12 Benefits of Drinking Peppermint Tea
on Feb 04, 2024, Updated Mar 30, 2024
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Known for its many health benefits, peppermint tea is a refreshing herbal drink. It’s caffeine-free and packed with important nutrients, including antioxidants and relaxing compounds.
What Is Peppermint Tea?
Naturally caffeine-free, peppermint tea is a drink made of water infused with dried peppermint leaves.
Peppermint is an herb that’s native to Europe and the Middle East. It’s a cross between spearmint and wintermint. The leaves contain peppermint essential oil. This oil contains beneficial compounds that make peppermint tea so good for you.
RELATED: How to Make Peppermint Tea Properly
Photo Credit: harney.com
12 Peppermint Tea Health Benefits
1. Relaxes Muscles
One of the top health benefits of peppermint tea is its ability to relax muscles. This is due to menthol, the main compound in peppermint. Menthol blocks certain reactions in the muscles. The effect stops muscles from contracting.
This is important because muscle contractions cause pain and discomfort. So reducing contractions is relaxing. Because of this benefit, peppermint tea a popular option for soothing the body. Try brewing a cup whenever you’re feeling tight, sore, or uncomfortable.
2. Soothes Digestive Issues
Thanks to the calming effect of peppermint tea, it’s helpful for digestive problems. The tea relaxes tissue in the gastrointestinal tract. This is good for many issues, including irritable bowel syndrome, which may include stomach pain, gas, and diarrhea.
These benefits are linked to the menthol in peppermint tea. Menthol has analgesic, or pain relieving, properties. Additionally, if your stomach is sensitive to caffeine, peppermint tea is an ideal drink because it’s caffeine-free.
3. Lowers Oxidative Stress
Peppermint tea contains a compound called rosmarinic acid. It’s an antioxidant, meaning it fights oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress is caused by high levels of harmful molecules called free radicals. The free radicals damage healthy cells. This can lead to serious conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and brain disease.
A high intake of antioxidants could help reduce the risk. You can get them from herbal teas, including peppermint tea.
4. Boosts Energy
Although there’s no specific research on the energizing effects of peppermint tea, many people drink it for a natural boost. The tea is cooling and refreshing, making it a good option when you’re feeling tired or sleepy.
Iced peppermint tea is especially refreshing, as the cold temperature intensifies the minty flavor. Simply smelling peppermint tea is rejuvenating. The aroma of peppermint oil has been found to reduce mental fatigue.
5. Reduces Menstrual Cramps
If you’re a person who menstruates and has painful cramps, try adding peppermint tea to your routine. The drink is good for menstrual cramps, as the menthol relieves pain and relaxes muscles.
Compared to over-the-counter drugs for menstrual cramps, peppermint tea is less likely to cause side effects. As a bonus, the digestive benefits of peppermint tea can help if you also get stomach upset during you period.
6. Fights Inflammation
Rosmarinic acid, which is found in peppermint tea, has anti-inflammatory effects in the body. This could promote good health as inflammation is involved in many conditions, including arthritis, allergies, and asthma.
Plus, as rosmarinic acid reduces inflammation, it could contribute to the pain relieving effects of peppermint. The menthol in peppermint tea is anti-inflammatory as well, adding to the benefits of peppermint tea.
7. Clears Congestion
If you’re feeling stuffy and congested, brew yourself a cup of peppermint tea. The drink is a natural decongestant. Menthol, which is found in peppermint, can help thin mucus. This will clear up your sinuses and make it easier to breathe.
It’s also considered an expectorant, so you’ll be able to cough out mucus easier after drinking peppermint tea. The warmth of hot peppermint tea is beneficial too. The hot temperature of the mist and drink will loosen mucus.
8. Provides Hydration
It’s so important to drink fluids throughout the day. That’s because your body needs water to function. Water is needed for many processes, including digestion, metabolism, and controlling your body temperature.
However, drinking plain water isn’t the only way to stay hydrated. Herbal teas, including peppermint tea, will contribute to your water intake. For extra benefits, add lemon juice to your peppermint tea. Lemon juice contains electrolytes, which naturally support hydration.
9. Relieves Headaches
The next time you have a headache, try sipping on a cup of freshly brewed peppermint tea. As a natural pain reliever, peppermint tea could be useful for easing headaches. Even smelling the tea can help.
Peppermint tea benefits many conditions that can cause headaches, like dehydration and congestion. Inflammation can also contribute to headaches and migraines, as causes blood vessels in the head to tighten.
10. Freshens Breath
Peppermint tea contains peppermint oil, which is used in products designed to freshen the breath. This includes mouthwash and mints. The herb has anti-bacterial properties, making it helpful for reducing bacteria that might cause bad breath.
The hydration from peppermint tea reduces bad breath. The fluids contribute to saliva, which controls bacteria that cause bad breath. A dry mouth can make the breath smell worse, but drinking fluids like peppermint tea can prevent it.
11. Destroys Cancer Cells
According to research, menthol has anti-cancer activity. This means it works against cancer cells. One way menthol works is by stopping the division of cancer cells. This prevents the cells from growing in numbers and accumulating.
Additionally, menthol kills cancer cells through a process called apoptosis. It also prevents cancer cells from invading tissues and growing. The antioxidants in peppermint tea may help by reducing oxidative stress stress, a major contributor to cancer.
12. Contains No Caffeine
Peppermint tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it a great choice if you don’t consume caffeine. It’s also a good option if you’re sensitive to caffeine but want a delicious drink.
Plus, the tea is safe to drink at night before bedtime. Even though it has a rejuvenating effect, it shouldn’t disrupt your sleep either. The drink is most soothing when served hot, so make hot peppermint tea if you want to enjoy it at night.
Side Effects
Peppermint tea is generally considered safe. However, if you have a history of acid reflux, hiatal hernia, or kidney stones, be careful with peppermint tea. The drink might cause issues if you have these conditions. Your doctor can let you know if it’s safe to drink the tea.
It’s also possible to be allergic to peppermint. If you develop symptoms like coughing or hives after drinking the tea, stop immediately and call your doctor.
Questions You May Have
For most people, it’s fine to drink peppermint tea every day. You might need to avoid the tea if your sensitive to minty flavors or have acid reflux, hiatal hernia, or kidney stones.
Peppermint tea has no caffeine. This means you can drink it any time you want a refreshing beverage.
Peppermint tea has menthol, a compound that relaxes muscles. This makes it a great tea for digestive issues, menstrual cramps, and pain. The tea is also packed with antioxidants which protect healthy cells.
