Benefits of mint tea and 7 best recipes

Mint is an aromatic herb widely used in cooking, but also in medicine. It has analgesic, aphrodisiac and anti-spasm action. Your tea, for example, is very good after any meal, as it helps with digestion. Therefore, improving digestion and helping to reduce nausea are two of the benefits of mint tea. Normally, it is prepared using common mint, Mentha spicataor peppermint, Mentha piperita.

In this sense, there are still around 25 species of mint worldwide. However, in Brazil, in addition to common mint and peppermint, the other most common version is Raised ceilings. The difference between the species is in the flavor, the change being subtle, as well as the shape of the leaves. The herb is one of the most popular in the country, and in the case of cooking, it is used for seasonings, sweet and savory recipes and drinks. However, mint tea remains the most famous use of the property.

Fresh and with a delicious aroma, mint tea has many fans. Even more, its therapeutic properties make it even more desired, as it is an excellent ally for health. So, check out everything you need to know about the benefits of mint tea, as well as how to prepare it, below.

Benefits of mint tea

Mint is still an easy herb to grow, as well as being one of the most famous in the world when it comes to aromatic and medicinal properties. It is rich in antioxidants, which means it helps protect and repair cells from free radical damage in the body. A simple cup of mint tea helps provide a more restful night’s sleep. However, its real power lies in its use for digestion.

1 – Helps fight colds, flu and respiratory illnesses

Just the strong and, above all, pleasant aroma of mint helps to decongest the airways. This happens because mint contains ascorbic acid, menthol and tinol, which are substances with expectorant and decongestant action. Furthermore, the herb helps in the process of relieving asthma symptoms, as well as fighting throat infections and other respiratory diseases. It is rich in vitamins A, C, D and B, that is, a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals and prevents cell oxidation.

2 – Helps with oral health

You may have already noticed that most toothpastes have a mint flavor. The reason for this is not just because it provides a refreshing sensation after brushing. Mint is a herb of the mentha genus, that is, a great ally for oral health. Likewise, it also helps prevent cavities and improves breath. Its antioxidant properties are also good for the skin. Instead of throwing away your mint tea, for example, rub it on your skin or hair, as it helps preserve collagen and relieves possible itching.

3 – Calming

A cup of mint tea is already powerful against stress. Mint is a natural tranquilizer, which helps you sleep better and also relieves headaches.

4 – Helps with weight loss

Likewise, mint tea is also a great recommendation for those who want to lose weight. It helps to strengthen the digestive organs as well as activate the salivary glands and digestive enzymes. This improves stomach pain, facilitating digestion. It’s also good for fighting constipation, and the best part is that it only has 70 calories.

5 – Source of nutrients

Finally, mint is an herb rich in fiber, proteins, vitamins C and D and minerals, such as iron, sodium, magnesium and potassium. Whatever the case, it is very good for your health in general. Tea also treats more specific health problems, such as:

• Headache;
• Menstrual cramps;
• Abdominal pain;
• Insomnia;
• Bloody diarrhea;
• Genital trichomoniasis;
• High cholesterol.

Peppermint Tea Recipes

Now, check out several mint tea recipes with different functions. It can be prepared using the two most common types of mint, depending on the intended benefits.

1 – Mint tea for fever

Mint tea can be combined with meadowsweet, as well as queen-of-the-meadow and bitter orange. This makes it excellent for relieving fever, as it promotes increased sweating. Likewise, it also helps with respiratory problems, such as asthma, flu, cough, hoarseness, nasal congestion and runny nose.

Ingredients

• 15g of common mint leaves;
• 10g queen-of-the-meadow;
• 70g of linden flowers;
• 5g de laranja because.

Preparation mode

First of all, add 1 tablespoon of the plant mixture to a cup of tea, and add 150ml of boiling water. Let it rest for 10 minutes, straining immediately afterwards. Drink this tea several times a day, and preferably before bed, to help you sweat.

2 – Tea with cinnamon to lose weight

Weight loss tea can be prepared with any of the mints. Together with ingredients such as ginger and cinnamon, it becomes a powerful recipe for weight loss.

Ingredients

• 1 cinnamon stick;
• 6 mint leaves;
• 1 cm of ginger root;
• 180ml of water.

Preparation mode

Combine all the ingredients in a pan and let it boil for a few minutes. Finally, after resting and cooling, strain the liquid and drink it unsweetened throughout the day.

3 – For stomach pain

Mint can be excellent for treating stomach inflammations such as gastritis and even gastric ulcers. In this sense, it is usually combined with chamomile flowers and crushed licorice root.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of crushed licorice root;
• 1 teaspoon of fresh or dried mint leaves;
• Half a teaspoon of chamomile flower.

Preparation mode

Combine the ingredients in a cup of tea and add 150ml of boiling water. Then let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes, straining it immediately afterwards. Drink the tea 3 or 4 times a day to calm your stomach.

4 – To improve digestion

In the case of peppermint tea, when combined with dried fennel seeds or even fennel and melissa leaves, it is ideal for relieving stomach pain and spasms. Melissa has digestive and calming properties, which promotes a feeling of well-being and facilitates digestion.

Ingredients

• Dried peppermint leaves (2 teaspoons)
• Fennel or fennel seeds (2 teaspoons)
• Lemon balm leaf (2 teaspoons)

Preparation mode

First of all, put 1 tablespoon of the leaf mixture in a cup of tea, and fill it with boiling water. Then, let the infusion rest for 10 minutes, and only then strain it. Always drink very hot, 2 or 3 times a day, preferably after or between meals.

5 – Mint tea against diarrhea

Furthermore, mint tea is naturally efficient for digestion, reducing nausea, vomiting and calming the intestines.

Ingredients

• 150ml of boiling water;
• 2 or 3 spoons of fresh, crushed or dried mint leaves.

Preparation mode

In a cup, add boiling water and mint leaves. Afterwards, cover the mixture and leave it to rest for 10 minutes. The tea should be drunk 3 or 4 times a day, either after or between meals.

6 – To loosen phlegm

Among the benefits of thick-leaf mint tea are its excellent ability to combat respiratory illnesses such as flu or colds, as well as freeing the nasal passages of secretions.

Ingredients

• 150ml of boiling water;
• 6 chopped thick-leaf mint leaves.

Preparation mode

In the same way, add boiling water to a cup with chopped mint leaves, and let it rest for 5 to 7 minutes. Finally, strain, sweeten with honey and drink 3 to 4 cups a day.

7 – Tea for colic or gas

Furthermore, peppermint tea is also excellent for combating menstrual cramps or intestinal gas.

Ingredients

• 150ml of boiling water;
• 2 teaspoons of fresh, dried or crushed peppermint leaves.

Preparation mode

First, place the peppermint leaves in a teacup, filling it with boiling water. Then, let the infusion rest for 5 to 7 minutes, straining everything afterwards. Drink the tea 3 to 4 times a day, preferably after meals.