Growing up, in my family we drank peppermint tea for any and all occasions. My family is from Jamaica, and if you know anything about Jamaicans, they love their tea. They strongly believed in the power of tea to cure a variety of illnesses and diseases. If someone came down with a cold, their first recommendation would be tea. They were not wrong. Peppermint tea has a huge number of incredible health and wellness benefits. Hopefully by the end of this article, you’ll be headed to your nearest grocery store (or amazon, if you’re an online shopper) to pick up a few boxes.
1. Boosts Mood and Memory
An article published by the University of Northumbria in Newcastle, suggested that peppermint boosts mood, cognitive function, and improved long term memory, working memory, and alertness. It makes sense. My go-to tea when working on a project, reading, or studying, has always been peppermint tea. There’s something about its aroma that not only relaxes me but gives me motivation to keep working. So, if you need to stay focused on an important task today, try drinking a cup of peppermint tea.
2. Helps Nausea and Upset Stomach
Peppermint tea can also help alleviate nausea and upset stomach. Drinking peppermint tea is often my first line of defense against stomach pain. Warm peppermint tea seems to do the job like no other. I have plenty of other teas that I love but when dealing with stomach pain, I always reach for peppermint tea. Personally, I like to drink my tea as hot as possible without it burning me. I’ve noticed that it works better for me that way. But, definitely drink it at a temperature that feels comfortable to you and be careful about getting burned, because it can get very hot.
3. Treats IBS Symptoms
If you deal with IBS or any other gastrointestinal issues, you definitely want peppermint tea in your home. I’ve been having IBS-like symptoms for the past 8 or 9 months, and peppermint tea has been a huge help for me. It helps to relieve abdominal pain, intestinal spasms, gas, and bloating. If you’re looking for a natural remedy for IBS, I highly recommend getting peppermint tea. You can also go with peppermint oil capsules if you want quicker relief without drinking tea. I personally use a brand called Heather’s. You can get it at amazon for less than $9.
4. Fights Cold and Flu Symptoms
Peppermint tea contains menthol, a chemical that helps with congestion and coughs. It’s typically found in most cough drops. Studies have also found that the oil in peppermint leaves can have antiviral benefits, which actually help to prevent the spread of the cold and flu viruses. Two years ago, I had to do a huge presentation for class and I was coughing like crazy. Only peppermint tea and menthol cough drops were able to soothe my cough. Next time you’re struggling with a cough that’s hard to beat, brew a cup of peppermint tea.
5. Helps you Sleep Better
Now, I know Chamomile and Lavender are probably two of the best teas for better sleep but peppermint is pretty good too. Peppermint tea is great for sleep because it relaxes your muscles and helps you sleep peacefully. Also, it’s completely caffeine free unlike some other herbal teas so you don’t have to worry about trouble falling asleep from too much caffeine. Drink a cup of peppermint tea before bed and you’ll wake up well rested and ready to conquer your day.
Well, I hope you’re convinced that peppermint tea is truly a superfood. If you need help finding some, check out my favorites below:
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