Health Benefits
One of the most popular varieties of tea in the world, peppermint is used in breath mints, candies, chocolates, syrups, medicines, and as an essential oil for aromatherapy.
But the potent little peppermint herb also offers an impressive array of important vitamins, minerals and health benefits that make it a true powerhouse of nutrition:
Digestive health
Respiratory health
Heart Health
Reduces Fever
Reduce PCOS Symptoms
Soothes Breastfeeding Pain
Brain booster
Boosts Immunity
Stress & anxiety
Helps Oral Hygiene
Digestive health
Peppermint extract and peppermint tea have been used for thousands of years to sort out a variety of digestive and stomach ailments. Archaeological evidence actually shows peppermint being used for 10,000 years as a dietary supplement. It stimulates bile flow to increase the efficiency of digestion and promote healthy bowel movements.
Not only does it reduce inflammation, but it’s also an analgesic substance, so it reduces the associated pain of cramps, bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, and indigestion. This is due to its calming effect on the intestines and muscles of the digestive tract. Diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and constipation can be cured with this herb, as it brings the entire system to optimal activity levels.
Additionally, it helps prevent nausea and vomiting, even in the case of motion sickness on a boat or a plane. Also, natural peppermint reduces stomach ache and queasiness associated with motion sickness.
Respiratory health
The high menthol content in Peppermint makes it excellent for diffusion and inhalation to reduce congestion and clear the airways. It is one of the best herbs for colds, flu, bronchitis and asthma, as well as seasonal allergies, helping to unclog the sinuses and clear pollen out of the nasal passages.
Heart Health
Peppermint has a protective effect on your heart. It naturally reduces blood pressure and lowers the bad LDL cholesterol levels. This helps you reduce your chances of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke.
Reduces Fever
When we think of the sharp, cool effect of menthol, we don’t always think of a hot cup of tea. However, pure peppermint has menthol as a main component, so drinking it can cause external sweating, while the menthol cools down your body internally. This can essentially break a fever and reduce the associated inflammation and discomfort.
Reduce PCOS Symptoms
Some studies have found that mint tea benefits polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition in women that is characterized by excess levels of male hormones. This is because it has anti-androgen effects, helping to reduce testosterone levels to keep hormone levels in balance.
Soothes Breastfeeding Pain
Cracked, sore and painful nipples are some of the most common side effects of breastfeeding, which can be difficult to effectively soothe and treat. Research shows that mint leaves could help relieve pain caused by breastfeeding by reducing these uncomfortable symptoms and side effects when applied topically.
Brain booster
Interestingly enough, research shows that even the mere smell of mint could be enough to bump up brain power and improve cognitive function. A study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience, for example, showed that the aroma of peppermint was able to enhance memory and increase alertness.
Similarly, another study also showed that peppermint scent was effective at reducing fatigue and anxiety while improving alertness, thanks to its ability to stimulate the central nervous system.
Boosts Immunity
Peppermint is a natural antioxidant, which makes it a great aid for strengthening the immune system. Peppermint also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties against pathogens and bacteria, which are the root cause of illnesses connected to fever and cough.
Not only can drinking this delicious plant help treat the symptoms of being ill but also prevents your body from getting sick in the first place. There are also trace elements of vitamin B, potassium, antioxidants, and calcium, which help your body uptake nutrients to fight off illnesses and perform necessary functions to keep it working in a healthy way.
Stress & anxiety
The natural sedative nature of menthol helps you get instant relief from mental stress. Caffeine-free peppermint can reduce your blood pressure and body temperature, allowing you to unwind and relax and letting your stress melt away. This is part of the reason why peppermint oil for aromatherapy is so popular, and the effects of peppermint extract and tea are similar in nature.
Also, peppermint is a fantastic natural remedy for tension-type headaches — the most frequent type of headache.
Helps Oral Hygiene
Popping a few mints or a stick of mint-flavored gum is a well-known natural remedy to freshen up bad breath, but did you know that it could also help promote oral hygiene as well?
One of the main benefits of peppermint tea is its powerful antimicrobial properties, which can help kill off bacteria to optimize oral hygiene. Brew up a cup or two of peppermint tea using mint leaves, and pair it with proper oral hygiene practices to keep your mouth healthy and fresh.