Peppermint tea has amazing health benefits and medicinal uses. From freshening our breath, aiding weight loss, and treating headaches to soothing the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), peppermint tea has wide medicinal uses. Peppermint is a hybrid between spearmint and water mint and its botanical name is Mentha piperita.
Peppermint Common Names:
In India peppermint is called Pudina in Hindi and Urdu (the same name as regular mint), Milakukkirai in Tamil (though we call it mainly Pudina), Karpuratulasi in Malayalam (not 100% sure of the name), Pipparamentu in Telugu and Peperaminta in Marathi and Gujarati.
Peppermint Tea Chemical Constituents:
The main phenolic compound present in
peppermint leaves is rosmarinic acid and the main flavonoids found are eriocitrin, luteolin, and hesperidin. The main volatile components found in peppermint are menthol and menthone.
Peppermint Tea Medicinal Properties:
Peppermint tea has anti-microbial, anti -tumor, antioxidant, anti-viral, anti cancer, anti-allergenic, analgesic, chemoprotective, and anesthetic properties making it truly a wonder tea. Along with the uses mentioned, peppermint also has cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar-lowering properties.
Peppermint Tea Health Benefits:
1. For Cough, Cold, Fever & Sore Throat:
Peppermint tea is an amazing home remedy for cold, cough, fever, and sore throat as it helps relieves many of the symptoms like congestion, inflammation, headaches, etc. Menthol present in peppermint helps relieve chest congestion and since it has anti-inflammatory properties, it helps reduce the inflammation fast too.
2. Peppermint Tea For Pcos:
Peppermint is very beneficial for women suffering from PCOS as it helps relieve some of the symptoms of PCOS like hirsutism (excessive body hair). This is because peppermint has anti-androgenic properties and you can read the study that proves it
here.3. For Bloating & Gas:
Peppermint tea is very good for our digestive system and helps treat many of the stomach problems like gas and bloating. Peppermint has anti-spasmodic properties and greatly helps reduce spasms. Peppermint oil is recommended for reducing spasms during endoscopy, you can read the study that proves it
here.4. Peppermint Tea For Headache:
Peppermint tea is one of the best home remedies for headaches. Peppermint has relaxant properties and stops headaches by relaxing the blood vessels. I would highly recommend a cup of warm peppermint tea if you are suffering from a headache.
5. For Weight Loss:
Peppermint tea suppresses appetite, improves our metabolism, keeps our digestion in peak order, and is very low in calories making it one of the best weight loss teas. Peppermint tea has a refreshing taste and aroma and is great for reducing stress which is also one of the main reasons for weight gain.
6. Peppermint Tea For Sleep:
Since peppermint tea reduces anxiety and relaxes us, it is a great tea to consume before bedtime. If you are suffering from anxiety or if you are not able to get sleep due to stomach troubles, just sip on a cup of warm peppermint tea. It will help you sleep peacefully.
7. For Hair Care:
Peppermint is one of the best herbs that has been proven to help promote fast hair growth. Both external application and internal consumption of peppermint tea help increase blood circulation to the scalp thus promoting hair growth.
8. For Skincare:
Peppermint has anti-microbial properties and drinking a cup of peppermint tea greatly helps in reducing acne flare-ups. Peppermint can be applied externally to the skin too, menthol present in peppermint tea helps reduce acne. Peppermint tea is rich in antioxidants and is very soothing when applied externally on suntanned skin.
9. Peppermint Tea For IBS:
If you are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, then I would highly recommend you give peppermint tea a try. Peppermint tea has a soothing effect on our digestive system and helps reduce all the symptoms of IBS like bloating, constipation, abdominal pain, and spasms.
10. For Eye Care:
Don’t throw the peppermint tea bags away after using them, you can use them as an eye compress. It helps reduce redness of the eyes, relaxes eye muscles, and greatly helps treat dark circles too. You can refrigerate the peppermint tea bags before using them for best results.
Common Questions Asked Regarding Peppermint Tea:
1. How many cups of peppermint tea can we drink a day?
Though peppermint tea has amazing health benefits, I would suggest not drinking more than 2 cups a day. It is best never to overconsume any herb.
2. Peppermint Tea Vs Green Tea – Which is better for health?
Both are rich in antioxidants, minerals, and nutrients. Personally, I would choose peppermint because I like the taste better as
green tea has a slightly bitter taste.
3. Is peppermint caffeine free?
Yes, peppermint tea is 100 % free of caffeine which is also a huge plus. If you are looking for ways to cut down on caffeine, slowly start replacing tea and coffee with peppermint tea.
4. Where do you get peppermint tea?
You get organic peppermint tea bags in some departmental stores but it is hard to get loose-leaf peppermint tea here in India. You can also order them online, try out different brands and choose the one you like.
Peppermint Tea Side Effects:
Peppermint tea might interact with certain drugs like blood pressure and diabetic medications so consult your physician before taking peppermint tea regularly. Also please don’t over-consume peppermint tea during pregnancy and it is best not to give babies as it is quite strong.
3 Top Ways To Make Peppermint Tea At Home:
1. Peppermint Herbal Slimming Tea Recipe:
Cut a fresh lemon into thin slices. Take the cut lemon slices and a small bunch of fresh peppermint leaves in a small jug. Add boiling water to it and let it steep for 5 minutes. Strain and your fragrant peppermint herbal tea is ready!
2. Cold Peppermint Tea Recipe:
Add a handful of fresh peppermint leaves to a cup of boiling leaves and let it steep for 10 minutes and strain. Now add honey, some fresh peppermint leaves, and ice cubes, and your perfect summer tea is ready.
3. Peppermint Tea Using Peppermint Tea Bags:
If you don’t have fresh peppermint leaves, you can use dried peppermint leaves or peppermint tea bags available in the market. To make peppermint tea using tea bags, pour a cup of boiling water on top of a peppermint tea bag and steep for a few minutes. Add honey to taste and enjoy.
Discover more from Wildturmeric
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.