Peppermint Tea Benefits

When you are sick, there isn’t much you want to eat or drink, but tea is probably one thing you can tolerate. There are so many peppermint tea benefits that can soothe your ailments.

The properties found in peppermint inhibits the growth of certain bacteria, and can help relax muscles. Peppermint tea benefits include a decongestant that helps clear air passageways from mucous. Peppermint contains menthol, which may help relieve congestion and encourage productive coughs. The menthol thins the mucus so it doesn’t block the sinus passageways and breaks up phlegm and mucous congestion. Aside from drinking the herbal infusion, inhaling peppermint steam may also give relief from breathing difficulties.

If you have a fever, the menthol in peppermint is cooling which makes it a great remedy. Peppermint is also an antibacterial, which may help the body fight infections that may trigger fevers. Cool peppermint can also relieve sore and scratchy throats, relaxing the muscles that trigger coughing.

The oil in peppermint leaves may also have antiviral benefits, helping to prevent the spread of viruses that cause colds and flu, according to Phyllis Balch, author of “Prescription for Nutritional Healing.”

Peppermint has properties that help prevent and relieve digestive-related pain by easing gas that moves through the stomach and intestines after eating.

Some peppermint tea benefits are that it relaxes and helps reduce abdominal pain caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and promotes better digestion. The secret behind why peppermint tea benefits a person suffering from common colds and works well is because of its natural alkalinity.

A study published in Phytotherapy Research found that peppermint tea helped soothe heartburn, indigestion, nausea, stomach pain and cramps, vomiting, and bloating. Peppermint tea gently and safely helps moderate to severe digestive problems.

Peppermint tea is so gentle I give it to my kids when they are sick. My favorite one is the Tazo brand as it also contains chamomile, a natural calming herb.

Many herbalists recommend tea made from peppermint leaves to prevent and alleviate the nausea and queasy or “jumpy” stomach feeling that some people suffer when traveling in a car, boat or airplane. Peppermint’s antispasmodic qualities help prevent vomiting, and can ease aching stomachs that may be accompanied by nausea. Peppermint tea is believed to release the plant’s analgesic and calming properties to relax intestinal and stomach muscles. This may help relieve diarrhea, stomach cramps and irritable bowel syndrome.