Last Updated on October 9, 2022 by theworldofsleepstaff
Tea is the most consumed beverage in the world, after water. So it’s no wonder that there are so many different types of tea, each with its unique flavour and benefits. Peppermint tea is one of the most popular types, and for a good reason too. Not only does it have a refreshing taste, but it also offers a host of health benefits.
Right here we’ll take a closer look at some of the benefits of drinking peppermint tea before bed. We’ll also give you a few tips on how to make the perfect cup of peppermint tea.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your doctor or qualified healthcare professional before beginning any new treatment, diet, or fitness program.
Seven Must-Know Benefits Of Peppermint Tea Before Bed
Peppermint tea is packed with antioxidants and nutrients that can offer a range of health benefits. Some of the most notable benefits of drinking peppermint tea before bed include:
1. Improves Sleep Quality
If you have trouble sleeping, drinking peppermint tea before bed can help. Peppermint tea can relax the body and mind, making it easier to fall asleep.
What makes it effective is that peppermint tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine. This amino acid can help increase GABA levels, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation.
Thus, drinking peppermint tea before bed may help you to sleep better and wake up feeling rested.
Recommended: 11 Reasons Why Should Start Drinking Ginger Tea Before Bed Today
2. Reduces Inflammation
If you suffer from conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia, drinking peppermint tea before bed can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Peppermint has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and joint pain.
Some studies have shown that peppermint tea can be as effective as ibuprofen in reducing pain and inflammation. So if you suffer from a chronic condition, drinking peppermint tea before bed may help you to get some relief.
3. Improved Digestion
Peppermint tea can help to improve digestion by relieving symptoms of indigestion such as gas, bloating, and stomach cramps. This is because peppermint has carminative properties that can help to relax the gastrointestinal muscles.
Most people swear that peppermint tea can also help reduce the severity of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. So if you suffer from IBS, drinking peppermint tea before bed may help you to get a better night’s sleep.
4. Reduces Stress & Anxiety
Usually, we reach for a cup of coffee when we’re feeling stressed or anxious. However, coffee can make these symptoms worse. Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase your heart rate and make you feel more jittery.
On the other hand, peppermint tea is a natural relaxant that can help to reduce stress and anxiety. This is because peppermint has a calming effect on the body and mind.
5. Aids In Weight Loss
If you’re trying to lose weight, drinking peppermint tea before bed can help you to reach your goals. Peppermint tea can boost your metabolism and help your body to burn more calories.
In addition, peppermint tea can help to reduce cravings and appetite. Drinking a cup of peppermint tea before bed may help you to feel less hungry and make it easier to stick to your diet and not do any midnight snacking.
6. Clears Congestion
If you’re suffering from a cold or the flu, drinking peppermint tea before bed can help you to get some relief. Peppermint has decongestant properties that can help clear your nasal passages and make breathing easier.
What makes it really for congestion is the fact that peppermint also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce swelling in the nasal passages. This can give you some much-needed relief from a stuffy nose.
7. Soothes Headaches
If you suffer from occasional headaches or migraines, peppermint tea may be able to help. Peppermint has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve headache symptoms.
The inflammatory properties of peppermint tea can also help to reduce the severity of migraines. If you often suffer from migraines, drinking peppermint tea before bed may help you to get a better night’s sleep.
Medical experts say that the healing properties are made possible because the menthol in peppermint can help dilate blood vessels and improve circulation.
Recommended: 30 Tips On How To Get Better Sleep Naturally
Some Disadvantages Of Peppermint Tea Before Bed
Although peppermint tea offers many benefits, there are also some potential disadvantages.
1. Can Cause Heartburn
For some people, drinking peppermint tea before bed can cause heartburn. This is because peppermint relaxes the lower oesophagal sphincter (LES), a muscle that keeps stomach acid from flowing back up into the oesophagus.
If the LES is relaxed, stomach acid can flow back into the oesophagus and cause heartburn. If you suffer from heartburn, drinking peppermint tea before bed may not be the best idea.
