Peppermint Tea

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

Peppermint tea comes from a mint hybrid known as Mentha piperita. Indiginous to Europe and naturally caffeine-free this hybrid of water mint and spearmint has a distinctive flavor and aroma.

This perennial, aromatic herb has been naturalized in almost every country in the world.

Wandering and invasive, peppermint can spread quickly. A popular herbal plant for the modern garden it grows to a height of about 2 feet and bears tiny purple blooms.

Peppermint tea is made from either dried or fresh peppermint leaves. It is often combined with other herbs to make tea blends. It can be served hot or cold without affecting its health benefits.

This tea can be found commercially in prepared tea bags, in loose dried bulk and you can also make your own tea.

Home Remedies Using Peppermint Tea

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.

Fresh Peppermint:

  • Remove leaves from a sprig of peppermint and wash well.
  • To release the natural peppermint oil crush the leaves with finger tips or mortar and pestle, lightly bruising them before putting them into a small cooking pot.
  • Add 2 cups of water to the pot and bring water to a boil.

Once it boils, turn off, remove from heat and simmer to desired strength.

The tea, slightly yellow in color, can be strained with cheesecloth or a small strainer.

Benefits of Peppermint Tea:

Historically mint itself has been used by the Greeks and the Romans. It is possible that the Egyptians cultivated M.piperita the hybrid plant that is the tea that we know of today but it is also thought to be created in England.

It was traditionally used as a cure for indigestion, flavoring for food and wine, a treatment for colds, cough, fever, and for its pain killing properties.

Full of Health Benefits

Rich in health benefits peppermint contains vitamins A and B, zinc, iron calcium and potassium. Chewing on the leaves was said to relieve toothache. It is also thought to have sedative properties that can help with insomnia.

Contains Menthol

Through modern studies it has been found that peppermint leaves contain menthol which is considered to be a cooling and therapeutic property.

Helps Digestion

This tea is used to relax the digestive tract helping with nausea, irritable bowel syndrome, vomiting and diarrhea. As an after dinner drink it stimulates the flow of bile helping with digestion and gas.

Eases Nausea

Peppermint tea is considered to be an anti-spasmodic which can help with nausea due to pregnancy, car sickness and nervousness.

Aids the Immune System

It is thought to have anti-oxidant qualities and strengthen the immune system to fend off common colds and other ailments.

Side Effects of Peppermint Tea

  • Although considered safe, excessive use of peppermint tea can cause diarrhea, slowed heart rate and heart palpitations.
  • If pregnant or nursing please consult with a doctor before use as it may cause miscarriage.
  • If you have gastrointestinal disease, peppermint tea may lead to acid reflex.
  • Do not give to infants or small children as the menthol vapors can cause choking.
  • May interfere with prescription medications.
  • Please consult with a doctor before using any herbal remedy.