Peppermint tea: Digestion relief for a happier and healthier you

So many of us are plagued by digestive issues that affect our daily lives, from a simple upset stomach or indigestion to more serious issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These can wreak havoc not only with our physical wellbeing but with our mental wellbeing too.

Peppermint tea can help to soothe and combat many digestive complaints, so let's delve into peppermint tea and its health benefits that can help to improve your digestion.

 

What is peppermint tea and how can it improve digestion?

Peppermint tea is a herbal tea, brewed simply by pouring hot water over dried or fresh peppermint leaves. Or, if you would prefer, you can steep it for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator to create cold-brewed peppermint tea.

Peppermint is a hybrid mint, made up of watermint and spearmint. Peppermint leaves contain essential oils such as menthone, limonene and menthol, which gives it that delicious minty taste and cooling sensation we're all so familiar with, and also has health benefits of its own.

So, how specifically can peppermint tea help to provide digestive relief?

 

Health benefits of peppermint tea that help to provide digestive relief

 

Peppermint has anti-inflammatory properties

Studies demonstrate that the menthol found in peppermint oil can act as an anti-inflammatory, which will help to calm your digestive system.

This is why peppermint oil capsules are often taken by those suffering from symptoms of IBS, including pain, bloating and gas.

Drinking peppermint tea is a natural way to introduce peppermint into your diet, to allow you to benefit from these properties and ease your symptoms.

 

Peppermint has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties

Peppermint tea may help to fight infections, either caused by fungus, bacteria or a virus, thanks to the antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of peppermint.

 

Peppermint is naturally caffeine-free

Caffeine is a stimulant and has been shown to stimulate motility in the digestive tract. Opting for a caffeine-free tea, such as peppermint tea, is a better alternative for those who particularly suffer from diarrhoea or similar digestive complaints.

 

Peppermint has antispasmodic properties

The menthol found within peppermint oil has antispasmodic properties that can help provide relief from IBS symptoms, such as bloating, by reducing muscle contractions.

 

Peppermint can help to reduce stress and promote calm

As peppermint has antispasmodic properties, therefore reducing muscle spasms in your gut, it acts as an overall muscle relaxant.

This can be incredibly helpful to relax you when stressed, as stress can be a contributing factor to digestive issues. The more stressed and uptight we become, the worse our digestive functioning becomes.

 

Whilst a soothing cup of peppermint tea can provide relief from digestive discomfort, there are times when you should avoid drinking it.

 

When to avoid drinking peppermint tea

 

Despite its many health benefits, there are certain digestive issues for which it's best to avoid peppermint, such as acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as it can trigger an episode.

This is because peppermint tea relaxes the stomach muscles, therefore increasing the chance of food and stomach acid flowing back into the oesophagus and causing heartburn, pain and other symptoms.

If you are unable to drink peppermint tea but are still looking for digestive relief, look for teas that include the following ingredients (all of which are included in our Cleanse tea):

• Ginger, a super-star spice, can soothe your stomach to help ease nausea and reducing bloating and gas.
• Cardamom, a beautiful and aromatic spice, can help to reduce inflammation to protect and heal your gastrointestinal tract.
• Cinnamon is also loaded with powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols, and can assist with oxidation and damage that occurs in the body. The positive effect of cinnamon on the gut microbiota also means that it has been found to protect your gut against inflammatory bowel diseases.

 

Include a cup of peppermint tea (or two) in your daily routine to aid digestion

 

Peppermint tea can be safely enjoyed at any point throughout the day, although it's best enjoyed after a meal to help relieve digestive discomfort.

It can be prepared either using tea bags or loose-leaf tea, dependent on your own preparation and taste preferences.

To inspire you, here are a few things that you can add to your peppermint tea to give some delicious variation and still benefit from the effects of peppermint:

• Ginger and/or cinnamon. Not only will you enjoy an explosion of flavour, but you will also benefit from the additional digestive-related properties of ginger and cinnamon that we mentioned earlier.
• Lemon. Always opt for fresh lemon slices, these will help to lift the fragrance and the flavour of your tea and is better consumed earlier in the day for a boost to your mood and alertness.
• Green tea. For a caffeine boost, if caffeine doesn't upset your stomach, infuse peppermint and green tea together.
• Honey. Adding honey is particularly useful if you're also feeling under the weather because your immune system is fighting something off, such as a cold. Honey has antiseptic properties and will also help to reduce inflammation. Wherever possible, try and opt for local raw honey, as it boasts more benefits than the honey you may buy in the supermarket.

 

Or, for a delicious and soothing cup of herbal mint tea with just a hint of sweetness to enjoy after your meals, you might like to try our Mellow Mint blend.

Quinteassential's Mellow Mint is a contemporary interpretation of a classic herbal tea: notes of fresh spearmint and peppermint are rounded with subtle layers of natural caramel flavour to create a smooth finish.

With our carefully crafted blend, not only will you be able to reap the benefits of peppermint tea but you will also have a delicious after-dinner cup of mint tea to look forward to.

Click here to find out more and experience Mellow Mint.

 

*Please note that the information in this article has not been written from a medical perspective nor is it medical advice. Always consult with a doctor if you have any specific medical conditions.