2. It May Interact With Certain Medications
If you take any medications, it’s essential to be aware that peppermint tea may interact with them.
Peppermint can interact with certain medications, such as blood pressure medications and antacids. Therefore, you must talk to your doctor before taking any medications or drinking peppermint tea.
3. Not Recommended For Pregnant Women
If you’re pregnant, it’s essential to be aware that peppermint tea is not recommended. This is because peppermint can relax the uterus muscles, leading to premature labour.
If pregnant, it’s essential to talk to your doctor before drinking peppermint tea.
Tops Tips For Drinking Peppermint Tea Before Bed
If you want to drink peppermint tea before bed, you can do a few things to ensure it’s effective.
Here are some tips:
1. Use fresh peppermint leaves.
If you can, try to use fresh peppermint leaves instead of dried ones. Fresh peppermint leaves contain more menthol, which gives peppermint its beneficial properties.
2. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
When brewing peppermint tea, steep for 5-10 minutes. This will give the tea enough time to release its beneficial compounds.
3. Drink 1-2 cups per day.
For the best results, drink 1-2 cups of peppermint tea daily. However, drinking more than this may not provide additional benefits and could cause side effects like heartburn.
4. Add honey or lemon.
You can add honey or lemon to your peppermint tea if you want. This can help make the tea taste better and increase its health benefits.
5. Avoid adding milk.
Milk can neutralize the beneficial compounds in peppermint tea. So, avoid adding milk if you want the most benefit from your tea.
How To Choose A Good Quality Peppermint Tea
When buying peppermint tea, it’s essential to choose a high-quality product. Here are a few things to look for:
1. Look for organic varieties.
If possible, try to find an organic variety of peppermint tea. This will ensure that the tea is free of harmful pesticides and chemicals.
2. Choose loose-leaf varieties.
Loose leaf varieties of peppermint tea are generally of higher quality than bags. This is because the leaves are usually fresher and have more flavour.
3. Avoid flavouring agents.
Many commercial peppermint teas contain flavouring agents and other additives. If possible, try to find a tea that doesn’t contain any flavouring agents.
4. Check the expiration date.
Be sure to check the expiration date before buying peppermint tea. This will ensure that you’re getting a fresh product.
5. Read the label carefully.
Be sure to read the label carefully before buying peppermint tea. This will help you avoid any teas containing harmful additives or flavouring agents.
How To Make Peppermint Tea
Now that we’ve looked at some of the benefits of drinking peppermint tea before bed let’s take a look at how to make it.
Ingredients:
-1 teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves
-1 cup of boiling water
-Honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add the peppermint leaves to a cup or mug.
2. Pour boiling water over the peppermint leaves and let them steep for 5 minutes.
3. After 5 minutes, remove the peppermint leaves and add honey to taste (optional).
4. Enjoy your cup of peppermint tea!
FAQs About Having Peppermint Tea Before Bed
Q: How much peppermint tea should I drink before bed?
A: For the best results, drink one cup of peppermint tea before bed. Drinking more than this may not provide additional benefits and could cause side effects like heartburn.
Q: Can I add milk to my peppermint tea?
A: Milk can neutralize the beneficial compounds in peppermint tea. So, avoid adding milk if you want the most benefit from your tea.
Q: Can I add honey to my peppermint tea?
A: Yes, honey can increase the health benefits of peppermint tea. Honey can also help to make the tea taste better.
Q: Can I add lemon to my peppermint tea?
A: Yes, lemon can increase the health benefits of peppermint tea. Lemon can also help to make the tea taste better.
Q: What is the best time of day to drink peppermint tea?
A: For the best results, drink peppermint tea 1-2 times daily. Drinking more than this may not provide additional benefits and could cause side effects like heartburn.
Q: How long should I steep my peppermint tea?
A: For the best results, steep your peppermint tea for 5-10 minutes. This will give the tea enough time to release its beneficial compounds.
Q: Can I drink peppermint tea if I’m pregnant?
A: Peppermint tea is generally safe for pregnant women to drink. However, it’s essential to consult your doctor before drinking any herbal tea during pregnancy.