Mint, short for peppermint, can be used both fresh and dried, and researchers have studied its efficacy in a number of health scenarios.
While you may be familiar with mint in gum, candy and toothpaste, the fragrant green herb has numerous benefits when consumed as a tea.
For example, when you have a cold, the menthol found in mint can help break up mucus and phlegm, said Heather Klug, registered dietitian at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center. When you’re having problems with your digestive system, mint can help soothe symptoms like an upset stomach, nausea, gas and bloating. It may even help those with irritable bowel syndrome, Klug said. And the benefits don’t stop there.
“The antioxidants in mint, along with other plant foods, help to reduce the risk for many chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease” Klug said.
When it comes to oral health, toothpaste and gum with mint offer antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and serve as a way to neutralize and wash away acid in the mouth.
While these benefits seem great and varied, Klug cautions that mint tea should be limited for those who:
- Have kidney stones
- Are organ transplant patients who take cyclosporine
- Take medication to reduce stomach acid
- Have acid reflux and heartburn
“Making mint tea is easy!” Klug said. “Place mint leaves in a mug. Pour hot water over the leaves and steep for 5-6 minutes. Take out the leaves, sip and enjoy! Do not leave mint leaves in longer than 10 minutes or the tea will taste very bitter.”
