Peppermint tea naturally boost your body energy level.There are several health benefits of drinking peppermint which includes relieves bloating,boost immune system,aids in weight loss,reduce stress and detoxify skin.
Herbal teas are wonderful. They come in several varieties and provide immeasurable health and fitness benefits.
One of them is peppermint tea. It provides relief from so many ailments and it is interestingly hot, cold or warm as well.
Just had a hearty meal and needed something refreshingly tasty?
A cup of Peppermint tea is the perfect pick for you.
I just realised you are as inquisitive as me.
Let us see what peppermint tea is and what is so wonderful about it.
Table of Contents
What Is Peppermint Tea?
Peppermint tea is a type of herbal tea made by infusion of peppermint. The key ingredient is menthol.
Health Benefits Of Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is anti-spasmodic in nature. In simple words, this means that it possesses the ability to relax the muscles. This ability can do miracles to your body. Let us see how.
1. Caffeine Free
The fact that peppermint tea does not contain caffeine may be a boon or a bane.
It depends.
If you want to enjoy a cup of tea that won’t add to your caffeine content, peppermint tea is a good choice as is any other herbal tea.
But if you need a tea that keeps you awake at night, you need to go for your traditional cup of tea or coffee. In fact, peppermint tea has a soothing effect and is said to be good for a good night’s sleep.
2. Relieves Gas And Bloating
If you are suffering from gastric problems, you should immediately add a pack of peppermint tea to your kitchen shelf.
Peppermint tea removes gassiness and relaxes muscles, thus facilitating the movement of gas curing flatulence problems.
3. Reduces Heartburn And Indigestion
The ability of peppermint to relax muscles also improves the flow of bile juice in the stomach, thus improving digestion.
It acts like acid reflux and thus can cure indigestion.
4. Nausea And Vomiting
As already mentioned above, it makes you feel comfortable at night and thus help fight morning sickness. Morning sickness is common among pregnant women.
Peppermint tea is antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory in nature. It relaxes muscles and thus reduces instances of vomiting and nausea.
5. Respiratory Issues
As an antispasmodic, it also relieves you from that irritating sensation that makes you want to cough, thereby improving your respiratory condition By relaxing the muscles of the throat and chest, it can eliminate that aspect of cold and flu symptoms.
Peppermint tea is said to be a natural decongestant. It can also help in providing sinus relief.
The season of constant colds and flu has begun, so let peppermint tea become part of your evening routine.
6. Immune System
Bacteria are the cause innumerable diseases which include fever, cough and cold and the worst part is that unknowingly we are exposed to millions of them. Be it in the air, water or the food we intake.
But don’t you worry. Peppermint tea will come to your rescue as it is said to have anti-bacterial properties. It builds immunity against a variety of illnesses.
It is a mild source of vitamin B, potassium, calcium and some anti-oxidants which help it in doing so and also in keeping the body working in a healthy way.
Well, we all know:
Prevention is better than cure!
7. Bad Breath
Are you ashamed of you bad breath and despite being brushing regularly suffer from bad odour?
Bacteria are yet again the culprit.
While peppermint tea being anti-bacterial kills the bad odour causing germs, the strong mentholated flavour represses the foul smell leaving your breath fresh and clean.
8. Weight Loss
Millions in the world are suffering from obesity. Overeating, unhealthy lifestyle, lack of sleep, indulging in junk food- the reason may be anything but being obese is serious, a serious problem.
Peppermint tea can help you shed kilos. It may sound unbelievable, but the aroma of peppermint and some of its organic compounds can help you cut on your diet and subsequently obesity.
So next time you visit the supermarket, think of those extra kilos and buy a pack of peppermint tea.
Hey, wait!!
I should suggest this to my grammar teacher first. Well! She may add me in her good books or may do the reverse? What do you think?
9. Curbing Stress
The new talk of the town is “stress”. It is an indispensable part of the busy and ambitious lives we live these days. In fact, a certain level of stress is required to keep you going. But when stress starts interfering with your lives in a negative way, something somewhere has gone gravely wrong and needs to be paid attention.
Peppermint is an excellent stress buster especially because of the menthol it possesses. Being anti-inflammatory, it reduces blood pressure and body temperature which are the consequences of stress and thus allows you to relax.
The stress relieving powers of peppermint can be realised from the fact that it is used in stress relieving aromatherapy.
So, now onwards whenever you are bogged down, help yourself to a cup of peppermint tea and be back on track again.
Easing a headache or a migraine
Again the anti- spasmodic nature of peppermint tea can potentially relieve a pulsating headache. A steaming cup of peppermint tea relaxes tense muscles and settles an anxious mind.
Wait. There is more to come.
Peppermint tea can be of immense use topically and aroma-therapeutically. Bathing your forehead and temples with cooled peppermint tea can ease your headache.
10. Skin-Clearing
Hey! all the beauty queens in the town, pay attention! Something is there for you in store. Guys, you need not run away. Acne does not discriminate.
And hey! Don’t we know that you too are as concerned about your looks just like the girls out there!
Peppermint tea is a natural solution for hormonal skin problems like acne. It is said to boost slightly the hormone levels, thus curbing these hormonal problems and aid in clearing the acne.
