Peppermint tea is abundantly found as a wild herb in many parts of Europe. It is widely used for the manufacture of a variety of things like candies, ice cream, chewing gum, soaps and shampoos. But it is most commonly used for making peppermint tea. This tea is made by bringing natural spring water or distilled water, boil it and pour it over fresh peppermint leaves. This is then allowed to steep for about seven minutes. The strong minty flavor and aroma of this tea is because of high concentration of menthol present the peppermint plant. Peppermint tea is very beneficial to the health of its users. The benefits include:
1.Helps to cure problems of the stomach.
Peppermint is considered as a stomach healer. Intake of peppermint tea helps to cure problems of the stomach like frequent diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, stomach aches and nausea. Peppermint tea is preferred over other forms of peppermint and is mostly used to relieve stomach related problems.
2.Helps to enhance body immunity.
Peppermint tea helps to relieve symptoms of common cold and flu. It contains healthy vitamins, such as Vitamin B, and minerals like potassium and calcium. Ma combination of all these nutrients in peppermint tea helps improve the general immunity and resistance of the body. Intake of this tea helps to control mild attack of respiratory diseases like asthma and prevent future illnesses due to viral or bacterial attacks.
3.Helps to reduce levels of stress.
The aroma and flavor of peppermint helps to relieve mental stress. Conditions of mental stress hamper good sleep during the night. Intake of peppermint tea helps to improve such conditions and results in better sleep.
4.Treats problems of bad breath.
People suffering from problems of bad breath can benefit form peppermint tea. Experience of many people has proved that regular and continuous use of peppermint tea can remove the problem of bad breath permanently.
5.Helps in weight loss.
Regular intake of peppermint tea helps to reduce appetite. Crave for food intake is thus reduced helping in weight loss.
6.Helps to alleviate many other common ailments.
Intake of peppermint tea helps to treat muscle aches, chronic pain, controls flatulence and helps to treat diverticular disorders.
Peppermint tea is easily available at all stores and is affordable for all. So the next time you prepare your grocery, remember the many health benefits of peppermint tea and add it to you list.
Preparing peppermint tea using dried peppermint leaves (if you have your own peppermint plant, lay the leaves on a tray and let them dry in the sun for 24-48 hours until they become crunchy):
- add 2 tablespoons of dried leaves to a cup of hot water
- cover
- steep for 10-20 minutes
- strain
To enjoy the health benefits of peppermint tea even more, add a little honey or freshly squeezed lemon juice to your tea.
To store fresh peppermint, wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel, place in a plastic bag and keep in the refrigerator. This will keep it fresh for a few days.
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