Peppermint, spearmint, mint, these are all plants from the same family, but peppermint being the most hybrid variety. When we hear the word peppermint, we usually think of breath freshener. Consuming peppermint in the form of mint tea has a lot of benefits.
Let’s look into some of the benefits of drinking mint tea:
1. For relief from indigestion and other stomach issues:
Peppermint has an antispasmodic effect on the body. This property of peppermint can help relieve stomach problems and keep heartburn and indigestion at bay. Therefore, you could sip on a cup of peppermint tea after your meal, for the best effects. Consuming peppermint tea can also help relieve gas, bloating and other digestive symptoms like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), stomach pain and cramping, constipation or diarrhea etc., as it can relax your digestive system muscles and provide relief.
Caution: If you already have acid reflux, then do not drink this tea. You can drink this only to keep indigestion at bay and not once you already have it.
2. Acts as a breath freshener:
Peppermint has anti-bacterial properties and therefore it can help kill the germs produced in your mouth, which can reduce bad breath and give you fresher breath. Peppermint contains the compound ‘menthol’ which gives it its cooling properties and minty scent and flavour.
3. Can provide relief from cold, cough, allergies and blocked sinuses:
Peppermint is known to have anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking a cup of peppermint tea, when you have a cold or cough can help soothe your throat and help ease breathing by providing smooth airflow through the nasal passageway, because of the active compound menthol in peppermint.
4. Relief from menstrual cramps:
Are you one of those women who suffer from terrible menstrual cramps? Well, peppermint is known to have muscle relaxing properties and therefore, a cup of peppermint tea has shown to have soothing effects and improves menstrual symptoms.
5. Acts as an energy booster:
Those who experience fatigue and reduced energy levels on a regular basis, sipping on peppermint tea will be the right option for you. Peppermint has natural active compounds that can boost energy levels and even reduce daytime fatigue and daytime sleepiness. READ MORE – SIX AYURVEDIC NIGHTTIME RITUALS FOR A GOOD SLEEP
It could help you focus better, increase your concentration and increases the oxygen flow to your brain.
6. Other benefits:
Relief from headaches: There is no guarantee that your headache will vanish instantly, but peppermint tea can be had to provide relief to headaches. A soothing cup of peppermint tea can help the person relax and ease the pain.
Treatment of nausea: It relaxes the muscles of your digestive track and in turn provides relief from nausea.
Helps improve sleep: Do you find it difficult to fall asleep at night? Keep away from caffeinated drinks and maybe try having a cup of peppermint tea. It has proved to be beneficial for those having trouble sleeping and has aided their sleep. It could help a person sleep for longer hours at a stretch.
Relieves stress and reduces anxiety: Peppermint tea is known to act as a natural stress reliever and also helps reduce anxiety. Its properties are soothing and helps to relax the body and mind.
How to make peppermint tea at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 8 – 10 peppermint leaves
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
- Honey – as per taste
Method:
Into a heating pot add in the water, fresh peppermint leaves (wash it properly before using it). Let it come to a boil and then cover it with a lid and let it simmer for 5 to 6 minutes on low flame. Turn off the flame, strain into a cup, add in the honey and lemon juice (optional), stir well and it is ready to consume.
Tip: Do not drink or eat anything else after this for 15 minutes to 30 minutes for the best effect, especially for those people having this to keep indigestion at bay.
Peppermint Hair rinse to stop hair fall:
Into a heating pot add in 2 cups of water, 1 tbsp. of dried peppermint leaves. Cover the lid and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes on low flame. Turn off the flame, strain into a spray bottle. After hair wash, pour the tea or spray the tea all over your hair and scalp. Massage it in and leave it on, do not rinse off. Air dry your hair and style as usual. READ MORE – AYURVEDIC HAIR RINSE FOR THICKER HAIR GROWTH