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Peppermint Tea Benefits

Benefits of peppermint tea
Hot herbal mint tea in glass mugs on tray

You have probably tried peppermint tea at least once in your life. Maybe you never paid much attention to it – it’s just tea after all. Actually, this humble beverage is one of the healthiest drink options available – it comes calorie free and with a whole host of health benefits.

So, the next time you get peppermint tea as a drink option, take it – you just might like it.

What are the benefits of peppermint tea

What are the Benefits of Peppermint Tea?

Peppermint tea is a favorite beverage for many people across the globe for many reasons. However, most people are unaware of the numerous health benefits it has for both your body and mind.

Besides being incredibly easy to make – all you have to do is pour hot water over some peppermint leaves – here are some more benefits of drinking peppermint tea:

  1. Ease stomach issues

Peppermint tea is effective in relieving different digestive problems like gas or bloating as well as stomach aches. This has been confirmed in numerous animal studies as well as by many people who have used it. Both confirm the same results when it comes to this beverage.

The secret is in the peppermint oil which relaxes your digestive muscles and eases different stomach issues.

  1. Relieve headaches and migraines

Since peppermint relaxes your muscles, it can also help with relieving headache and migraine pain. As a bonus, menthol, which can be found in peppermint plant and leaves used for the tea, is refreshing and cooling which helps ease the pain.

If you're looking to avoid using medication, peppermint tea can certainly help as a natural pain reliever. In addition to tea, you can massage peppermint oil on your temples and forehead.

  1. Freshens your breath

There is a reason almost every toothpaste in the world has that minty taste – menthol helps freshen your breath. Peppermint works in the same way.

In addition to having a pleasant smell, it also has antibacterial qualities which make it effective in keeping your breath fresh and minty longer.

While chewing gum might seem easier, drinking peppermint tea is definitely healthier and it comes with more benefits.

Peppermint tea while sick

  1. Helps relieve clogged sinuses

Because peppermint has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, it can help with clogged sinuses. You have probably used it in some form as a fix when you have a cold or seasonal allergies. Peppermint in combination with warm water is more effective at opening up your nasal passages.

Both warm beverages and menthol have been proven to improve clogged sinuses at least temporarily, so this might be the perfect healthy solution for you. Unlike with heavy medications, you won't be watching the clock for your next dose. You can brew peppermint tea as needed and enjoy! Peppermint oil diluted in steaming water is also great for cold symptoms. Pour into a bowl or mug and hold under your nose. Another option would be to add drops of peppermint oil to a shower, so the steam helps the oil work.

  1. Can increase your energy levels

Natural elements in peppermint have an effect on your energy levels. Mint is naturally refreshing and able to wake you up when you feel tired throughout the day. Research has shown that it may also help you maintain high energy levels for longer.

Use it instead of energy drinks for an extra boost without harmful additives.

Peppermint tea for menstrual cramps

  1. Helps with menstrual pain

As mentioned, peppermint tea can act as a muscle relaxant which can help relieve your menstrual pain as well. While it may not be as quick as regular medicine you use, you can try it as a healthier solution which can also warm you up and may improve your mood. If your pain is severe, you can also take it in tandem with medication, to help tide you over until the pain killer takes full effect.

Studies have shown that it can also help the length of your menstrual cramps by decreasing the amount of muscle contractions.

  1. Help you sleep better

Peppermint tea is naturally caffeine free which makes it perfect to take before bed. Even though menthol is naturally good at waking you up, the muscle relaxing compounds are excellent at preparing you for sleep.

While more research is needed to strongly show sleep benefits, being relaxed and peaceful before going to bed, as well as drinking something warm, can certainly help.

  1. May help with weight loss

There definitely needs to be more research on peppermint and weight loss since there have been some indications that it can help. However, peppermint tea as a beverage is naturally sweet and pleasant to drink – plus, you can take it completely guilt-free since it has no calories.

Replacing sweets or beverages full of sugar with this healthy drink may help satisfy sugar cravings.

