Peppermint tea

For the North African drink, see Moroccan mint tea.

Peppermint tea

Peppermint tea is a tisane (infusion) of peppermint, Mentha piperita. It is sometimes called mint tea. It is naturally caffeine-free. A tea made from blending peppermint and spearmint leaves is referred to as doublemint tea.

Health benefits and concerns

Though there have been few human clinical trials on the health benefits or risks of peppermint tea^[1], there is some evidence^[2] that peppermint-based products (and potentially, the tea) have healing effects because of the peppermint oil or menthol that it contains, and that treatment using orally ingested Peppermint Oil will relieve the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It has also been shown to be an effective antispasmodic during colonoscopy and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.^[3] There is less evidence, but it is said to also ease other problems including nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and headaches. Its minty flavour can take the edge off bad breath. It is also said to control mild asthma, manage stress and ward off the common cold. In some countries, peppermint tea preparations list these proposed effects on their labels.

However, peppermint has properties that may relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing the contents of the stomach to move upwards into the esophagus. For this reason, patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are advised to avoid peppermint, at least in theory. On the other hand, precisely because it calms and relaxes the muscles along the intestinal tract, thus reducing spasms, peppermint may have beneficial effects in treating digestive symptoms like diarrhea and colic.^{[citation needed]} Peppermint also seems to be effective in relieving intestinal gas and indigestion. ^[4].

References

External links

• University of Maryland Medical Centre website on Peppermint, retrieved on September 11, 2007
• Peppermint Tea Information - All about Peppermint Tea, retrieved on July 11, 2011