Peppermint has been found to have a soothing effect, acting as a relaxant that helps the mind and body to wind down, so a peppermint tea before bed can really help you to destress and relax.
They also provide some pain relief. However, peppermint works better for relieving respiratory and skin symptoms, whereas spearmint can function as an anticonvulsant and helps activate the white blood cells in a person's blood. Peppermint is a stimulant, while spearmint is a sedative.
A person can drink peppermint tea throughout the day. Peppermint tea is naturally caffeine-free, which means that it will not keep a person awake at night. Peppermint tea also contains zero calories, which can make it a great alternative to soda, fruit juices, and other sugary drinks.
Proven to help you nod off and sleep for longer, peppermint tea is another great option for a pre-bedtime drink. The essential oils in peppermint tea can help relax your muscles, setting the scene for a peaceful night of sleep.
Drinking peppermint tea
Peppermint relaxes the muscle that separates your stomach and your esophagus, which can cause stomach acid to rise into your chest and throat. This could cause heartburn and discomfort—not exactly sensations conducive to asleep.
Published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, experts found that people who consume peppermint tea tend to lose belly fat faster as the tea aids digestion, prevents inflammation and boosts metabolism.
“Peppermint is a stimulant that can have adverse effects on your sleep, as it is known to increase dopamine,” she says. “Dopamine, when released in the brain, promotes wakefulness and alertness. This is the total opposite of your intention before bed and a disruptor of your wind-down routine.”
Some of the side effects of excessive peppermint tea consumption include diarrhea, muscle pain, cramping, drowsiness, tremors, and a drop-in heart rate. Many doctors advise people suffering from stomach ulcers to avoid drinking peppermint tea.
DO NOT take peppermint or drink peppermint tea if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD -- a condition where stomach acids back up into the esophagus), or hiatal hernia. Peppermint can relax the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus, allowing stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus.
Peppermint has been found to have a soothing effect, acting as a relaxant that helps the mind and body to wind down, so a peppermint tea before bed can really help you to destress and relax.
The scent stimulates the hippocampus area of the brain, the area that controls mental clarity and memory, particularly long-term memory. Basically, the aroma of peppermint - primarily the menthol component - triggers you to wake up and pay attention.
Peppermint works independently of the effects on mood and motivation; therefore, exposure to peppermint aroma functions to improve cognitive function during learning and memory retrieval.
Like many other essential oils such as lavender, peppermint oil can be used to give relief from stress, anxiety, depression and mental exhaustion due to its naturally refreshing properties.
Peppermint is associated with decreased anxiety and fatigue while driving. Peppermint and cinnamon are associated with decreased frustration and greater levels of alertness while driving.
Peppermint Oil and Anxiety
All of which can be improved by peppermint essential oil. If you've ever suffered anxiety, you'll also know about the mind fog that comes with feeling overwhelmed. Peppermint is also stimulating and promotes clarity of mind essential for refocusing and regaining control.
Unfortunately, peppermint also relaxes the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach (the lower esophageal sphincter), so it can cause gastroesophageal reflux and heartburn. It can worsen reflux symptoms in people with hiatal hernia and — not surprisingly — those with gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Peppermint oil should not be applied to the face of infants or young children because serious side effects may occur if they inhale the menthol in the oil. Little is known about whether it's safe to use peppermint oil during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Peppermint may interact with certain medications. It should not be taken with cyclosporine, a drug taken by organ transplant patients. It may also reduce the effect of medications metabolized in the liver or drugs that reduce stomach acid.
Peppermint oil is widely used for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce airway congestion. It can also help to clear out the sinuses and promote easier nasal breathing during sleep. Many people find that inhaling diffused peppermint oil can reduce snoring and even lessen the severity of sleep apnea.
Peppermint promotes restfulness by helping induce relaxation and ease symptoms associated with dust and other seasonal allergies. If congestion or a headache is keeping you up at night, peppermint oil can ease these symptoms, making it easier for you to achieve a quality night's sleep.
Research has shown that essential oils made from peppermint, sweet orange, spearmint, rosemary, and lemon extracts may increase energy and relieve fatigue. Peppermint essential oil has been found to be effective for preventing fatigue and improving exercise performance.
How Many Cups of Peppermint Tea Should You Drink a Day? There isn't an established amount of peppermint tea that's recommended for daily consumption; however, drinking 1-2 cups for general well-being is a good place to start.
Burns More Calories
Peppermint tea contains trace amounts of caffeine and catechins. These chemicals increase the temperature and, in turn, speed up metabolism. This property helps peppermint tea aficionados stay in shape and be healthier than others.
Can you drink too much peppermint tea? Not really. The only side effect that you may experience would be the need for more frequent trips to the bathroom from the increased water intake.