Mint is a herb that grows profusely, and it's everywhere you look. It is a popular ingredient in several foods and beverages: mint cocktails, mint desserts and mint teas. In particular, mint teas are appreciated worldwide not only because of their well-known refreshing taste, but also because of their many health benefits. Mint tea's cooling sensation relieves indigestion and heartburn, unclogs respiratory passages and airways, combats bad breath and congestion, and its antioxidant and vitamin-rich properties are beneficial to the human body. So, let's explore why you should drink mint tea.
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Mint tea is a herbal tea, also known as a tisane or infusion, used for thousands of years to treat various illnesses and diseases. Mint tea has been used for medicinal purposes by Greek, Roman, and Ancient Egyptian cultures. Available in various types, the two most popular mint teas are peppermint and spearmint.
Peppermint tea vs. spearmint tea
Commonly, mint tea is made from peppermint leaves, but you can also combine peppermint with spearmint leaves to make double mint tea. Peppermint tea is more refreshing and cooler than spearmint tea because peppermint is higher in menthol than spearmint. For the same reason, spearmint has a more subtle flavour than peppermint. For example, spearmint is the secret behind the delicate sweetness of Moroccan mint tea.
Digestion benefits of mint tea
Peppermint tea and spearmint tea share many properties, especially as a digestive aid. Mint tea helps with an upset stomach and can relieve problems in the digestive tract, such as indigestion, gas, bloating and so on. Animal studies indicate that peppermint can relax your digestive system and may even ease abdominal pain – it prevents smooth muscles from contracting, which could relieve spasms in your gut.
Breath benefits of mint tea
Peppermint tea, which contains peppermint, may help improve breath as well. The menthol in peppermint shrinks swollen membranes in the nose, making it easier to breathe. Peppermint also helps loosen mucus collected in the lungs.
Mint tea relieves cold and flu symptoms
Peppermint tea reduces coughs, sinusitis and throat infections. Peppermint might even help reduce your fever. When you have a fever, peppermint opens pores in the body so that excess heat can escape.
Stressed? Mint tea can help
Peppermint tea helps combat stress-inducing feelings. The menthol content in peppermint oil has been shown to help relieve tension and discomfort, which can, in turn, help you feel calmer.
