Quite simply, peppermint tea is an infusion made from peppermint leaves that is drunk as a tea. When you mix spearmint leaves to the tisane (infusion), then you get what’s called doublemint tea. This substance is caffeine-free, so many people who suffer from sensitive sleep patterns like to drink this relaxing tea before bed.
The scientific name of peppermint is Mentha piperita, and is actually a cross between water mint and spearmint. It is native to Europe, but its popularity and wide range of uses has made peppermint a global commodity. Peppermint tea is similarly enjoyed around the world. Peppermint oil is a popular form of medicinal treatment, particularly for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. We see similar effects from ingesting peppermint tea.
The mentholated flavor is very appealing to many people, making this one of the more popular tea varieties in the world. Tea is known to be soothing, sure, but what else does this widely available tea have for our bodies in terms of benefits? Let’s explore some of those other medicinal applications of peppermint tea below.
Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea
Fever ReducerWhen we think of the sharp, cool effect of menthol, we don’t necessarily think of a hot cup of tea, but peppermint tea has menthol as a main component, so drinking the tea can cause external sweating, while the menthol cools down your body inside. This essentially “breaks” a fever, and can reduce the associated inflammation and discomfort.
Digestive Health
Peppermint oil and peppermint tea have been used for thousands of years to sort out a variety of digestive and gastrointestinal conditions. Archaeological evidence actually shows peppermint being used as far back as 10,000 years ago as a dietary supplement. Peppermint tea is considered a carminative, meaning that it helps to move gas through the body as it accumulates, rather than causing bloating, cramping, and stomach discomfort. The tea also stimulates bile flow to increase the rate and efficiency of digestion and promote healthy bowel movements. It is not only a carminative, but also a analgesic, so it reduces the associated pain of cramps, bloating, and indigestion. This is due to its calming effects on the intestines and smooth muscles of the digestive tract. Diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and constipation can all be improved with this tea, as it brings the entire system to more optimal activity levels.
Nausea and Vomiting
When it comes to being sick, few things are as unpleasant as being nauseous or vomiting. Peppermint tea is antispasmodic, so it reduces the chances of vomiting and nausea, even in cases of motion sickness on a boat or a plane. It also reduces the stomachaches and queasiness associated with motion sickness, and its anti-inflammatory qualities can return your stomach to normal.
Respiratory Issues
As an antispasmodic, it can also relieve you of that irritating sensation that makes you want to cough, thereby exacerbating your respiratory condition. By relaxing the muscles of the throat and chest, you can eliminate that aspect of cold and flu symptoms.
Immune System
Peppermint tea has known antibacterial properties, which are the cause of so many illnesses, including fevers, coughs, and colds. Not only can drinking this delicious tea help you treat the symptoms of being ill, it can also prevent your body from getting sick in the first place! There are also trace elements of vitamin B, potassium, antioxidants and calcium, which can help your body uptake nutrients to fight off illness and perform necessary function to keep your body working in a healthy way.
Bad Breath
The strong, mentholated flavor and antibacterial quality of peppermint tea make it an ideal way of improving your breath. The antibacterial element kills the germs that can lead to halitosis, while the menthol overwhelms the foul smell and leaves your breath fresh and clean!
Weight Loss
The aroma of peppermint oil and some of its organic components can actually eliminate the appetite, so smelling this substance can help reduce overeating, and subsequently, obesity!
Stress Levels
The natural sedative and antispasmodic nature of menthol makes it very good at relieving mental stress. The anti-inflammatory nature can reduce blood pressure and body temperature, and allow you to unwind and relax, letting your cares melt away. This is part of the reason why peppermint oil is so popular in aromatherapy, but the effects from peppermint tea are very similar.
A Few Words of Caution
It is a powerful type of tea, and although it does have the wide range of health benefits explained above, there are still some possible side effects. The menthol can act as an allergen to some people, and can cause heartburn in others. Both of the reactions are typically mild, but consulting a doctor about possible allergies is always a good idea. Besides that, grab some peppermint leaves and get brewing!
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