Top 9 Peppermint Tea Benefits: Sleep, Memory, and More
Peppermint is a popular herbal tea that comes with a variety of health benefits. Peppermint tea can be brewed on its own as a stimulating, soothing herbal infusion, and can also be added to many different kinds of herbal and caffeinated blends. Whether you’re looking to soothe what ails you, or just enjoy the bright, minty flavor of peppermint tea, enjoying a cup of your favorite mint tea is an easy way to reap the many benefits this herb has to offer!
Benefits of peppermint tea
Some of the benefits of peppermint tea include increasing alertness, improving memory, reducing stress, and more.
1. Enhances memory
Peppermint has been shown to enhance memory and cognitive function. Whether you’re studying up for a big exam, or just want to improve your memory and retention, a cup of tea can help to boost your recall and sharpen your mind. Since peppermint also increases alertness, energy, and focus, it can be a simple, easy way to boost your mental fitness and help you retain information.
2. Increases alertness
If you’re feeling sluggish, a cup of peppermint tea can help to increase alertness and boost energy. Peppermint can stimulate the areas of the brain responsible for alertness, resulting in increased focus and attention. At the same time, peppermint doesn’t contain any of the negative side effects of caffeine or other stimulants, and can also help to balance your mood and increase relaxation. If you need a little boost but want to steer clear of caffeine and other stimulants, peppermint tea can serve a similar function.
3. Calms upset stomachs
Peppermint tea is a great option to soothe your stomach after a heavy meal or when you’re experiencing a stomach upset. Peppermint can reduce abdominal pain and bloating, and reduce painful symptoms of indigestion and IBS. A cup of peppermint tea is a great way to relax and wind down after dinner, before bed, or when you’re dealing with indigestion or an upset stomach.
4. High in antioxidants
Mint is also extremely high in antioxidants and comes with a variety of associated benefits. Antioxidants can help to reduce harmful free radicals in the body and promote overall cellular health. They can also help to ward off cancer and other degenerative diseases. Loose leaf tea made from the camellia sinensis plant is also high in antioxidants, so if you’re looking to increase your antioxidant intake you might want to consider consuming a peppermint green or black tea blend.
5. Reduces stress
A soothing cup of peppermint tea can help to reduce stress. Studies show that peppermint is associated with a decrease in anxiety and frustration, and can be a simple way to calm your nerves and combat stress. Peppermint can also reduce the fatigue associated with prolonged stress. Since peppermint also increases energy and alertness, it can be a soothing, stress-busting alternative to sedatives or alcohol.
6. Soothes cramps
If you’re suffering from painful cramps, a warm cup of peppermint tea can help to soothe what ails you. Peppermint has been shown to be effective at reducing cramps and bleeding during your period. It has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect that can soothe pain and mitigate muscle cramping. Mint is an accessible herbal alternative when it comes to reducing period pain.
7. Eases headache pain
Peppermint is also useful in treating headaches. Because of its pain-reducing properties, a cup of mint tea can help to soothe the pain associated with a tension headache. Next time you're suffering from a headache, try brewing a soothing cup of mint tea in order to reap the many benefits of this tasty herbal brew. Tea can also help to increase hydration and soothe stress, adding to peppermint’s headache-fighting effects.
8. Boosts energy
Peppermint tea has also been shown to be effective at giving you a boost of energy when you’re feeling sluggish. While peppermint doesn’t contain any caffeine or stimulants, it can help to increase alertness, focus, and energy. This makes peppermint a great choice for when you need energy but don’t want to consume caffeine, or during the evening when you’d rather not be up all night. Peppermint tea also provides energy without the high and subsequent crash associated with coffee and energy drinks.
9. Soothes cold symptoms
Coming down with a cold? Peppermint has been shown to ease cold symptoms and soothe sore throats. Mint has antiviral properties, and can help to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and clear congestion. A warm cup of peppermint tea can help to have you feeling better in no time. For an added soothing bonus, try adding a spoonful of honey to your peppermint tea!
How to brew peppermint tea
If you’re preparing to brew an herbal tea with a peppermint base, there are a few easy steps. If you’re preparing a peppermint tea that includes black or green tea, we recommend following our preparation instructions depending on the type of tea. If you’re preparing a peppermint-based herbal tea, you can follow our preparation instructions for herbal infusions. We recommend using one teaspoon of tea leaves per four ounces of water, and steeping in a pot or cup with an infuser. Heat your water to a roiling boil, and pour the hot water over the tea leaves. Steep the peppermint tea for about six minutes, then remove the leaves and enjoy! For an added touch of sweetness, you can enjoy peppermint teas with a spoonful of honey or sugar. Peppermint also makes for a great iced tea, whether prepared traditionally and chilled, or cold-brewed in the fridge overnight.
