Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea

Crisp and refreshing, peppermint tea is more than a palate pleaser. The popular herbal beverage is prized for its medicinal qualities and has been sipped throughout the ages to ease everything from anxiety to an upset stomach.

Steeped in history

According to Greek mythology, peppermint was the outcome of a love triangle between Hades, his wife Queen Persephone and the nymph Minthe. The story goes that after discovering her husband’s betrayal, the jealous Queen turned Minthe into a plant. Hades was unable to reverse the spell, but he instilled Minthe with a sweet aroma. That enticing scent has since permeated cultures across the globe. The ancient Egyptians placed peppermint leaf tributes in the pyramids with dried leaves carbon dated to 1000 BC discovered there. In Europe and India, peppermint was used as a stewing herb to clear the air in temples and homes. The Romans grew mint in their gardens in order to harness its medicinal powers. And in the Middle East, guests are still welcomed with peppermint tea.

Cure all in a cup

Peppermint tea is the triple threat. Its aroma, taste and medicinal qualities make it the go to for a range of common ailments. It is recognized as a natural remedy for relieving a stuffy nose and soothing a dry cough. Both can be eased with a therapeutic peppermint tea steam. And a hot mug of peppermint tea is a delicious way to replace fluids lost during a fever. There may not be a lot of scientific evidence to back it up but women of a certain age swear by a glass of iced peppermint tea to tame the hot flushes that come with menopause. Some have even been known to soak a face washer in peppermint tea and store it in the fridge in a zip lock bag, ready to place on the wrists or forehead for a quick cool down.

Natural nightcap

If your bedtime routine includes a hot drink, peppermint tea is the perfect nightcap. Sleep experts recommend avoiding caffeinated drinks at least six hours before bed. Unlike most other teas, peppermint tea is caffeine free, meaning a late night cup won’t leave you tossing and turning. Peppermint tea is also known to relieve heartburn and indigestion. The University of Maryland Centre reports that peppermint can calm muscles and improve bile flow allowing food to pass through the stomach more quickly.

Boost your brain

Some studies even suggest that drinking peppermint tea can make you more alert by boosting mental performance and promoting focus. A study on peppermint published in the Perceptual and Motor Skills journal found an association between the aroma of peppermint and enhanced accuracy and speed. "These results suggest peppermint odour may promote a general arousal of attention, so participants stay focused on their task and increase performance," the study concluded. A further study by researchers at Northumbria University in England revealed that drinking peppermint tea improved the long term and working memory of healthy adults.

Can you have too much of a good thing?

Peppermint is a powerful herb and while it offers myriad benefits, there can be side effects associated with excessive consumption. The menthol within peppermint can act as an allergen to some and lead to heartburn in others. Problems are not common, but consulting a doctor about possible allergies is always a good idea.

The perfect partner

Peppermint tea also plays well with others. Madura’s peppermint and green tea is the perfect fusion of a China style green tea from Asia with the unrivalled freshness of pure peppermint leaves. The aromatic beverage offers twice as many benefits as drinking either alone with green tea bringing antioxidants and fat-burning qualities to the party. Madura is committed to producing pure, healthy tea that is bursting with flavour. To discover Madura’s quality blends, organic and herbal teas visit our online store.