Peppermint Latte or Peppermint Tea?

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    Around the holidays, peppermint flavor is one of the most popular flavors you'll see being used in all sorts of foods and drinks. A common use for it is additional flavoring in coffee around Christmas time.  I personally like to add it to my hot chocolate. But did you know peppermint can be a natural healing agent, along with adding a yummy flavor to foods and drinks?

    Peppermint leaves and extracts are also commonly used in teas and essential oils. Peppermint can provide a very beneficial home remedy to a wide variety of health problems. Although, peppermint tea has not been deeply studied with each of these remedies, peppermint leaves and extract have been studied and have shown these benefits, so it is thought that peppermint tea can also provide the same effect. 

    Digestive Symptoms: Peppermint may be used to relieve gas, bloating, and indigestion. Studies have shown that it can relax your muscles and prevent them from contracting, which can be causing the discomfort in your stomach.

    Headaches & Migraines: Peppermint can also act as a pain reliever, additionally to a muscle relaxant, which can possibly ease the pain and symptoms of some headaches and migraines. Menthol is one of the essential oils in peppermint and it increases blood flow, which can also help diminish the pain. 

    Sinus Congestion & Infections: Peppermint can have a very strong smell. But the steam that you are smelling from peppermint tea, can aid in clearing up sinus pathways and open up the nasal cavity, so    that you can breath better. It also has antibacterial properties that can help in this process, along with killing bad bacteria that can lead to illnesses and infections. 

    Energy Levels & Concentration: Peppermint may help reduce feelings of fatigue and improve energy levels throughout the day. By improving energy levels, it also may improve a person's concentration and alertness for tasks. 

These are just a few of the possible benefits of peppermint and peppermint tea. Peppermint tea is available in tea bags, loose-leaf tea, or buying or growing your own peppermint leaves. It is also caffeine free, so it is a natural remedy for any time of the day. Here is a simple recipe for making your own peppermint tea at home: 

    1. Boil 2 cups of water.

    2. Turn off heat and add 4 or 5 torn peppermint leaves.

    3.  Cover and steep for 5 minutes. 

    4. Strain tea and it is ready to drink. Enjoy!

So the next time you are at Starbucks and you want a minty drink, maybe try the peppermint tea instead of the peppermint latte. It has many more health benefits and it's cheaper too! 



-AM




References:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325242

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/peppermint-tea

https://thebusybaker.ca/healthier-slow-cooker-peppermint-hot-chocolate/

https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/8-benefits-of-peppermint-tea-from-inducing-sleep-to-aiding-weight-loss-and-more-1748790

Comments

  1. ColtonRBDecember 11, 2020 at 1:19 PM

    Peppermint tea has been one of my favorite post-meal beverages for years now, so I really appreciate the post outlining some of it's potential benefits. Particularly good over the winter months served warm. Thanks for the great post! CB

    ReplyDelete

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