2023 What Does Peppermint Tea Do: Expert Tell You

What is peppermint tea and where does it come from?

Peppermint tea originates from the mint plant, Mentha piperita. The peppermint plant is cultivated and its leaves are then processed to create peppermint tea, available either as loose leaf tea or in tea bags. When the leaves are steeped in hot water, they release beneficial compounds and minty flavor.
More comprehensive information and care guidelines can be read here.

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The health benefits of peppermint tea

Peppermint tea offers a variety of health benefits due to its active compounds. Some key benefits include:

Relieve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms: The compounds menthol and menthone help relax the smooth muscles in the gut, easing IBS symptoms like abdominal pain , bloating, gas and discomfort. Some studies have found peppermint oil capsules reduced IBS symptoms by 70%.

Aid digestion: The relaxing effect of peppermint on the digestive tract helps ease digestive issues like indigestion, stomach pain, nausea and bloating.

Fight bad breath: Compounds in peppermint tea kill the bacteria that cause bad breath and leave behind a refreshing minty taste.

Lower blood pressure: Antioxidants and flavonoids in peppermint may lower blood pressure slightly by relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow.

Relieve headache and migraine: The menthol in peppermint has cooling and analgesic properties that ease headache symptoms by constricting blood vessels in the forehead and around the scalp.

Boost immunity: Peppermint contains antioxidants like flavonoids and rosmarinic acid that fight ** free radical damage** and support the immune system.

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How does peppermint tea improve digestion?

Peppermint tea helps improve digestion in several key ways due to the compounds menthol and menthone.

First, these compounds have a relaxant effect on the muscles in the digestive tract, especially the stomach and intestines. This helps ease muscle spasms, contractions and cramping pains.

Mint also stimulates saliva and bile production, which aids the digestion of food. Saliva contains enzymes that start breaking down carbohydrates, while bile helps with the absorption of lipids and fat-soluble vitamins.

The relaxing and anti-spasmodic effects of peppermint:

Relieve symptoms of indigestion like upset stomach, bloating, acid reflux and heartburn
Ease irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms like stomach pain, cramping and discomfort
Help reduce instances of nausea and vomiting
Lessen bloating and gas by relaxing intestinal contractions

As a result, peppermint tea can help promote easier passage of food through the digestive tract and faster emptying of the stomach.

In summary, peppermint’s relaxing and carminative properties make it an effective natural remedy for soothing digestive issues and discomfort. The compounds menthol and menthone are thought to be primarily responsible for these digestive benefits.

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Boost your immune system with peppermint tea

Peppermint tea contains powerful antioxidants that can help improve your body’s natural immunity and defend against infections. The main ways peppermint tea boosts immune function are:

Fighting free radicals: Peppermint is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and rosmarinic acid which combat harmful free radicals in the body. This reduces oxidative stress that weakens the immune system.

Reducing inflammation: The anti-inflammatory effects of compounds in peppermint can help reduce chronic inflammation linked to immune dysfunction. This allows the immune cells to work more effectively.

Killing bacteria and viruses: The menthol and other compounds in peppermint have natural antimicrobial and antiviral properties that can help kill pathogens and support a healthy immune response.

Activating immune cells: Antioxidants in peppermint tea are believed to activate macrophages and other immune cells, priming them to fight infection and disease.

Some studies have found that:

-Drinking peppermint tea twice daily for 12 weeks increased immune cells and antioxidant markers in the blood of participants.

-Peppermint essential oil showed antibacterial activity against common pathogens like E.coli and Staphylococcus in lab tests.

-High menthol levels in peppermint inhibited the growth and replication of herpes viruses.

So while more research is needed, limited evidence suggests peppermint tea could help strengthen your body’s natural defenses against illness, in part by:

Reducing free radical stress
Limiting inflammation
Fighting bacteria and viruses
Activating immune cells

Overall, a regular cup of peppermint tea is believed to provide a mild immune boost through its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. However, peppermint tea is not a replacement for medications or vaccines.

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Peppermint tea for stress relief and relaxation

The menthol and other volatile oils in peppermint tea activate cold-sensitive neurons that provide a cooling, soothing and relaxing effect. This makes peppermint tea a useful stress reliever that can also help ease symptoms of stress like headaches and migraines.

The main ways peppermint tea relieves stress and promotes relaxation are:

** Provides a calming effect – The minty fragrance and taste alone can have a psychological calming effect** that lowers stress levels.

Activates TRPM8 receptors – Menthol in peppermint activates cold-sensing TRPM8 receptors that trigger the brain’s soothing and relaxation responses.

** Relaxes muscles – The menthol and other compounds help relax tense muscles** in the body, reducing physical tension related to stress.

Lowers cortisol – Some evidence suggests peppermint may lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increase calming hormones like serotonin and dopamine.

A study found that simply sniffing peppermint aromatherapy oil for 5 minutes significantly:

Reduced anxiety compared to a non-minty fragrance.
Lowered measurements of stress including heart rate, blood pressure and muscle tension.
Improved mood and feelings of relaxation and tranquility.

In addition, peppermint tea can help relieve stress-related headaches and migraines through its anti-inflammatory effects and ability to:

Constrict blood vessels in the head
Reduce cranial nerve sensitivity
Limit muscle spasms and tension in the scalp and neck

Overall, peppermint tea is a natural and effective beverage for reducing mental and physical stress. The soothing aroma, flavor and active compounds all contribute to its stress-relieving properties. A soothing daily cup of peppermint tea may be just what you need to unwind and relax.

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More Helpful Guide

Frequently Asked Question

What dishes use mint?

Mint is commonly used in Middle Eastern dishes, Greek cuisine, British cooking, juleps, mojitos, mint tea, fruit salads, lamb dishes, chutneys, desserts, and cocktails.

What’s the difference between mint and peppermint?

Peppermint has a stronger, more menthol flavor than spearmint. Peppermint also has a higher menthol content than other mints. The menthol provides its cooling effect.

Is mint easy to grow?

Yes, mint is an easy herb to grow. It thrives in moist soil and partial shade. Mint grows vigorously and spreads rapidly.

Can mint be grown indoors?

Yes, mint can be grown indoors in pots. Place potted mint in an area with indirect sunlight. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Fertilize monthly during growing season.