Peppermint tea offers a refreshing sweet flavor with a cool and invigorating aftertaste. This aromatic tea is known to promote healthy digestion, reduce inflammation and soothe stomach aches. Peppermint is made of leaves and stems that contain the oil menthol and are used medicinally, as food flavoring, or as a fragrance.

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Research on Peppermint

 

There are hundreds of different mints available. However, studies show that peppermint is the mint most commonly used for medicinal purposes. The primary ingredients in peppermint – menthol and methyl salicylate – possess antispasmodic effects, producing a calming effect on the gastrointestinal tract.

 

Due to its antitumor and antimicrobial properties, renal actions, antiallergenic effects, chemo-preventive potential, and ability to lessen cramping, nausea, diarrhea and digestive complaints, peppermint is widely used to treat digestive disorders and nervous system actions. In addition, researchers of the University of Salford made a drug based off of a species (Scutellaria barbata) in the mint family – this drug has shown remarkable results in blocking tumor growth.

 

The essential oil in peppermint is used as a raw material in toothpaste, toothpowder, chewing tobacco, perfumes, cough drops, chewing gum, confectionary, mouth fresheners and various other products. Studies also reveal that peppermint has good antioxidant activity.

 

Benefits of Peppermint Tea

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• Helps with indigestion, flatulence/bloating and irritable bowel syndrome

• Reduces headache symptoms and menstrual pain

• Treats nausea, diarrhea, skin irritation and symptoms of colds or the flu

• May reduce anxiety associated with depression

• May eliminate some types of fungi, bacteria and viruses

• Anti-cancer properties, including radiation protection

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Sources

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University of Maryland Medical Center. (2014). Peppermint.

 

Khalil et al. (2015). Protective effect of peppermint and parsley leaves oils against hepatotoxicity on experimental rats.

 

Renter, E. (2013). Past research finds mint to protect against cancer and radiation.