You can try adding peppermint tea leaves in your bath water. It helps in soothing burns and rashes.
11. Supports Liver And Gallbladder
Regular consumption of peppermint tea keeps the liver in good working condition and facilitates the flow of bile from the liver to the gallbladder.
In affected people, it can provide immediate relief from a painful gallbladder attack.
Peppermint tea can be effective for dissolving small bladder stones.
12. Relief During Menstruation
Just like EMIs, periods knock a girl’s door every month and with it comes several problems like-
- Abdominal pain
- Acne
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Lack of concentration
- Food cravings
- A headache
- Irritability
Peppermint tea is a wonderful companion during periods. It can ease the discomfort of menstrual cramps, soothe an aching body and head, relieves anxiety and fatigue and thus make you feel better.
As mentioned before, peppermint tea also helps in combating with bloating that usually accompanies menstruation.
Adding peppermint tea to the bath proves to be an effective remedy for foot or body odour.
Side Effects Of Peppermint
Well! All coins have the other face. And it is good to educate oneself with not only the pros but also the cons of a product one is going to use.
While peppermint tea poses as a magical healer for such vast range of problems, it too has its share of complications.
So, hold on.
1. Acid Reflux Aggregation
If you are suffering from Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease (GERD peppermint tea is your foe for sure.
The anti-spasmodic aspect of peppermint tea relaxes the stomach muscles and the muscles of the sphincter. This may lead to flow stomach acid to flow up the oesophagus. This leads to an increase in the symptoms which include-
- Burning sensation in the chest
- Chest pain.
- Difficulty swallowing
- A dry cough.
- A sore throat.
- Regurgitation of food
- The sensation of a lump in the throat.
2. Caution For The Pregnant
The anti-spasmodic nature of peppermint tea can prove to be a bane for pregnant. It can cause the uterus to relax which may increase the risk of having a miscarriage.
So, women who are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant should strictly refrain from drinking peppermint tea. Though there has not been enough evidence to prove that, prevention always matters.
Breastfeeding mothers should also avoid drinking peppermint tea as it may be harmful to their infants.
3. Interactions With Other Medicines
Yes. It may appear difficult to digest. But this is true.
Peppermint tea despite being an herbal tea is reported to interact negatively with other medications.
So, if you are already taking prior medications, consulting your doctor is always advisable.
You need to be extra cautious if you are taking any medications or remedies for the following-
-
Diabetes
Peppermint tea is said to lower blood sugar levels, so, if you are diabetic and take medications for the same, consulting the doctor is a good idea.
-
High Blood Pressure
Relaxing peppermint tea may increase the effects of herbal remedies or prescription medications for lowering blood pressure.
-
Gallstones
Peppermint tea can help in dissolving small gallbladder stones.
-
Indigestion
Peppermint tea may interfere with any treatment or herbal remedy for indigestion.
If you have any menthol allergy, you should avoid drinking mint tea as this increases your risk of side effects. You should also avoid drinking peppermint tea if you suffer from asthma as it can increase your symptoms.
Consequences Of Overdose
Well, an overdose of anything can be harmful. So is the case with peppermint. Overdosing of peppermint can cause the following to take place-
- Cramping
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Muscle pain
- Slow heart rate
- Tremors
But you do not need to worry. We are here for your rescue. You just have to follow the following.
Take care while preparing your tea. Ideally, each mug should contain one gram or teaspoon of tea leaves.
And hey! Peppermint tea is herbal; that does not mean you can take it for granted. You should not drink more than 2-3 cups of tea each day to avoid any side effects.
And wait! Do not forget to thank us.
You were taught good manners right from kindergarten. No?
How To Know If You Are Allergic To Peppermint?
If you observe the following after having a cup of peppermint tea-
- Headache
- Lightheadedness
- Unsteadiness
- Flushing to your skin
- Mouth sores
Then I am sorry, you are allergic to peppermint tea. It is best to avoid this tea.
Seeing your doctor in such a situation is a good practice. In fact, you should see the doctor whenever you are incorporating a new tea or for that matter any food product in your regime.
If these or any other unusual or unpleasant symptoms appear after you’ve had peppermint tea or used it topically, it’s best to avoid this herbal tea.
How To Brew A Perfect Cup?
The coolest part is that making a cup of refreshingly minty and healthy cup of peppermint tea is a cakewalk.
- Pour water into a pan and bring it to a boil.
- Add peppermint tea leaves to the water.
- Add sugar and stew for 4-5 minutes.
- Follow these steps and enjoy a tasty beverage without the guilt of the ill-effects caused by your traditional cup of tea.
Where Peppermint Can Be Found?
Peppermint tea is easily available at your nearest supermarket.
In fact in this online arena, you don’t even need to take the pain. It is easily available online, just at the click of the mouse or the touchpad.
How To Grow Your Garden?
- Take a cutting from pre-existing mint plant
- Place it in a glass containing water.
- Once the roots are long enough, transplant it into a pot and sow them 5 cm deep into the soil.
- Keep in partial shade and water frequently.
- When the plant grows enough, harvest one-third of the leaves.
- Dry the leaves in the sunlight.
Your tea leaves are ready to be used. So, get yourself a pot and get brewing.
