Peppermint Tea

What is Peppermint?

Peppermint is a herb acknowledged and revered the world over for its medicinal benefits and distinctive flavor. Just by inhaling the aroma of freshly brewed peppermint tea clears up clogged nasal passages and head colds.

The fresh leaf has a high menthol content which is retained on drying; these leaves can be stored by drying them in the shade and dry leaves are also available in the market.

The menthol in peppermint leaves help relax muscles and is very good as a nightcap. People with sleep deprivation, benefit greatly with a cup of tea at bedtime. Falling asleep is a lot easier when your body is actually relaxed. A stressed-out person finds it difficult to fall asleep and peppermint can relax muscles as well as tension.

For those with irritable bowel syndrome, peppermint tea can work wonders where even doctors find the condition hard to treat. Menthol acts as an antispasmodic and calms the stomach. At times enteric-coated capsules of peppermint oil can work wonders as they dissolve on reaching the small intestine and provide relief. These are good for duodenal ulcers as well.

Peppermint tea sipped slowly can ease nausea, gastritis, and headaches – even migraine. Peppermint is rich in enzymes like peroxidase and catalase which help strengthen the immune system. The potassium and calcium and vitamin B help to strengthen bones.

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When you feel a sore throat coming on, it is a very good idea to gargle with strong and warm peppermint tea 2-3 times a day. The germicidal effect works well to arrest the throat infection at the onset.

Peppermint tea offers relief from travel sickness. It will be a good idea to start having this 3 times a day two or three days before traveling. For a long journey, you can carry it in a flask and take sips of this at short intervals as this will resolve the problem of travel sickness to a great extent.

This herbal tea prevents gall stones from forming and as it relaxes the lining of the stomach wall and intestines. It also releases the flow of bile, which cuts down the building up of stomach fat.

Peppermint has antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties so it can be used topically as a cleansing agent to help fight bacterial infections along with having the decongestant properties to clear respiratory disorders. Its analgesic quality helps in pain relief.

This caffeine-free tea can be drunk either hot or cold. It can be sweetened with brown sugar, honey or maple syrup.

Peppermint tea can be made using both fresh peppermint leaves and dry leaves. It can be added as a flavor to any other tea as a variation in taste and flavor.

Drinking 4- 5 cups a day is perfectly safe, more than 5 cups a day can cause acid reflux due to gastrointestinal problems and heartburn.

Method of Preparation:

• Boil approximately 8 ounces of water.
• Pour over 1 teaspoon of dry peppermint leaves and let it steep for 3-4 minutes.
• Drink it warm and not hot.

For tea made with fresh leaves:

• Take a handful of washed leaves.
• Crush lightly to release the natural oil and aroma.
• Add these leaves to boiling water and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
• Strain and use