Helps with sleep: Other benefits of mint tea and who should avoid it
Mint tea is made by steeping peppermint leaves in hot water. You can also prepare mint tea from mint leaves. Peppermint leaves contain several essential oils, including menthol, menthone, and limonene, which are released when steeped in hot water. Together, they give peppermint tea its refreshing, cooling mint flavor.
Good Food tells whether this drink is beneficial.
What you need to know about this tea
Peppermint tea can be made from fresh leaves, dried leaves, or tea bags. In tea bags, peppermint can be mixed with other flavorings such as licorice or fruits. It naturally contains no caffeine, so you can drink it as much as you like.
Peppermint tea has no nutritional value in terms of macronutrients and contains only about two calories per 100 ml. Its value lies in its essential oils and their potential health benefits.
Health benefits of peppermint tea
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May relieve bloating and digestive issues
Peppermint tea is well-known for its effects on digestion. It may help alleviate symptoms such as gas and bloating. While there are few human studies on the effectiveness of peppermint tea, some animal studies suggest it may have a relaxing effect on the digestive system. Most research has focused on peppermint oil, which is more concentrated than tea, and has shown some evidence of providing short-term relief for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). If you plan to use peppermint oil or tea to treat IBS symptoms, consult your general practitioner first to ensure it's suitable for you. -
Caffeine-free
Pure peppermint tea contains no caffeine. However, if you buy a peppermint tea blend with black or green tea, it will contain caffeine. -
May help with sleep
No studies are confirming that peppermint tea can aid sleep, but since it is caffeine-free, it can be consumed before bedtime and may help you relax. -
Supports fresh breath
Peppermint is widely used in chewing gum, breath mints, and toothpaste to freshen breath. Its natural antibacterial properties may help prevent bad breath. -
May help with nasal congestion
While drinking peppermint tea won't cure a cold, the menthol scent of peppermint combined with the steam from the tea can help improve nasal airflow if you have a stuffy nose.
Who should avoid it
There is some evidence that mint tea may be harmful for those suffering from GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), as it might actually worsen symptoms rather than alleviate them.
If you struggle with heartburn, have stomach hernias, or kidney stones, try to avoid mint tea. Although side effects are not commonly reported, it may exacerbate symptoms in some individuals.
Some people are allergic to mint. The leaves themselves can cause skin or eye irritation, such as itching and hives. If you drink mint tea, symptoms of a reaction typically appear within a few minutes and may include itching of the tongue or throat, wheezing, or coughing. In rare cases, this reaction can be severe and require immediate medical attention.
Can you drink a lot of mint tea
The only side effect you might experience is the need to visit the bathroom more frequently due to increased water intake.
Also, the dietitian has named super-healthy teas.
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This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
