In one study, young women who used a mouth rinse containing peppermint for one week had fresher breath compared to women in the control group ( 17 ). One obvious reason is because the sweet yet powerful scent of mint can immediately freshen up your breath.īut researchers also think spearmint and peppermint support fresh breath because of their antibacterial properties ( 15 )( 16 ). Spearmint and peppermint are common flavorings in toothpaste, mouthwash, and gum.
In other words, mint tea may work to ease unpleasant stomach sensations and “move things along.” 3. How? According to one animal study, peppermint has the ability to support the relaxation of smooth muscle ( 14 ). In the modern era, human and animal studies alike suggest that spearmint and peppermint may both support healthy digestion as well as support digestive comfort ( 5 )( 6 )( 7 )( 8 )( 9 )( 10 )( 11 )( 12 )( 13 ). You can go back centuries and find documented uses of mint for digestive support in the traditions of Ayurvedic medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, ancient Greece (spearmint originated in the Mediterranean) and early Britain (once the herb was introduced there). This is perhaps the earliest-known traditional therapeutic use of mint. Supports Healthy Digestionĭid your mom ever give you mint tea to help settle your stomach? And while there’s less scientific evidence regarding mint tea, it’s possible that some of the benefits still translate.
We should point out that researchers in these studies tend to use mint essential oils or other extracts instead of mint tea. For example, a study of 144 subjects found that smelling the scent of peppermint essential oils supported alertness and memory ( 4 ). Interestingly, the aroma of mint may be beneficial all by itself.
PEPPERMINT TEA BENEFITS TRIAL
A mouse study also showed that mice given a spearmint extract performed better in a maze test, indicating better memory ( 2 ).Īnd in a 2018 randomized controlled trial published in the journal Nutrients, 24 young, healthy subjects performed better on cognitive tests and experienced less fatigue after taking peppermint oil capsules compared to placebo ( 3 ). Most remarkably, a study of older adults given spearmint extract showed a large increase in working memory ( 1 ). Supports Memory, Alertness, and ConcentrationĪccording to some studies, both spearmint and peppermint may support healthy brain function and cognition. Keep reading to find out what they are! 6 Benefits of Drinking Mint Tea 1. Unlike its subtler sibling spearmint, bold peppermint is usually the star of any recipe in which it’s featured.Īlong with their unique, refreshing flavors and aromas, mint teas and other mint-derived infusions offer several valuable potential health benefits. You’ve likely tasted peppermint in candies like candy canes, as well as plenty of sweet baked goods. Peppermint originally grew in Europe and the Middle East, but, like spearmint, has since spread throughout the world. Peppermint gets its name due to its high menthol content, which lends it a spicy or “pepper-like” flavor. Peppermint, on the other hand, ( Mentha × Piperita ) is a hybrid of spearmint and watermint. You’ve probably experienced spearmint in Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine, as well as a common scent or flavor in products like shaving creams, toothpaste, and chewing gum.
This herb gets its name from its pointed or “spear-like” leaves. Spearmint ( Mentha spicata ) is a green, leafy herb that originated in Europe and Southern Asia, but is now naturalized in temperate climates around the world. The Mentha family of herbs contains up to 24 different species, of which spearmint and peppermint are the most popular. The mint family, officially called Mentha, belongs to the Lamiaceae family of plants. No one knows for sure the origin of mint tea, but chances are high that it goes as far back as humans’ ability to boil water! Where does mint come from? And today, we’ll only be looking at pure mint teas–not flavored teas like mint green tea. Unlike true teas that come from the Camellia sinensis plant, herbal teas (like mint tea) don’t contain any caffeine. Herbal teas are also sometimes called tisanes or infusions. Mint tea is what you might expect: any herbal tea made from mint.
PEPPERMINT TEA BENEFITS HOW TO
We’re digging into the research below, as well as the background of mint tea, the differences between peppermint and spearmint teas, and how to make your own delicious, soothing mint tea at home. Have you ever wondered whether mint tea has health benefits? We love it because it’s caffeine-free, yet stimulating, with a pleasant combination of relaxing and invigorating properties. Mint tea is a fresh, aromatic beverage that’s delicious and refreshing, whether served hot or cold.
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