Key Takeaways
- Peppermint tea is a caffeine-free herbal drink made from mint leaves.
- Peppermint may ease digestion, IBS symptoms, and menstrual cramps.
- It may also freshen breath, clear sinuses, and support focus.
Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is an aromatic herb in the mint family that is a cross between watermint and spearmint (
Native to Europe and Asia, it has been used for thousands of years for its pleasant, minty taste and health benefits.
Peppermint is used as a flavoring in breath mints, candies, and other foods. Additionally, many people consume peppermint as a refreshing, caffeine-free tea.
Peppermint leaves contain several essential oils including menthol, menthone, and limonene (2).
Menthol gives peppermint its cooling properties and recognizably minty scent.
While peppermint tea is often drunk for its flavor, it may also have several health benefits. The tea itself has rarely been studied scientifically, but peppermint extracts have.
Here are 12 science-backed benefits of peppermint tea and extracts.
Peppermint may relieve digestive symptoms, such as gas, bloating, and indigestion.
Animal studies indicate that peppermint relaxes your digestive system and may ease pain. It also prevents smooth muscles from contracting, which… Show more
As peppermint acts as a muscle relaxant and pain reliever, it may diminish certain types of headaches (8).
The menthol in peppermint oil increases blood flow and provides a cooling sensation, possibly easing pain (
In one 2010… Show more
There’s a reason why peppermint is a common flavoring for toothpastes, mouthwashes, and chewing gums.
In addition to its pleasant smell, peppermint has antibacterial properties that help kill germs that cause dental plaque, which may… Show more
Peppermint has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Because of this, peppermint tea may alleviate clogged sinuses due to infections, the common cold, and allergies (
Additionally, some older research… Show more
Peppermint tea may improve energy levels and reduce fatigue.
While there are no studies on peppermint tea specifically, research demonstrates that natural compounds in peppermint may have beneficial effects on energy.
In one study, 24… Show more
Because peppermint acts as a muscle relaxant, it may relieve menstrual cramps (
While peppermint tea has not been studied to that effect, compounds in peppermint have been shown to improve symptoms.
In one study in 127 females with… Show more
While there are no studies on the antibacterial effects of peppermint tea, peppermint oil has been shown to effectively kill bacteria (21).
In one study, peppermint oil was found to kill and prevent the growth of common food-borne… Show more
Peppermint tea is an ideal choice before bed, as it’s naturally caffeine-free.
What’s more, peppermint’s capacity as a muscle relaxant may help you relax before bedtime (
That said, there is not much scientific evidence that… Show more
Peppermint tea is naturally calorie-free and has a pleasantly sweet flavor, which makes it a smart choice when you’re trying to lose weight.
However, there is not much research on the effects of peppermint tea on weight.
In a 2013 study in 13… Show more
Drinking peppermint tea may help improve your ability to concentrate and focus.
While studies on the effects of peppermint tea on concentration are unavailable, two small studies have researched this beneficial effect of peppermint… Show more
Peppermint tea is delicious and easy to add to your diet.
You can buy it in tea bags, as loose-leaf tea, or simply grow your own peppermint.
To make your own peppermint tea:
- Bring 2 cups (473 milliliters) of water to a boil.
- Turn off the heat and… Show more
Peppermint tea and the natural compounds found in peppermint leaves may benefit your health in several ways.
While research on peppermint tea is limited, several studies outline the benefits of peppermint oil and peppermint extracts.
Peppermint may help improve digestion, freshen your breath, and improve concentration.
Additionally, this mint has antibacterial properties and may improve allergy symptoms, headaches, and clogged airways.
Peppermint tea is a delicious, naturally sweet, caffeine-free beverage that can safely be consumed at any time of day.