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Most studies recommend drinking 2-3 cups of peppermint tea a day. Learn about 9 science-backed health benefits of peppermint tea
While there are no set guidelines regarding how many cups of peppermint tea you should have a day, most studies recommend 2-3 cups, with a few researchers suggesting that drinking up to 4-5 cups may be fine as well.
Because peppermint tea contains no caffeine, it can be consumed in the evening. Besides having potential relaxing effects, peppermint tea can also help calm the stomach, promote digestion, and reduce headaches.
9 health benefits of peppermint tea
- Relieves headaches and migraines: Peppermint contains menthol, which acts as a relaxant and increases blood flow, thereby aiding in pain relief. It may provide relief from headaches and migraines.
- Relieves menstrual cramps: Peppermint is said to have antispasmodic properties that help alleviate menstrual cramps, reducing the severity and duration. Peppermint compounds act as muscle relaxants and may relieve cramps by working on the muscles in the uterus.
- Relieves stress: Peppermint tea's natural aroma has a calming effect. Researchers have suggested that people who smelled peppermint or included peppermint tea in their diet reduced their anxiety and fatigue levels by 20%.
- Relieves congestion: Because peppermint can help open breathing passageways, peppermint tea can help with respiratory issues, such as asthma or congestion. Consuming peppermint tea can help you breathe easier and relieve congestion by acting as an expectorant.
- Aids digestion: Because peppermint is known to reduce gastric acid in the stomach, it is a popular tea to drink after a meal. Peppermint oil is often used as a digestive remedy for an upset stomach, and peppermint tea may help those who suffer from gastrointestinal diseases.
- Eliminates bad breath: Peppermint tea can help mask bad breath, allowing the antibacterial properties to combat the source of the odor. To reap the full benefits of peppermint tea for bad breath, it may be beneficial to drink after eating foods such as garlic or onions. Make sure to use real peppermint and not artificial flavors for the best results.
- Helps weight loss: The strong aroma of mint has been shown to help control appetite and suppress cravings. If you crave sweets after dinner, sipping a cup of hot peppermint tea can help you satisfy the craving. Peppermint tea's calming, soothing aroma can help reduce stress and reduce cortisol levels, which can have an impact on your metabolism. It only has 2.4 calories per 8-oz serving, which makes it a great alternative to sugary soft drinks.
- Increases concentration: Inhaling the invigorating scent of peppermint tea may improve concentration and mental focus.
- Boosts immunity: Peppermint contains antibacterial and antiviral properties and is also high in antioxidants. This can help the immune system work better in eliminating harmful germs and viruses from the body.
Does peppermint tea have any side effects?
Too much of anything can cause unpleasant side effects. Talk to your doctor if you are:
- Pregnant
- Allergic to menthol or mint
- Suffering from kidney stones or diabetes
- Taking certain medications, such as antidiabetic medications and medications to reduce stomach acid, since these can react negatively with peppermint
While the health benefits of peppermint tea mentioned above are backed by research, this article is only for informational purposes and should not be construed as medical advice. Those with health-related questions should seek the advice of a medical professional. The FDA has not reviewed these statements.
