Food - Drink
Why You May Want To Start Drinking Peppermint Tea After Dinner
By C. MORRIS
Mint leaves are beloved for their refreshing taste and are often enjoyed after a meal for their digestive and soothing properties. While cultures worldwide use peppermint tea for its healing properties, scientific studies are few and far between, but some evidence shows that the essential oils found in peppermint leaves help alleviate symptoms of many common ailments.
Peppermint oil's antibacterial qualities could come in handy when treating a cold, and inhaling peppermint oil through steam could help ease upper respiratory infections. Additionally, it freshens breath, and the leaves contain menthol, which is often used as a decongestant.
People have also used peppermint tea throughout history to ease digestion and get rid of bloating. Furthermore, peppermint tea's relaxing qualities could ease headaches, relax the skin, aid blood flow, and help with menstrual cramps.
Peppermint tea is an excellent evening beverage, because it doesn't contain caffeine and has relaxing properties to help with sleep. However, those with heartburn, low blood pressure, diabetes, kidney stones, or those taking cyclosporine — among other medications — should avoid peppermint tea or consult their doctors before consuming it.