  1. It improves focus

If you need a boost before a test or a really difficult day, you might want to take a cup of peppermint tea beforehand. Two small studies have shown that taking it improves your concentration.

Even just smelling peppermint helped people improve their focus and memory as well as alertness.

Peppermint tea for weight loss

How Does Peppermint Tea Help You Lose Weight?

While more research needs to be conducted for strong results, people across the globe have reported that this amazing little beverage has helped their weight loss.

There are several reasons for that:

Suppressing the appetite – The strong scent and the warm water help keep you feel full and satisfy certain cravings. You can also use the tea to replace sweets.

Helps with stress – Peppermint tea is really relaxing, which is exactly what you need when you are trying to lose weight. Relieve your stress by taking a cup when you feel overwhelmed.

Digestion – Peppermint tea is famous for beneficial effects on soothing the stomach, and taking it can certainly help you with several digestive problems. It also promotes healthy bowel movements, which helps you lose weight by keeping your system running smoothly.

Burn calories – Having no calories at all, peppermint tea can help you burn some as well. Warm water and menthol can speed the metabolism up.

There are numerous other benefits of peppermint tea on your weight loss – helping with bloating to keeping your blood pressure in check. Because it’s so simple to prepare, there's really no reason not to give it a try.

Peppermint tea on empty stomach

Drinking Peppermint Tea on an Empty Stomach

Most of us head straight for our coffee or tea mugs first thing in the morning. However, this is not a healthy habit, and neither is drinking peppermint tea on an empty stomach. Peppermint tea doesn’t have caffeine but it does contain some elements which can cause nausea if you take it on an empty stomach.

Coffee and tea contain elements which can cause gastritis later, as well as bloating and gas throughout the day. This especially happens when you take it without having proper breakfast first.

Not a fan of breakfast?

Wait until later in the day to enjoy and save your tummy the trouble.

How many cups a day

How Many Cups of Peppermint Tea Should You Drink a Day?

Because peppermint tea has no caffeine or calories, you may assume that you can take as much of it as you want. Especially if you are trying to lose weight. However, nothing is good in excess – this goes for peppermint tea as well.

For maximum health benefits, up to three cups of peppermint tea per day is perfectly fine, and you won’t see any side effects. If you incorporate a daily cup into your routine, you should see long term benefits.

When using peppermint tea for cold symptoms or menstrual pain relief, it's ok to go over 3 cups a day. Just make sure you're staying hydrated with other fluids as well, such as water and broths.

However, each person reacts differently and you should see what works best for you.

Peppermint tea side effects

Possible Side Effects of Peppermint Tea

As with everything that you eat or drink, there are some side effects. Most of these happen rarely but you should still be aware of them.

Some pregnant women dealing with nausea are fans of peppermint tea for relief. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns, since herbal teas have a higher concentration than found in food.

If you are using medications, check with your doctor before drinking peppermint tea because some elements in it might interact with the medications and cause them to be ineffective.

Excessive consumption may result in cramping, diarrhea, and other intestinal issues so enjoy in moderation.

Finally, if you have GERD, avoid drinking peppermint tea altogether since it can cause more acid reflux.

Tea for anxiety

Best Teas to Relieve Anxiety

Along with its other benefits, peppermint tea is also great in relieving anxiety. If you have anxiety or get stressed often, here are some more teas that you can try:

Chamomile – Effective in relieving all sorts of pain, this tea is equally as effective in relaxing your mind.

Lavender – This plant is well-known for its effective sedative benefits.

Valerian – This tea is often used in curing insomnia and sleep disorders. You can also use it to help your anxiety or anxiety-related sleep issues.

Rose – Rose tea or water can help you unwind and relax for a bit.

Ginseng – This tea is amazing in helping you relieve some effects of stress.

Peppermint tea is one of the healthiest teas out there. If taken properly, it can help you relieve a wide variety of health problems. It’s a solid, healthy solution that you should definitely try today.

Do you love a warm cup of peppermint tea or enjoy another herbal drink? Let us know your faves in the comment section!

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Written by Mizzy Sanchez

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