There are many delicious kinds of tea to choose from, but one, in particular, stands out from the rest…and that’s peppermint tea! Peppermint tea is a health drink that also tastes delicious.
I have a special drawer in my kitchen where I keep my goodies. And my family knows they better ask before they open it. Inside, I keep a plethora of teas, and of course a few other healthy treats.
Of course, you’ll find several varieties of peppermint tea. Why?
Well, keep reading. You’re about to find out why peppermint tea is one of my personal favorites.
Peppermint Tea Health Benefits
Peppermint tea provides several health benefits. People have been using it for centuries for all of the beneficial effects.
Now we’ll explore how peppermint tea benefits you (and there are so many ways it does!)
Peppermint tea has so many great properties, you will be shocked! Peppermint tea aids in weight loss, helps to improve bad breath, can help reduce stress, helps to improve digestion, soothes an upset stomach, boosts the immune system and can help reduce gas, bloating, and indigestion.
It can essentially help with any symptoms associated with tummy troubles. I’m telling you, this is a lifesaver if you’re a mom. When my kids were young they would actually ask for my special tummy tea.
Get a Caffeine-free Jolt
So what are the negatives, if any, with peppermint tea? You might be wondering “does peppermint tea have caffeine?” for example. And the answer to this is NO!
While many teas do contain caffeine, peppermint tea is not one of them. This is particularly helpful to know if you are sensitive to caffeine, or are looking for an afternoon pick-me-up that won’t cause jitters or troubles falling asleep at night.
Additionally, it has been shown to help with brain function by making you more alert. Like coffee, peppermint tea can help you focus and feel sharp, but without any side effects.
Peppermint tea can be consumed at any time of day or night. You might have smelled peppermint oil before, and noticed the delicious menthol fragrance.
Perhaps you have even tried peppermint tea before, but did not know the plethora of health benefits that it has. Either way, peppermint tea is a simple, easy drink to make, and enjoy any time.
Peppermint tea might just become your new favorite go-to drink when you are trying to stay away from excess coffee or soft drinks. That’s probably the biggest reason why I love peppermint tea so much. I am one of those “caffeine sensitive ” people. I hate how I feel when I’ve had too much caffeine but yet I really like the pick-me-up it provides.
Peppermint tea gives me a natural boost that doesn’t leave me jittery. Afternoon or evening, this is my go-to drink.
As a mom of teenagers (who can stay up wayyyy too late), I need to be alert. But I also want to go to bed and sleep soundly.
Peppermint Tea Origins
So, what are the origins of peppermint tea? Well, let’s look at where peppermint tea comes from.
After all, peppermint tea is different from all other teas out there. Not only does it have a delicious minty taste and several health benefits, but it also has very distinct origins.
Peppermint tea actually is a cross between two different plants. The scientific name is Mentha piperita, and it’s comprised of both water mint and spearmint.
Do you see the similarity to the word menthol there? Neat, huh?! Who knew peppermint tea was such an in-depth topic!
Now, you might be wondering where peppermint tea comes from, geographically. Peppermint tea actually was cultivated in England in the late 17th Century, but historically, it has been used as a remedy for indigestion since Ancient Egyptian times.
It’s also important to point out that the mint leaf from which peppermint tea is made can grow pretty much anywhere. It is used for breath mints, candies, chocolates, syrups, medicines, teas, and as an essential oil for aromatherapy.
Plants from the mentha family are widely spread out around the world and can be found in many different kinds of environments. Most grow best in wet environments and damp soil.
If you want to have easy access to peppermint tea for yourself, you might be lucky enough to grow it in your own little garden. Peppermint tea is something you can be proud to grow for yourself, simply because of its numerous uses and health benefits.
Many years ago I used to have a cute little herb garden outside. I grew strawberries, chives, thyme, basil, cilantro, and you guessed it, peppermint. The peppermint took over! It is a very hardy plant and the deer don’t like to eat it. That was a bonus for me because the deer like to eat just about everything. You can’t kill peppermint. So if you want to try it, do it!
Peppermint tea is an item that you can share with your friends and family because everyone can find some benefit from it. Even people who aren’t tea fanatics might be persuaded to add it to their diet because of how much it can boost their health and immunity.
Like I mentioned, my peppermint tea was (and still is) popular with even the toughest of critics… my kids!
More Health Benefits
In further exploring the health benefits of peppermint tea, there is much to be said about the antioxidant and antiviral benefits, as well. If you constantly get sick, or don’t get enough antioxidants from fruits and vegetables (like many of us with a typical nutritionally-lacking American diet), you can greatly benefit from drinking this tea. It might just help stomp out some of those seasonal colds and ailments that you typically get when you aren’t 100% on top of your health and your diet.
Peppermint tea also is packed with phytochemicals, like vitamins and minerals. That is actually the component that contributes to the antiviral properties.
The tea also helps combat headaches. Many of us experience headaches as a result of poor lifestyle choices, stress, and unknown causes. This tea has been shown to lessen both headache frequency and intensity. You can drink the tea or apply peppermint essential oil to your temples when you are in the midst of a terrible headache, and see if it helps you.
If you are curious about how many cups of this wonder tea you should drink each day, the answer is simple. Peppermint tea is safe in moderation, and you should drink one or two cups per day for overall health. It can help you combat that afternoon sleepy feeling, perhaps after eating lunch.
Peppermint Tea Recipes
There are many recipes you can try, but some are obviously more simple than others. If you are looking for a simple recipe, you have definitely come to the right place.
Spiced Peppermint Tea
Spiced Peppermint Tea
Ingredients
- 3 c water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves
- 2 whole allspice berries
- 1 c fresh mint leaves
- Honey to taste optional
Instructions
- Place the water, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil.
- Boil for 1 minute. Stir in mint leaves.
- Remove from the heat; cover and steep for 5 minutes. Strain tea.
- Serve with honey, if desired.
Wild Peppermint Tea
Wild Peppermint Tea
Ingredients
- ½ c dry peppermint leaf
- 3-4 c very hot water
- 2-3 tbsps honey
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the peppermint leaves and shut the heat off.
- Let the tea steep for about 5 minutes.
- Pour through a tea strainer.
- Add the honey and pour it into a cup.
Notes
You can purchase the peppermint leaves at any health food store.
Easy Fresh Peppermint Tea
Easy Fresh Peppermint Tea
Ingredients
- 2 c filtered water
- 15 fresh mint leaves, peppermint, or spearmint
- Optional: 2 tsp sugar (or honey; start with about 1 tsp per cup and add more as desired)
- Optional: ice
- Optional: lemon slices
- Optional: lemon juice
Instructions
- Bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil.
- Remove from heat and add mint leaves.
- Steep 3-5 minutes, depending on the desired strength.
- Add optional sweeter, such as honey, as desired.
Notes
If serving hot, pour the tea into mugs.
Garnish with optional lemon slices and/or lemon juice to taste.
The Right Time For Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea truly is the ultimate winter tea to boost your health and provide a refreshing alternative to replace soft drinks. Now’s also a great time to experiment with peppermint tea because it’s the perfect flavor for Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s Eve and more! Nervous about experimenting with loose leaf teas, you can buy peppermint tea bags.
But if you want to experiment, you can find delicious and healthy recipes like peppermint tea in the LadyBoss® Pocket Personal Trainer. Adding new, healthy recipes to your routine will improve the overall quality of your life and help you stay on track to achieving all of your weight loss, health, and nutritional goals.
