Peppermint Tea

Also Known As: Mentha piperita, M. balsamea, mint tea

Peppermint tea is also known as a tisane or infusion of peppermint. This species of mint is known as Mentha piperita.

This mint tea is naturally caffeine-free. Peppermint is a natural hybrid of the water mint species Mentha aquatic, and the spearmint species Mentha spicata.

Peppermint has a distinctive flavor and aroma. The Peppermint plant is a perennial, aromatic herb that is native to Asia and Europe and has been naturalized in almost every country in the world.

This wandering, invasive herb grows to a height of about 2 feet, bearing tiny purple blooms in July.

Peppermint leaves contains menthol, menthyl acetate, menthone and several other therapeutic ingredients. It is often combined with other herbs to make tea blends.

What is Peppermint Tea? Peppermint Tea is made from either dried or fresh peppermint leaves.

If gathering fresh peppermint from the garden it is best to harvest in early morning before the sun diminishes the natural oils.

When harvesting to dry, the best time is before the plant blooms in July or August.

Peppermint Tea Preparation:

From dried Peppermint:

• 1 Teaspoon Dried Peppermint leaves
• 8 Ounces of Fresh Boiled Water

Depending on preferred strength, steep the peppermint leaves for 3-8 minutes.

From fresh Peppermint:

• Remove the peppermint leaves from a sprig of peppermint and wash leaves well.
• Crush the leaves with finger tips or mortar and pestle just to bruise the leaves before putting them into a small cooking pot. This will release the natural oil in the leaves.
• Add 2 cups of water to the pot and bring the water to a boil.

Once it boils, turn off and remove from heat, let the peppermint tea simmer for several minutes to desired strength.

The water will be slightly yellow in color. Strain the tea with cheesecloth or small strainer.

Home Remedies Using Peppermint Tea:

Benefits of Peppermint Tea:

Historically Peppermint tea has been used since the times of the ancient Egyptians as a cure for indigestion. It has also been used throughout time as a treatment for colds, cough, fever, and its pain killing properties.

Both Eastern and Western traditional medicine have used peppermint to treat toothaches, sore throat, cramps, and some types of cancer.

Today peppermint tea is used to treat problems that include nausea, irritable bowel syndrome, vomiting, headaches, diarrhea, and even baby coli.

It is often recommended to breast feeding mothers in the belief that the calming properties of peppermint tea will be transferred from mother to baby in the breast milk.

Peppermint tea can be used to treat bad breath, nasal congestion, and to control mild asthma. It is used as a treatment for stress, colds, intestinal gas, and indigestion.

Topically, peppermint tea can be utilized to treat skin ailments, inhibit bacterial growth, and relax muscles. It can be used as a gargle to treat sore throat pain.

Concerning the use of peppermint in treating irritable bowel syndrome, there have been several research studies showing, “That enteric-coated peppermint capsules can help treat symptoms of IBS, such as pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. (Enteric-coated capsules keep peppermint oil from being released in the stomach, which can cause heartburn and indigestion.)”

Side Effects of Peppermint Tea:

Excessive use of peppermint tea can lead to diarrhea, slowed heart rate and heart palpitations. If you have gastrointestinal disease, Peppermint tea may lead to acid reflex.