From chewing gums to toothpaste and candy canes to teas: where would the world be today without peppermint?
Studies suggest that peppermint was used as far back as in ancient Rome, Egypt, and Greece but it was only in the mid-1700s that it was formally recognized.
Peppermint and its uses can be traced back to ancient Egypt. There is evidence in Egyptian medical text in 1550 B.C., that suggests peppermint’s ability to ease stomach ailments.
In fact, peppermint was considered valuable enough in ancient Egypt to be used as a form of money.
Eventually, peppermint came from the Middle East to northern parts of Europe due to speculation of its cooking and medicinal properties.
In the middle ages, holy monks used peppermint to clean their teeth and would also use it to repel rodents thanks to its strong menthol smell.
By the mid-1700s, peppermint was listed as a medicinal agent used for treating many conditions such as diseases and migraines. Over the years, peppermint was included in cooking, teas, and more medicines and is today commercially grown on farms.
Today, peppermint is used as medicine, it is used in cooking, in oral hygiene, and also as an essential oil to treat ailments like digestive issues, blood flow, high blood pressure, cramps, or headaches.
In fact, many doctors prescribe patients a nice cup of peppermint tea to treat stress, headaches, cramps, or other sorts of ailments over modern medicines. Peppermint’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it an ideal natural home remedy.
Let us take a look at 6 science-backed benefits of peppermint tea and why you should include it in your diet:
- It helps with digestion: According to a scientific study, peppermint tea supports digestion. The essential oils present in the herb help soothe stomach aches by relaxing the digestive tract. This provides instant relief and doesn’t produce any side effects.
- It relieves headaches and migraines: Peppermint is a known muscle relaxer and the menthol present in peppermint increases blood flow and offers a cooling sensation that helps treat migraines and headaches. The next time you experience migraine attacks or suffer from mild headaches, sip on a warm cup of peppermint tea.
- Keeps your breath fresh: Peppermint contains antibacterial properties which help eliminate germs that cause bad breath or dental plaque. The next time you are on a date or want to tame your bad breath after a garlicky meal, simply indulge in a nice cup of peppermint tea.
- Treats sinuses: Because peppermint has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it can treat clogged sinuses caused by infections, the common cold, or even allergies.
- Reduces fatigue: Studies suggest that peppermint is a magical ingredient when it comes to elevating energy levels.
- Helps you sleep: Because peppermint tea is naturally caffeine-free, it is an ideal beverage to have before bed. The muscle-relaxing properties also help you relax after a stressful day.
The benefits of peppermint are endless. While many like to consume peppermint as a natural remedy for stomach aches or headaches, commercially it is also used to treat oral plaque and as a flavoring agent in candies and toothpaste.
At Tetique, we offer you the best organic teas and organic infusions for better healthy living. In addition, we check out our store to know more about the amazing health benefits of herbal tea infusions and buy them at affordable rates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is it good to drink peppermint tea every day?
Yes, it is good to drink peppermint tea every day. In fact, you can have it twice a day to help you relax, and soothe stomach pain, menstrual cramps, or even headaches and migraines.
- Who should avoid peppermint tea?
People suffering from Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or Hiatal Hernia should avoid drinking peppermint teas because it relaxes the sphincter muscles which aggravates acid reflux.
- Does peppermint tea raise blood pressure?
Drinking peppermint tea is a great way to reduce blood pressure.
