plain or with a hint of sweetener, the choice is yours. You can also incorporate peppermint tea into your meals by using it as a base for soups or stews. It can even be used in desserts like ice cream or sorbets for a refreshing twist.

If you prefer to sip it in a fun and flavorful way and at the same time benefit from other herbs, you should absolutely try the peppermint tea blends from Art of Tea!

Potential Side Effects and Considerations of Peppermint Tea

While the benefits of peppermint tea are many, it’s important to be mindful of potential side effects. Some people may experience allergic reactions or heartburn from consuming peppermint tea. Pregnant and nursing women, as well as people with acid reflux or GERD, are advised to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating peppermint tea into their diet. Moreover, it’s crucial to source high-quality peppermint tea from reputable brands to ensure you’re getting a product free from contaminants.

Conclusion

From aiding digestion to supporting mental health, the benefits of drinking peppermint tea are abundant. Why not try a cup of peppermint tea for yourself and experience these benefits first-hand?

Don’t forget to share your experience with us! Also, be sure to check out our review post about the best peppermint tea.

References

• Abdelhalim, A. (2021). The Effect Of Mentha Piperita L. On the Mental Health Issues Of University Students: A Pilot Study. J Pharm Pharmacogn Res, 1(9), 49-57. Link Here
• Beatushi, a., Hussein, I., Mouhamad, R., Al-Khafaji, K., Tayh, M., Al-Zamily, R., … & Abbas, Q. (2020). Antibacterial Activity Of Watery and Ethanolic Extracts Of Black Tea And Peppermint (In Vitrostudy). JoBRC, 1(14), 92-99. Link Here
• Brown, J., Byers, T., Doyle, C., Courneya, K., Demark-Wahnefried, W., Kushi, L., … & Sawyer, K. (2003). Nutrition and Physical Activity During And After Cancer Treatment: An American Cancer Society Guide For Informed Choices. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 5(53), 268-291. Link Here
• Chakraborty, K., Chakravarti, A., Bhattacharjee, S. (2022). Bioactive Components Of Peppermint (Mentha Piperita L.), Their Pharmacological and Ameliorative Potential And Ethnomedicinal Benefits: A Review. J Pharmacogn Phytochem, 1(11), 109-114. Link Here
• Chandrasekara, A., Shahidi, F. (2018). Herbal Beverages: Bioactive Compounds and Their Role In Disease Risk Reduction – A Review. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 4(8), 451-458. Link Here
• Gadaka, M., Muazu, A., Muhammad, I. (2021). Phytochemicals and Elemental Analysis Of Methanol Leave Extract Of Peppermint Tea (Mentha Piperita L.). FSQM. Link Here
• Jarosz, M., Taraszewska, A. (2014). Risk Factors For Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease – the Role Of Diet. pg, (5), 297-301. Link Here
• McKay, D., Blumberg, J. (2006). A Review Of the Bioactivity And Potential Health Benefits Of Peppermint Tea (Mentha Piperita L.). Phytother. Res., 8(20), 619-633. Link Here
• Moss, M., Jones, R., Moss, L., Cutter, R., Wesnes, K. (2016). Acute Consumption Of Peppermint and Chamomile Teas Produce Contrasting Effects On Cognition And Mood In Healthy Young Adults. Plant Sci. Today, 3(3), 327. Link Here
• Pathak, A. & Kumary, V. (2022). Evaluate the Effectiveness Of Peppermint Tea On Morning Sickness Among Pregnant Mothers In Selected Areas Of Waghodia. pnr, S01(13). Link Here
• Sinija, V., Mishra, H. (2008). Green Tea: Health Benefits. Journal of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine, 4(17), 232-242. Link Here
• W, H., Heath, G., Dorrian, J. (2014). A Case Study Investigating a Behavioural Intervention To Reduce Caffeine Consumption. J Women’s Health Care, 05(03). Link Here