Many people enjoy peppermint tea for the flavor as well as the health benefits. It is thought to help boost the immune system, aid in improved digestion, can help reduce aches and pains, and more. It has a fresh, cool flavor and people say that it is similar to a refreshing mist. There are other mint teas that offer similar benefits, but peppermint tea is a favorite for many.
Benefits
There are a number of benefits to drinking peppermint tea. First, it can help to soothe an upset stomach by relaxing stomach muscles. The menthol can cool and help improve circulation, as well as help relieve inflammation. It can help improve digestion by increasing bile in the stomach, so people are better able to digest food efficiently.
Peppermint tea can help in improving bad breath, and aid in building immunity to fight the common cold and flu. Another benefit is that it can help improve focus because the menthol is thought to stimulate the hippocampus area of the brain.
How to Brew it
There are several ways to brew peppermint tea. People use tea bags, dried loose-leaf teas, or fresh peppermint leaves. When using fresh or dried tea leaves, the first step is to prepare the leaves by grinding them to release the flavors. It is important to use an infuser to contain the leaves if you do not wish to ingest them.
Next, boil the water to add to the tea leaves. Peppermint tea is best when made using hot water, so let it cool for a minute after it boils.
Then steep the tea for five to ten minutes, depending on how strong you’d like the flavor. People sometimes add citrus fruits for added flavor profiles. Peppermint tea can also be paired with chocolate for a delicious combination.