Description
Peppermint tea is an aromatic herb that has been used for thousands of years for its pleasant taste and profound health benefits in digestion, immunity, and pain relief.
Time Commitment
5 minutes
Suggested Frequency
4-5 times per week
Time of Day
Morning or Evening
How to Do It
- Add 2 cups of water to a pot
- Boil the water, then turn off the heat
- Add 4 - 5 torn peppermint leaves
- Cover the pot and leave it for 5 minutes or until you are satisfied with the taste.
- Strain the tea
- Enjoy!
Required Equipment
Kettle or Pot
Benefits
- May improve digestion
- May relieve tension headaches and migraines
- May freshens breath
- May relieve clogged sinuses
- May improve energy
- May enhance the immune system
- May improve sleep quality
- May improve concentration
- Reduce stress levels
Why it works
- Peppermint relaxes the digestive system and eases pain by preventing smooth muscles in the gut from contracting.
- It is also a natural muscle relaxant and pain reliever used to treat different types of headaches.
- Due to its innate pleasant smell and antibacterial properties, peppermint freshens the breath.
- It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which help unclog the sinuses
- It is a caffeine-free refreshment that reduces daytime fatigue and improves energy levels without the occasional crash from caffeinated drinks.
- Peppermint helps lower the cortisol levels in the body, resulting in a reduction of stress.
Possible Side Effects
Peppermint is generally safe for everyone. However, some people who have GERD may trigger or worsen their symptoms. If you have allergic reactions to peppermint, you should definitely avoid drinking peppermint tea.
Tips
To make your peppermint tea healthier and more exciting, you can add any of the following:
- Lemon
- Ginger
- Berries
- Honey
Supporting Studies and Articles
- McKay, D. L., & Blumberg, J. B. (2006). A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.). Phytotherapy research : PTR, 20(8), 619–633. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1936
- Göbel, H., Schmidt, G., Dworschak, M., Stolze, H., & Heuss, D. (1995). Essential plant oils and headache mechanisms. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology, 2(2), 93–102. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0944-7113(11)80053-X
- Dagli, N., Dagli, R., Mahmoud, R. S., & Baroudi, K. (2015). Essential oils, their therapeutic properties, and implication in dentistry: A review. Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry, 5(5), 335–340. https://doi.org/10.4103/2231-0762.165933
- Eccles, R., Griffiths, D. H., Newton, C. G., & Tolley, N. S. (1988). The effects of menthol isomers on nasal sensation of airflow. Clinical otolaryngology and allied sciences, 13(1), 25–29. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2273.1988.tb00277.x
- Kennedy, D., Okello, E., Chazot, P., Howes, M. J., Ohiomokhare, S., Jackson, P., Haskell-Ramsay, C., Khan, J., Forster, J., & Wightman, E. (2018). Volatile Terpenes and Brain Function: Investigation of the Cognitive and Mood Effects of Mentha × Piperita L. Essential Oil with In Vitro Properties Relevant to Central Nervous System Function. Nutrients, 10(8), 1029. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10081029
