Peppermint is the refreshing ingredient we see every day in everything from toothpaste, and cosmetics to creams and moisturizers. You also see them in peppermint oil, and food products like breath mints, ice creams, chewing gum, sweets, and even beverages such as Peppermint tea!
But, do you know there are tremendous health benefits of peppermint tea? Sounds interesting, right? Keep going!
Peppermint is a perennial herb from the mint family (Lamiaceae) scientifically called Mentha Piperita —a natural hybrid formed by crossing the Watermint and Spearmint plants.
Apart from its beauty as a fresh mint leaf giving a strong minty taste and cooling sensation, the leaves of the peppermint plant contain essential oils loaded with strong antioxidant properties which include majorly-
- Menthol (A monoterpene alcohol)
- Menthone (A monoterpene ketone)
Peppermint Tea—A herbal tea possessing peppermint oil extract. Though the actual tea has not been studied extensively, the peppermint oil extract has undergone several verified pieces of research and due to their relevancy, both are logically synonymous.
Peppermint tea is highly regarded for its refreshing flavour and pleasant smell, it is also a popular alternative to regular tea as it’s naturally caffeine-free. But, the secrets of a hot cup of peppermint tea lie in its extensive therapeutic properties and its health benefits.
So here, let me present to you 10 potential health benefits of peppermint tea which are indeed beneficial in rejuvenating your body and nourishing your immune system.
1. Deals with Digestive Disorders
One of the most common benefits of Peppermint tea is its ability to relieve symptoms of an Upset stomach such as bloating, constipation, bad breath, nausea, and vomiting. It deals with a variety of digestive disorders such as-
1.1. Indigestion
Research studies show that peppermint oil extract is effective in the treatment of Dyspepsia (Indigestion) and aid digestion.
1.2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome is a digestive disorder associated with abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, and constipation. Clinical data analysis shows that peppermint oil extract (especially peppermint oil capsules) is a safe and effective approach for the treatment of IBS symptoms.
1.3. Abdominal Pain
Peppermint is antispasmodic. More simply, it relaxes the bowel muscles, which helps relieve abdominal cramps.
While peppermint essential oil and tea may show themselves beneficial for the digestive system, it is important to note that they may worsen symptoms of Gastroesophageal reflux Disease including acid reflux and heartburn in some people.
2. Antibacterial in Nature
Peppermint oil is serving as an antiseptic in western medicine through the ages.
According to research, peppermint leaves contain peppermint oil which includes menthol, menthone, limonene, methyl acetate, and other phytoconstituents.
All of the above phytoconstituents show moderate antibacterial properties against many harmful bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori, Salmonella enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and certain species of E.coli.
It also shows antiviral properties against viruses such as Herpes Simplex virus, Influenza A virus, and West Nile virus to name a few.
So, the benefits of peppermint tea include shielding you from several microbes without causing any side effects. Isn’t it great?
3. Relieves Headaches and Stress
Tranquillity. It definitely lies in dipping the peppermint tea bags into hot water, watching its extracts ooze out, and finally drinking it.
The results are even much more complimentary. Peppermint oil is very effective in treating tension headaches and migraines due to its vasodilator property (increased blood flow).
Its therapeutic efficacy in relieving headache pain is considered equivalent to aspirin or paracetamol according to a scientific study.
4. Shows Anti-Inflammatory Properties
4.1. Treats Pruritis
Fresh peppermint extract is used topically to provide a soothing sensation in case of pruritis.
4.2. Reduces Anxiety Pain, Edema, and Other Inflammations
The health benefits of peppermint tea may also include its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
According to a study, it is proven that essential oils extracted from peppermint leaves block the action of inflammatory agents such as nitric oxide, prostaglandins, and macrophages which cause pain due to anxiety, cause fever, and edema (swelling).
5. Boosts Memory, Concentration, and Awareness
Peppermint enhanced awareness, cognitive performance, and memory according to a trial based on peppermint aroma by the International Journal of Neuroscience.
Menthol present in peppermint leaves stimulates the Hippocampus- a part of the brain’s limbic system which is the regulatory center of memory, awareness, spatial navigation, coding, etc.
So, from now on whenever you feel exhausted, inattentive, or drowsy- just order a mint tea, or even better, make one loose leaf tea yourself by collecting some fresh leaves from your herb garden!
6. Alleviates Symptoms of Allergies
Got a runny nose or a sore throat? Don’t worry, Peppermint can help!
Studies have shown that vaporized peppermint oil stimulates menthol receptors present in the nose (TRPM8 Receptors) and produces a cooling effect which is perceived by our brain and makes us breathe easier.
In this way, relieving seasonal allergies and nasal decongestion are some of the major health benefits of peppermint tea.
So, inspire the aroma of your peppermint tea while drinking. Its vapour contains menthol, which may help significantly in reducing your allergy symptoms and restoring normal health conditions.
7. May Help During Painful Periods
Periods are generally associated with menstrual cramps, irritability, and mood swings. Peppermint tea may be considered a good option to reduce irritability and relax your mind.
While peppermint tea has not undergone significant studies, peppermint oil is backed scientifically as a safer herbal alternative to allopathic NSAIDs (such as mefenamic acid) in relieving menstrual pain.
