Peppermint tea: Benefits!

              Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) is an aromatic herb in the mint family. It contains menthol and menthone which is responsible for its cooling properties and minty scent. Peppermint has antimicrobial. antiviral, antioxidant and anti-tumor beneficial properties. Peppermint is naturally free of caffeine, which makes it a great drink at anytime of the day to fit into your lifestyle.

Some benefits of peppermint tea:

• Relieves digestive upsets such as bloating, gas and indigestion: Animal studies have shown that peppermint tea relaxes the GIT and eases pain. It also relaxes the smooth muscle contraction which can ease off cramps.  In need of a bloat-less tummy? Take peppermint tea 1-2hrs after meal and feel the relaxation (it works perfect for me especially after dairy consumption).

• Helps to freshen your breath: The antibacterial properties of peppermint helps to kill germs that could cause dental plaque. This helps to improve one's breath. 

• Helps to fight clogged sinuses: The presence of menthol in peppermint tea helps to improve air flow in the nasal cavity making breathing easier. It also helps to clear off clogged sinuses due to infections, cold or allergies.

Sources of Peppermint tea:

1. You can buy it packaged in tea bags like I do.
2. Get them in fresh leaves and prepare by:

• Bringing 2 coups of water to a boil
• add in a handful of freshly chopped peppermint leaves to the boiled water
• Cover and steep for 10-minutes
• Strain and enjoy.

Have you tried peppermint tea before? Did you observe any difference with your bloating?  How best do you enjoy it?

Please leave your comments below, and share with a friend.

References

McKay DL, Blumberg JB. A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.) Phytother Res. 2006;20(8):619–33.

Thosar, N., Basak, S., Bahadure, R. N., & Rajurkar, M. (2013). Antimicrobial efficacy of five essential oils against oral pathogens: An in vitro study. European journal of dentistry, 7(Suppl 1), S71-7.

Dagli, N., Dagli, R., Mahmoud, R. S., & Baroudi, K. (2015). Essential oils, their therapeutic properties, and implication in dentistry: A review. Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry, 5(5), 335-40.

Rakover Y1, Ben-Arye E, Goldstein LH (2008). The treatment of respiratory ailments with essential oils of some aromatic medicinal plants. Harefuah. 2008 Oct;147(10):783-8, 838.

R. Eccles, D.H. Griffiths, C.G. Newton, N.S. Tolley. The effects of menthol isomers on nasal sensation of airflow. Clin. Otolaryngol. Allied Sci., 13 (1988), pp. 25-29.