Peppermint tea is a delicious and refreshing way to boost your overall health in a number of ways due to its ability to improve digestion, reduce pain, eliminate inflammation, relax the body and mind, cure bad breath, aid in weight loss and boost the immune system. Its impact on the digestive system is considerable, and its base element of menthol is perhaps the most valuable part of its organic structure.

What Is Peppermint Tea?

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), you get what’s called a 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 it 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

Health Benefits Of Peppermint Tea

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.

Reduces Fever

When 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 internally. This essentially “breaks” a fever, and can reduce the associated inflammation and discomfort.

Improves Digestion

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 as a carminative because 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 an analgesic, so it reduces the associated pain of cramps, bloating, and indigestion. This is due to its calming effect 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.

Prevents Nausea & 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 the case of motion sickness on a boat or a plane. It also reduces the stomachache and queasiness associated with motion sickness and its anti-inflammatory qualities.

reats Respiratory Disorders

As an antispasmodic, it can also relieve you of the 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 the symptoms of cold and flu.

Boosts Immune System

Peppermint tea has known antibacterial properties against bacteria which are the cause of illnesses including fever, cough, and cold. 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 illnesses and perform necessary functions to keep your body working in a healthy way.

Removes 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!

Helps in Weight Loss

The aroma of peppermint oil and some of its organic components can actually eliminate appetite, so smelling this substance can help reduce overeating, and subsequently, obesity.

Reduces 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 stress 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.

Word 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!