6 Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea
Peppermint, known scientifically as Mentha piperita, has been used in traditional medicine systems since ancient times, dating back to the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Today peppermint leaf is enjoyed around the world as a popular herbal tea. However, it's been shown in studies to provide a number of potential health benefits that may surprise you.
1. Alleviates Digestive Discomfort
Peppermint has a calming effect on the muscles of the digestive tract, which can help to relieve symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and gas. It also soothes the central and peripheral nervous systems, both of which play a role in digestion. Sipping peppermint tea can even help relieve nausea. In an eight-week study involving 190 patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), peppermint was shown to reduce abdominal pain by 30% compared to a placebo [1].
2. May Relieve Headaches
Peppermint has been found to have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to relieve headaches and migraines. Inhaling the menthol aroma, whether from tea or essential oil, can help ease tension headaches. By opening up your airways, it can help you to intake more oxygen through your lungs.
3. Improves Nasal and Respiratory Symptoms
Peppermint contains an aromatic compound called menthol, which cools and relaxes the nasal and respiratory pathways. This can help relieve congestion from respiratory conditions, such as colds, bronchitis, allergies, and asthma.
4. Helps Reduce Stress
Peppermint has a calming effect, which can help you relax and reduce stress. Simply inhaling the fragrance of peppermint tea can help ease the mind and improve physical performance [2]. However, the anti-inflammatory effect also plays a role in protecting your nervous system against stress and anxiety.
5. Improves Memory, Focus, and Mood
Peppermint has been found to improve mental alertness and focus, which can help to boost memory and cognitive function [3]. The menthol in peppermint is believed to work by binding to GABA receptors. This same mechanism that attenuates mental fatigue also works to uplift your mood [4].
6. Combats Menstrual Discomfort
The antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and mood-boosting properties of peppermint tea can help with symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menstruation. In a study involving 127 women, the severity of pain and other symptoms during menstruation decreased with peppermint tea compared to a placebo [5].
Peppermint Tea's Top Benefits
Peppermint tea is a natural remedy for several common ailments, from everyday stress to nasal congestion and stomachaches. It also helps with stress, mood, and brain function, and can benefit women with menstrual discomfort. Peppermint tea is best enjoyed by steeping a few leaves for five minutes in boiled water, then straining it into a mug.
References:
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31470006/
- ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103722/
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18041606/
- ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6116079/
- ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4979258/