Peppermint tea is one of the most popular types of tea out there. It is drunk almost everywhere in the world. Peppermint has a powerful impact on the human body, and in many different ways. FITBOOK explains which ailments can be treated with the medicinal herb and why the tea is also a stimulant.
In Germany, peppermint tea is popular mainly because of its healing properties. In other countries, including many Arab ones, peppermint tea is drunk throughout the day. This is due to its cooling effect on the one hand and the stimulating effect on the other. In fact, thanks to its menthol, peppermint tea can easily replace a cup of black tea. It ensures good blood circulation and makes you feel good.
What ailments should peppermint tea help with?
Especially from autumn, when it gets colder and the immune system is weakened for a short time, one is susceptible to colds. Peppermint tea can help relieve congested airways and a congested throat by relieving symptoms and aiding recovery. A sore throat, which is often associated with the flu, can also be treated with the anti-inflammatory peppermint tea.
Complaints such as headaches that have other causes can also be alleviated by peppermint tea. The tea is also popular as a remedy for indigestion and period cramps.
What active ingredients are behind it?
Peppermint leaves contain bitter substances and many essential oils. Essential oils include menthol, menthone, menthol esters, cineol and limonene. The monoterpene menthol contained in peppermint tea provides the unmistakable mint smell, clears the airways and thus relieves a blocked nose or throat. Other components of peppermint are flavonoids, triterpenes and tannins. Flavonoids also have a positive impact on health. Some study results suggest that they lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.1,2,3
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What is the effect of peppermint tea on health and what do studies say?
Current studies prove the pain-relieving and antispasmodic effects of peppermint extract and oil in the gastrointestinal tract. Unfortunately, the effect of peppermint tea itself has not yet been extensively examined in studies. Nevertheless, the studies on the medicinal herb and the ingredients it contains also provide evidence of the health-promoting effects of peppermint tea.
For example, menthol ensures a higher release of potassium ions into the smooth muscles of the stomach and intestines, causing these areas to relax and consequently relax. An analysis of nine studies with a total of 926 participants came to the conclusion that the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome were reduced when peppermint oil was taken for at least two weeks. Researchers have also found that peppermint extract’s antispasmodic effects can reduce period pain and discomfort.4,5,6
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Are there side effects and risks?
Basically, peppermint tea is very well tolerated by most people. However, consumption can cause heartburn and nausea in some consumers. If, after a cup of tea, you realize that you don’t tolerate it well, you should of course stop drinking. Mothers who want to breastfeed their child should also avoid peppermint tea, as it can inhibit milk production.
Where do you get the tea from and how is it prepared?
Peppermint tea is available in every supermarket as well as in health food stores, pharmacies and drugstores. For the preparation with dried and fresh mint leaves, 1-2 teaspoons are enough. These are poured over with hot water and then left to stand for about ten minutes and drained.
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How about the taste?
Peppermint is known for its typically hot note. Peppermint tea, on the other hand, has a slightly bitter but pleasant aroma. The taste differs depending on the mint variety: there is English mint, white peppermint and black mitchum. The white peppermint tastes mild, while the black mitchum with the dark leaves has a particularly refreshing taste. You can clearly taste this in the After Eight chocolate, for example.
Sources
- 1. Dolzhenko Y, Bertea CA, Occhipinti A et al. (2010). UV-B modulates the interplay between terpenoids and flavonoids in peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.). Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology.
- 2. Clark JL, Zahradka P, Taylor CG (2015). Efficacy of flavonoids in the management of high blood pressure. Nutrition Reviews.
- 3. Xu H, Luo J, Huang J et al. (2018). Flavonoids intake and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. A meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Medicine.
- 4. McKay, DL & Blumberg, JB (2006). A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.). Phytotherapy Research.
- 5. Khanna R, MacDonald JK & Levesque BG (2014). Peppermint oil for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology.