Peppermint tea: what it is used for and how to prepare it

Improving digestion and reducing nausea are some of the benefits of peppermint tea, which can be prepared using two different species of this plant, one known as peppermint, whose scientific name is Mentha spicata, and another known as peppermint lemon balm or peppermint, whose scientific name is Mentha piperita. 

Mint is an aromatic herb that can be used in culinary and for medicinal purposes because it has analgesic, antispasmodic and aphrodisiac action, being a great tea to ingest after meals because it helps in digestion.

In addition, this herb also has antiparasitic action, being useful to relieve symptoms and fight infection by parasites, such as amebiasis and giardiasis, for example.

Peppermint tea: what it is used for and how to prepare it

What it is used for

Peppermint tea is excellent for treating various health problems such as:

  • Poor digestion, nausea or vomiting;
  • High cholesterol;
  • Headache;
  • Menstrual cramps;
  • Nasal or pulmonary congestion, mainly in cases of flu or cold with cough;
  • Abdominal pains, having antispasmodic action;
  • Insomnia;
  • Bloody diarrhea;
  • Genital trichomoniasis.
  • In addition to this, this medicinal plant also helps to eliminate intestinal parasites.

    Peppermint can be used in other ways besides tea, there are capsules with oil or dry extract of the plant, and in the form of essential oil for the skin or to be used for aromatherapy. Its leaves can also be used to mix with pineapple or lemon juice, and even in yogurt-based dressings for salads. See all the benefits of peppermint. 

    Also, it is an aromatic herb that is easy to keep at home in a pot, because it requires little care.

    See more about the health benefits of spearmint in the video below:

    How to plant it

    Mint is easy to grow and can be kept at home in a plot or potted plants. It is necessary to keep the soil moist and well treated with fertilizers, such as chicken manure. It only produces flowers when found in moist soil, but prefers sandy, well-drained soils, so it is recommended to keep the plant in a pot.

    It is necessary to prune the peppermint regularly, and can be done when some stems are removed for consumption. 

    Recipes with mint tea

    Teas can be prepared using both types of mint, according to the benefits that are intended, some recipes are:

    1. Mint tea with cinnamon and ginger to lose weight

    The tea should be prepared with any type of mint, adding ginger and cinnamon. The mixture of these ingredients creates a thermogenic effect that helps speed up the metabolism and consume more calories to promote weight loss. 

    Ingredients

  • 6 mint leaves;
  • 1 cinnamon stick;
  • 1 cm of ginger root;
  • 180 mL of water.
  • How to prepare

    Mix all the ingredients in a pot and let them boil for a few minutes. Then let it steep until lukewarm, strain and drink unsweetened throughout the day. See another tea you can prepare to lose weight. 

    2. Common peppermint tea for fever

    Peppermint leaf tea, when combined with filipendula ulmaria and bitter orange, originates a mixture that can be used in the treatment of fever, as it promotes increased sweating. In addition to this, it is also good for respiratory problems, such as cough, asthma, flu, hoarseness, coryza and nasal congestion. 

    Ingredients

  • 15 g of peppermint leaves;
  • 70 g of linden flowers;
  • 10 g of filipendula;
  • 5 g of bitter orange.
  • Mode of preparation

    In a teacup add 1 tbsp of the plant mixture and add 150 ml of boiling water. Let it steep for 10 minutes and strain. This tea should be taken several times a day and preferably always before bedtime, to promote sweating and reduce fever.

    3. Mint tea for stomach pain

    Mint tea when combined with licorice root (crushed licorice) and chamomile flowers, creates a mixture that can be used in the treatment of inflammation in the stomach, such as gastritis or in cases of gastric ulcer. This is because chamomile has soothing properties that help alleviate symptoms and promote healing. wellness. See other chamomile benefits.

    Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon fresh or dried mint leaves;
  • 1 teaspoon crushed licorice;
  • 1/2 teaspoon chamomile flowers.
  • How to prepare

    Mix all the plants in a tea cup and add 150 ml of boiling water to it. Let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes and strain. This tea should be taken 3 to 4 times a day, to help soothe the stomach.   

    4. Peppermint tea for colic or gas

    Tea from dried peppermint leaves, can be used in relieving menstrual cramps and intestinal gas. Learn more about the properties of peppermint. 

    Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons of whole or crushed dried leaves of peppermint or 2 to 3 fresh leaves;
  • 150 mL of boiling water.
  • Mode of preparation

    Place the peppermint leaves in a tea cup and fill it with boiling water. Let the infusion steep for 5 to 7 minutes and strain. This tea should be drunk 3 to 4 times a day and preferably after meals.

    5. Lemon balm tea to improve digestion

    Peppermint tea when combined with dried fennel or anise seeds and lemon balm leaves, can be used for the relief of stomach pains and spasms. See other lemon balm health benefits.

    Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoon dried peppermint leaves;
  • 2 teaspoon fennel or anise seeds;
  • 2 teaspoon lemon balm leaves.
  • How to prepare

    Place 1 tbsp of the above mixture in a cup and fill with boiling water. Let the infusion steep for 10 minutes and strain. This tea should be taken piping hot, 2 to 3 times a day, and preferably after or between meals. 

    6. Common mint tea against diarrhea

    Peppermint leaf tea is good to help aid digestion, to reduce nausea and vomiting, and to soothe the bowel.

    Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 tablespoons of fresh dried or crushed mint leaves;
  • 150 mL of boiling water. 
  • How to prepare

    In a cup add 2 to 3 tablespoons of mint and add 150 mL of boiling water. Cover and let it steep for 10 minutes. This tea should be taken 3 to 4 times per day, and preferably after or between meals.     

    Contraindications

    Peppermint tea is contraindicated during pregnancy because there is not enough scientific evidence of its effects during this phase. It is also not indicated in children under 5 years of age. 

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