Have you ever experienced an upset stomach after eating the wrong foods or feeling stressed? Symptoms like bloating, gas, indigestion, and discomfort are never fun to deal with. Luckily, there is a soothing herbal ally that can provide relief - peppermint tea. Peppermint has been used for centuries to calm stomach issues because of its carminative (reduces gas) and soothing properties. Read below to learn how peppermint tea works to soothe an upset stomach and relieve digestive conditions.
The Power of Peppermint Oil
The soothing effects of peppermint come from menthol, an organic compound found in its oil. Clinical trials have shown that menthol found in peppermint triggers cold receptors on our skin that signal our brain to produce a cooling sensation. With peppermint, the menthol is absorbed through the stomach lining, which activates cold receptors in our gastrointestinal tract, providing that same cooling, calming effect internally.
In addition to its menthol content, peppermint contains rosmarinic acid, an antioxidant that fights inflammation in the gut. Soothing inflammation and spasms in the stomach and intestines is a big part of why peppermint provides relief. The menthol also helps relax muscles in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing painful cramping. Altogether, these properties make peppermint highly effective at soothing overactive digestion.
Peppermint for Indigestion & Heartburn
Many people experience indigestion, heartburn or acid reflux from time to time. Peppermint tea can help to soothe these painful symptoms. Clinical trials have found peppermint to be as effective as over-the-counter medications like Zantac for relieving heartburn.
How does it work? Peppermint stimulates bile production and helps to reduce acid levels in the stomach. It also relaxes the esophageal sphincter muscle between the esophagus and stomach, preventing acid from backing up. Drinking peppermint tea after large or spicy meals can help reduce symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.
Peppermint Aids Digestion
Poor digestion is one of the leading causes of that uncomfortable, knotted feeling in your stomach. Peppermint promotes efficient digestion in a few key ways:
- Stimulates bile and gastric juices: Bile production breaks down fats in our diet, while stomach acids help break down proteins and carbs. Peppermint stimulates increased production of both.
- Relaxes smooth muscles: Gut spasms can inhibit normal digestive contractions. The calming menthol properties of peppermint relax these muscles to allow for optimal digestion.
- Soothes gas & bloating: Excess gas in the GI tract causes uncomfortable pressure and bloating. The carminative effect of peppermint helps break up gas bubbles and calm intestinal spasms that cause the gas trapping.
The result is smoother, more efficient digestion that reduces feelings of fullness, gas and discomfort in the stomach. Incorporating a cup of peppermint tea after meals can aid the digestive process.
Peppermint Helps IBS & IBD Issues
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn's disease can cause lots of lower abdominal pain, gas, bloating, and stomach upset. Research shows peppermint oil may help provide relief for IBS sufferers through a few mechanisms:
- Reduces painful gut spasms through the relaxing effects of menthol
- Smooths over muscle contractions in the intestines through antispasmodic action
- Reduces gas and bloating through carminative properties
In fact, peppermint oil is considered an effective herbal remedy for relieving IBS symptoms in over 80% of patients. For people with non-active IBD, peppermint can help reduce discomfort during flare-ups as well. Just be sure to check with your doctor before using peppermint supplements if you have IBD.
How to Make Peppermint Tea
Now that we have explored how peppermint benefits digestion - let us cover how to make a soothing cup at home. Here are a few tips:
- Ingredients: Lifeblend Teas' organic dried peppermint leaves, filtered water, honey or lemon (optional)
- Boil water, then remove from heat; this prevents the loss of volatile oils.
- Add 1 tsp dried peppermint leaves per cup of boiled water. Steep covered for 5-10 minutes.
- Sweeten with honey to taste if desired. Lemon juice also tastes pleasant with peppermint.
- Drink 1-3 cups per day, warm or chilled, as needed for digestive upset.
- Try peppermint supplements or a blend combining peppermint with fennel, ginger or other carminatives for staunch relief.
- Peppermint tea works best when taken 30 minutes after meals to aid digestion.
Sip a fresh cup of this healing herbal tea anytime stomach discomfort strikes. The cooling, soothing properties of peppermint make it a truly efficacious choice for calming an upset tummy.
Additional Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea
While peppermint tea is renowned for soothing digestive issues, it offers other benefits too:
- Antibacterial effect: Peppermint oil has antimicrobial properties that may help fight harmful bacteria and support overall gut and oral health.
- Stress relief: Inhaling peppermint's aroma has been shown to reduce anxiety levels and calm the mind/body. Sipping the tea also induces relaxation.
- Cold/cough relief: The decongestant menthol makes peppermint tea suitable for loosening phlegm and soothing coughs and colds.
- Headaches: Placing a peppermint oil-soaked cloth on the forehead or inhaling its aroma may relieve tension headaches and migraines.
- Energy booster: The menthol provides alertness without caffeine's jitters, making peppermint tea ideal for an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Skin health: When applied topically, peppermint oil's anti-inflammatory phenols help soothe skin irritations from acne, insect bites and injuries.
For an all-natural beverage packed with antioxidants and health perks, reach for an aromatic cup of peppermint tea any time instead of sugary drinks. Its versatility benefits both body and mind.
Proper Usage and Interactions
While peppermint tea is relatively safe for most people, be mindful of the following precautions:
- Pregnancy: Check with your doctor first, as high doses may trigger preterm labour.
- GERD: Avoid peppermint if you have been diagnosed with GERD until symptoms improve.
- Drug interactions: Peppermint may interfere with certain drugs like calcium channel blockers, so disclose supplementation to your pharmacist/physician.
- Heartburn triggers: Peppermint can worsen heartburn for some. Try reducing portion sizes if this occurs.
- Allergies: As with all ingested herbs, watch for any adverse reactions like rash or itching if allergic to mint family plants.
- Children: Use dilute preparations under parental guidance, as large doses could cause adverse effects in kids under 2.
Enjoy the gut-soothing benefits of peppermint tea regularly and responsibly for optimal health and comfort. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized guidance as well.
Conclusion
Peppermint tea provides effective natural relief for upset stomach, gas and indigestion through its relaxing menthol compounds and antimicrobial properties. By stimulating digestive juices, soothing cramps and relaxing intestinal spasms, peppermint helps promote healthy gut function and calms digestive distress. Along with its calming aromatherapy effects and versatility, peppermint tea is a wonderfully healing herbal beverage for any time stomach upset or stress strikes. Sip a warm cup for all-natural digestive relief!