Peppermint is rich in menthol- a natural muscle relaxant. It relaxes uterine muscles involved in contraction during menstrual cramps (Myometrium muscles) and thus helps to reduce menstrual pain.
Peppermint oil capsules are recommended for dealing with pain during periods and drinking peppermint tea may produce similar effects.
8. Peppermint for Skin Care and Beauty
8.1. Treats Acne
Several essential oils including peppermint are listed for their effectiveness against Acne. Peppermint acts by unclogging the pores which contain hair follicles, dead cells, and bacteria.
Due to its antibacterial properties, it attacks the bacteria which are the root cause of acne, hence giving clear soothing skin.
8.2. Helps Fight Dandruff
Peppermint oil absorbs excess oil and dirt from the scalp which causes dandruff and renders a clear scalp.
A simple approach can be crushing some fresh peppermint leaves and applying them directly on the scalp or you may soak your scalp with peppermint tea extract for 15 minutes and wash it afterward.
8.3. Promotes Hair Growth
Peppermint oil has shown significant activity in promoting hair growth as a result of increased dermal thickness, number of follicles, and follicular depth validated by several research studies.
8.4. Rejuvenates Skin
Like green tea, peppermint tea also contains several antioxidants like rosmarinic acid, ferulic acid, eugenol, etc. which neutralize free radicals (the agents causing oxidative damage to the skin and destroying the skin’s collagen). Thus, helping the skin to heal and rejuvenate.
So, drink peppermint tea whenever you feel your skin has lost its charm!
9. Helps You with Weight Loss
Do you know that drinking Peppermint tea counts much fewer calories as compared to regular milk tea? Yes, several data studies have shown that many essential oils like peppermint oil shows potential anti-obesity effects.
Adding peppermint tea to your daily routine will surely help to meet your fitness goals.
10. Boosts Energy & Immunity
10.1. Improves Physical Performance
Experiments conducted on athletes using mint aroma and oral peppermint extract supported the fact that peppermint enhances energy and physical performance
Increased ventilation, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory gas exchange parameters, spirometry, gas analysis, and other parameters stood firm with the effectiveness of peppermint.
10.2. Boosts Immunity
Peppermint and other essential oils are capable of building immunity. They promote the function of immunity soldiers like lymphocytes, macrophages, leukocytes, and other immunomodulators.
While Essential oils were studied extensively for their anti-inflammatory activities as compared to immunostimulants, some research studies are bringing light to this new property of these oils.
Aromatherapy is famous in the present world as an accepted complementary treatment line for several diseases.
11. The Gist of The List
Benefits of peppermint tea include dealing with digestion, helping you lose weight, taking care of your skin, boosting your immunity, performance, memory, and awareness, aiding digestion, promoting hair growth, relieving you from stress, allergies, bacterial infections, helping you during anxiety pain, and also during menstruation.
But, please note that the above listed are only some of the many potential health benefits of Peppermint tea and its oils. There are numerous other benefits of peppermint tea such as,
- It is caffeine-free, so it does not interfere with your sleep and even improves your sleep.
- It deals with bad breath by killing germs and bacteria present in the mouth.
- It helps to prevent nausea or vomiting.
- Peppermint tea is a good source of nutrients such as vitamins A and C, folate, calcium, and potassium.
12. Associated Risks
You know that there are some risks and rewards associated with every single entity of nature. The same goes for peppermint as well. Some risks include –
- Peppermint oil is not recommended for people ailing from Kidney stones and they are therefore advised to avoid peppermint tea.
- Peppermint tea may interact with certain drugs such as cyclosporine. So, it’s good not to take both of them at a time.
- Not recommended for Diabetics and B.P patients.
- As mentioned above, peppermint tea may worsen symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and heartburn.
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13. Frequently Asked Questions
13.1. Can Everyone Drink Peppermint Tea?
However, certain people find that consuming peppermint tea might aggravate or cause heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms (GERD). Avoid drinking peppermint tea if you are allergic to peppermint or any of its compounds.
13.2. What Happens if You Regularly Drink Peppermint Tea?
The immune system is supported by the flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals found in peppermint leaves. As an antioxidant, peppermint can help the body get rid of dangerous free radicals that can cause inflammation and other problems.
13.3. What Distinguishes Mint Tea from Peppermint Tea?
The two have identical flavours, but Mint tea has a stronger menthol percentage, giving it a richer, more prominent flavour. While we characterize Peppermint tea as a buttery mint, the menthol in the Mint tea makes it taste like a traditional crisp mint.
14. Last Few Words
At last, I would say that if you want to be hooked on a tea beverage that is caffeine-free, less in calories, super easy to make, calms your mind and body, and comes with loads of health benefits, then Peppermint tea is a great option for you.
Just go out and grab some fresh peppermint leaves or tea bags from a grocery store. Take some hot water, add those leaves, let its ingredients steep, filter it, and finally, drink it and embrace yourself with its pleasant and refreshing taste!
If you have reached this far, I am sure you are a “health freak“. Interested in knowing some benefits of Tartar cream? Click Benefits And Uses Of Cream Of Tartar.
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