The best peppermint tea for your digestive health and general wellbeing

Reaching for a cup of refreshing and soothing peppermint tea is an excellent remedy for when you are feeling congested or suffering from digestive issues. Peppermint is an ingredient in various modern products, such as toothpaste, sweets, and teas. If you want to stock up on the best peppermint tea, we have rounded up the best tea bags and loose-leaf teas to nourish you from the inside out.

Peppermint tea and the natural compounds found in the leaves can benefit your health in many ways. Not only is peppermint tea a delicious, naturally sweet, caffeine-free hot drink that can be consumed at any time of day, but as these teas have peppermint extract, it can immediately calm a person down.

It can also have significant soothing effects on colds, coughs, and other digestive or abdominal issues that might be uncomfortable for an individual.

Why was peppermint tea used throughout history?

Since the Ancient Egyptians, peppermint tea has become a popular remedy for indigestion. In fact, the first record of dried peppermint leaves was found in some pyramids in Egypt. Other than the Ancient Egyptians, Ancient Greeks and Romans also ingested dried peppermint leaves and used them as stomach soothers.

It was used to clear nausea and vomiting due to its soothing effects on the stomach. This is all thanks to peppermint's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

What are the main health benefits of peppermint tea?

Helps with bloating and digesting: One of the most well-known benefits of peppermint tea is its digestive effects. Peppermint may relieve digestive symptoms, such as gas, bloating, and indigestion. Animal studies indicate that peppermint soothes your digestive system and may ease the pain. It can also prevent smooth muscles from contracting, which could relieve spasms in your gut.

Aids 'hot' colds: From the viewpoint of Traditional Chinese Medicine, mint is known for its cooling properties. Mint tea is the perfect remedy for what is known as a 'hot cold' or 'wind-heat'. This is when you feel more feverish and warm and have a sore throat. Peppermint is cooling and can help to remove heat from the throat, eyes, and head. It has also been known to expel heat rashes.

It may help relieve menstrual cramps: Because peppermint acts as a muscle relaxant, tea may alleviate menstrual cramps and has comforting effects.

Good beverage before sleeping: As it is caffeine-free, peppermint tea is an excellent drink to have before bed and may help you relax. Pure peppermint tea is caffeine-free, but if you buy a blend of peppermint tea with either black or green tea, then this will contain caffeine and is best consumed earlier in the day.

It gives you a fresh breath: Peppermint is widely used in chewing gum, mints and toothpaste to freshen breath, and thanks to its natural antibacterial properties, it may help to prevent bad breath.

Can help with a blocked nose: While drinking peppermint tea may not get rid of the cold itself, the menthol smell of the mint, together with the steam from the tea, may help improve nasal airflow if you have a blocked nose. As peppermint has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, peppermint tea may relieve clogged sinuses due to infections, the common cold, and allergies.

Best peppermint tea

Peppermint leaves vs other mint tea types

When it comes to mint, there are a few types to know about.

Peppermint – This has a bright, strong menthol flavour; it is sweet but mostly refreshing.

Spearmint – less menthol in taste and has a smoother and sweeter flavour.

Wild mint – the flavour depends on the type. Water mint, for example, has a softer flavour, and chocolate mint (yes, this is a real plant) can sometimes give a chocolate-like aroma.

Although they’re very similar, peppermint has a more distinct menthol flavour and different health benefits, so make sure you always read the label to work out which mint tea you are buying.

FAQs

How long does it take to work?

Peppermint tea can help with digestion within an hour of drinking a strong cup of it. Other health benefits like settling your stomach and freshening your breath may happen immediately after drinking it.

What is a good peppermint tea?

A good peppermint tea contains high-quality peppermint leaves, preferably organic ones. It shouldn’t have any additional flavouring, and it won’t need any other ingredients like anise or liquorice. It should also be fresh and before the best-before date.