Peppermint, more than just a breath refresher?
Peppermint tea has been enjoyed for centuries as a refreshing, soothing beverage – but is it really good for you? Generally, we know peppermint is widely used in chewing gum, mints and toothpaste to freshen breath, but is there something more to this humble plant? The mint family of plants are known for their essential oils, tannins, saponins, and organic acids. These natural chemicals give the plants their aromatic and flavorful qualities. They are also why mint plants have so many medicinal uses. And peppermint is no exception. So here is why peppermint is more than just a breath refresher!
Immune system
Peppermint has known antibacterial properties, which helps fight so many illnesses including fevers, coughs and colds. Not only can drinking this delicious herb help you treat the symptoms of being ill, it can also prevent your body from getting sick in the first place! Peppermint is a triple threat, its aroma, taste and medicinal qualities make it the go to for a range of common ailments. It is recognized as a natural remedy for relieving a stuffy nose and soothing a dry cough. Both can be eased with a therapeutic peppermint tea steam. And a hot mug of peppermint tea is a delicious way to replace fluids lost during a fever.
Tipson Tip: In case you have a cold, fill a bowl with hot water and add a few drops of peppermint oil. Next, cover your head and bowl with a towel and slowly breathe-in the minty steams. You will immediately notice a loosening effect to mucus in nasal congestion and loosening of cough-related phlegm.
Digestive Health
The most well known benefit, peppermint has been used for centuries to aid digestion. Principally peppermint helps to move gas through the body, stopping bloating, cramping and stomach discomfort. This makes it the ideal compliment to a heavy meal. It also relieves any pain in the digestive system; this is due to the calming effects on the intestines and smooth muscles of the digestive tract.
Weight Loss
When it comes to weight loss, it seems we're always searching for a miracle, but while there isn't one problem-solving ingredient, peppermint can definitely help. Peppermint is a proven appetite suppressant, and the naturally sweet flavor of peppermint means that a cup of the infusion can stand in perfectly for dessert, making it easier to stick to your healthy eating goals. You could also drink a blend of peppermint tea and green tea first thing in the morning to increase your metabolism. The catechins in green tea are proven to help boost metabolism, and the two working together will make it easier to shed extra pounds!
The ideal nightcap
If your bedtime routine includes a hot drink, peppermint tea is the perfect nightcap. Drinking peppermint tea before bed has been proven to give you a more restful sleep due to the menthol content of the herb. Not only does the relaxation of the muscles lead to more restful sleep, peppermint has properties that can even help you dream more vividly. Try having a cup of peppermint infused tea while you read a chapter of a book in bed, far from television and phone screens. Reading can help your imagination get to work, and being away from screens will help you become calmer and able to rest.
We know we started this blog asking you whether peppermint was more than just a breath refresher, but can we leave out one of peppermint’s biggest benefits, Minty fresh breath? The antibacterial elements in Peppermint tea actually kill the germs that can lead to Halitosis, while the menthol leaves your breath fresh and clean!
Tipson’s peppermint herbal infusions are made from only the finest pure peppermint leaves. Our pursuit of quality ensures we have only picked the finest peppermint leaves, for our Organic Matcha Mint and Organic Turmeric, Peppermint and Clove!