Peppermint tea is naturally sweet and free of caffeine and calories. It may also be linked to several health benefits and could help improve digestive issues, boost concentration, relieve migraines, and freshen your breath.
Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is an aromatic herb in the mint family that is a cross between watermint and spearmint.
Native to Europe and Asia, it has been used for thousands of years for its pleasant, minty taste and health benefits.
Peppermint is used as a flavoring in breath mints, candies, and other foods. Additionally, many people consume peppermint as a refreshing, caffeine-free tea.
Peppermint leaves contain several essential oils including menthol, menthone, and limonene.
Menthol gives peppermint its cooling properties and recognizably minty scent.
While peppermint tea is often drunk for its flavor, it may also have several health benefits. The tea itself has rarely been studied scientifically, but peppermint extracts have.
Here are 12 science-backed benefits of peppermint tea and extracts.
- Peppermint oil has been shown to relax muscles in your digestive system and improve various digestive symptoms. Therefore, peppermint tea may provide similar benefits.
- While no evidence exists that peppermint tea improves headache symptoms, research suggests that peppermint oil reduces tension headaches and migraines.
- Peppermint oil has been shown to kill germs that lead to bad breath. Peppermint tea, which contains peppermint oil, may help improve breath as well.
- While there is limited evidence that drinking peppermint tea may help unclog your sinuses, a warm beverage containing menthol — such as peppermint tea — may help you breathe a little easier.
- Peppermint oil has been shown to relieve mental and physical fatigue in some studies, but research specifically on peppermint tea is lacking.
- Drinking peppermint tea may reduce the intensity and length of menstrual cramps since peppermint helps prevent muscle contractions. However, more research is needed.
- Studies confirm that peppermint effectively inhibits several types of bacteria, including those that cause food-borne illnesses and contagious illnesses.
- Little scientific evidence suggests that peppermint tea is beneficial for sleep. However, it’s a caffeine-free beverage that may help you relax before bedtime.
- Peppermint tea is a calorie-free beverage that may help satisfy your sweet tooth and reduce your appetite. However, more studies on peppermint and weight loss are needed.
- Peppermint contains rosmarinic acid, which has been shown to reduce allergy symptoms, such as sneezing and runny nose. However, evidence on the efficacy of peppermint tea against allergy symptoms is limited.
- Peppermint oil, found in peppermint tea, may help increase alertness and memory, which may
improve concentration. - Peppermint tea is a tasty, calorie- and caffeine-free tea that can be enjoyed at any time of day.