Top 6 Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea

Mint (Mentha) became popular in Europe after eighteenth century. Its two most common varieties are peppermint (Mentha aquatic) and spearmint (Mentha spicata). Peppermint is a natural hybrid of spearmint. It contains the aromatic oil menthol, whereas spearmint contains a similar but weaker chemical, carvone. Peppermint is one of the oldest and most loved herbs of mankind. The origin of this leaf is unknown, but traces of some dried leaves have been found in the pyramids in Egypt, dating from as early as 1000 BC. It is believed that peppermint was cultivated by ancient Egyptians for its essential oils. While peppermint tea leaves are available throughout the year, they are especially good in warm weather when they can give a burst of cool flavor to a summer salad or beverage.

Talking about Peppermint tea, it has a long history as a digestive aid and as a treatment for the symptoms of cough, colds and fever. There are countless health benefits of peppermint tea.  A cup of this tea every day can make you stress-free, healthy, and happy.

Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea!

1. Stress Free life: Stress and anxiety are one of the most common problems that people face these days and for them, peppermint tea is the best solution. The menthol present in the herb is a muscle relaxant and is antispasmodic in nature, which helps you to relax amidst ongoing mental stress.
2. Helps you sleep better: If you are tired of being an insomniac, peppermint tea is perfect for you. For a restful and sound sleep, you need to drink peppermint tea on a daily basis, not necessarily before going to bed. It will act as a muscle relaxant and help you sleep peacefully.
3. Aids in Weight Loss: If you are looking forward to shed a few kilos, peppermint tea is the way ahead. Many doctors believe that a cup of peppermint tea can satisfy your hunger cravings for a longer period, so you don’t feel hungry through the day. This way you will not be adding extra calories to your diet and hence lose weight.”
4. Cure to an Upset Stomach: Peppermint may also do wonders for your stomach. Problems like gas, constipation, motion sickness are very common nowadays. The menthol present in peppermint helps soothe the stomach and relieve digestion process.
5. Fights Bad Breath: Problem of bad breath is something that becomes unavoidable sometimes. Even though we may brush our teeth twice a day, bad breath may still be a problem. However, the good news is, the active oil known as menthol present in the tea promotes fresh breath. It has certain antibacterial properties that help to wash away any possible plaque that leads to foul smell.
6. Rejuvenates Dull and Oily Skin: Going out in the harsh sun and pollution is a part of our everyday schedule. That, in turn, may harm our skin a great deal, making it dull and greasy. However, peppermint tea can be a natural remedy to this problem. As menthol or peppermint can treat oily and greasy skin. Having a cup of peppermint tea on a daily basis helps in rejuvenating your skin, and the antioxidants in the tea help in clearing skin pores. Menthol, the basic element in peppermint leaves, lowers the secretion of oil from your glands and makes your skin oil-free and flawless.

The best part about peppermint is that you can grow your own peppermint at home and use it the way you like. Be it as a spice, a mouth freshener or as an ingredient in tea.

Here’s How You Can Make Peppermint Tea at Home:

• Boil two cups of water in a pan.
• Take about a handful of mint leaves and tear them accordingly.
• Add the leaves depending on how strong you prefer your tea.
• Let the water boil for a few minutes. Don’t strain the water right after you turn off the burner. Let the water soak in all the goodness of mint.
• Now strain it and pour it in a cup or mug. If you wish to add some sweetness to your tea, you can add a hint of honey into it. Remember, honey must only be added after the tea is already prepared.

Some Facts About the Culture of Peppermint Tea Around the Globe

Mint tea is part of Morocco’s lifeblood and is popular throughout North Africa. It isn’t just a drink in Morocco. It is an integral part of Morocco’s heritage and tradition, and is a cultural symbol of hospitality and friendship. If you are fortunate enough to be invited to someone’s home while you’re there, you are sure to be offered this drink of hospitality. This tea is treated with so much respect that it is prepared by the male head of the family, however, it is culturally acceptable for women to serve it as well.

A tray adorned with a long-spouted, silver teapot and several small glasses – this is how the host will bring this tea to you. It is poured at least a foot above the small drinking glass to create a thin layer of foam on the surface.

Since mint tea is so popular there, it is served all day long, after every meal and with every conversation.