Some of you may want to stay energised during this transitional weather, and are still worried that caffeine might not be suitable for your health. You should try peppermint tea!
This refreshing herbal drink not only supplies a cooling sensation and a calming aroma but also offers numerous health benefits.
Peppermint tea has long been recognised as a natural drink that supports physical and mental health. Here we go to explore 9 essential benefits peppermint tea!
Peppermint is a green-leafed plant native to Europe and known for its fresh and distinctive aroma. This plant can be processed in various forms such as tea bags, essential oils, vapours, and supplement capsules.
Peppermint tea itself is generally available in tea bags, dried leaves, or homemade blends (DIY tea). In addition to being a beverage, peppermint is also widely used in everyday products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and other health products.
This type of tea is made from the leaves of the Mentha × piperita plant, which is a cross between spearmint and watermint. With its fresh taste and no caffeine content, peppermint tea can be enjoyed anytime, whether to help relax after a busy day or to refresh the body.
According to Medical News Today, active compounds such as menthol, menthone, and limonene in peppermint leaves provide many positive effects for the body, including helping to relieve tension and aid digestion.
The content of menthol in the peppermint tea can help you by comforting digestive muscles and relieving some symptoms like fullness, bloating, or mild nausea.
Some studies indicate peppermint is a good choice for those who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). So, if you often feel bloated after a heavy meal, a cup of warm peppermint tea can soothe your stomach.
Because peppermint tea is caffeine-free, it is perfectly safe to drink before going to bed. Its soft aroma and the relaxing vibes of menthol can calm the body and mind.
According to ArtfulTea, drinking peppermint tea regularly at night can help the body enter a deeper and more restful phase of sleep. That is why it is appropriate for drinking at night without worrying about waking you up.
Drinking it regularly before sleep can also help improve sleep quality and leave you feeling more refreshed the next day.
According to Leaf Tea Shop, peppermint tea inherently produces antibacterial compounds. This is essential for combating bacterial effects, keeping oral hygiene, and making your breath feel fresher.
Some women find that drinking peppermint tea during menstruation can help relieve mild cramps and discomfort in the lower abdomen. The menthol in peppermint can relax muscle tension.
If you often feel lethargic or have difficulty focusing, peppermint tea can be a lifesaver. Several studies show that the aroma of peppermint enhances brain concentration.
The effect is refreshing without making your heart race like consuming coffee, so it is suitable to drink when you work, study, or need extra energy.
Ever feel a heavy head or stiff neck after a long day at work? The strong menthol aroma in peppermint can improve blood flow and provide a relaxing effect on the head, neck, and shoulder area.
Some studies also show that menthol can have a relaxing effect on muscles and the nervous system.
Simply inhaling its steam or drinking warm peppermint tea can help relieve mild headaches without the need for medication. The effects may not be instant, but they are quite helping by relieving tension and headaches.
The high antioxidant content of peppermint tea, flavonoids and vitamins, can strengthen the immune system by fighting free radicals that can cause various diseases in the human body.
Peppermint tea can also help treat respiratory problems such as colds or sinusitis. Its natural decongestant content can clear the respiratory system. For example, inhaling the steam while the tea is still warm can relieve nasal congestion and ease breathing.
Peppermint tea is caffeine-free and hydrates the body, making it the perfect choice for those who are trying to maintain their weight.
Interestingly, inhaling the aroma of peppermint several times a day can reduce your hunger without the need for extra snacks.
You need to prepare fresh peppermint or dried leaves, or ready-to-brew tea bags. Use one teaspoon of dried leaves or one tea bag for one cup of hot water.
Steep for 5–7 minutes until the peppermint aroma is fully released. For better taste, you can add honey, lemon, or sliced ginger. You can also drink it warm or cold, according to your preference.
Try drinking one to two cups a day and experience the refreshing sensation and natural benefits firsthand. Please note that peppermint tea is quite sensitive for people with stomach ulcers or GERD because menthol can trigger an increase in stomach acid.
Peppermint tea is not only a refreshing herbal drink, but also increases the quality of human wellbeing. With those numerous benefits peppermint tea, this herbal drink can be your best partner in maintaining physical and mental health during this uncertain weather.
