Find out what health benefits peppermint tea has—and how often you should be drinking it!
5 Remarkable Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea
Updated on Nov. 30, 2023
It’s safe to say that a mug of peppermint tea will warm you up on cold afternoons. But did you know that peppermint has all sorts of health benefits, too? The research findings astonished us! Here’s a quick look at how peppermint tea and related products like peppermint essential oil can help you stay healthy.
What is Peppermint?
It’s a hybrid mint that’s a cross between watermint and spearmint. Learn more about cooking with mint. You can buy peppermint tea, peppermint essential oil and fresh peppermint at most grocery stores. It’s not hard to grow fresh peppermint in your herb garden or planter, either. (But watch out—it spreads!)
What Are the Benefits of Peppermint Tea?
Here’s what research about peppermint from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has revealed:
- It has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Peppermint has shown to have significant antiviral and antibiotic properties, helping to support your body’s immune system. This is why peppermint tea can be a great addition to treating things like the common cold.
- It helps out with mental clarity. Peppermint has been found to aid in performance for complex tasks and help ease mental fatigue. That makes a cup of tea a great choice for an afternoon pick-me-up!
- A cup of tea can eases tummy troubles. Due to the relaxing effects peppermint has on the gut, its tea makes a great remedy for nausea and abdominal pain.
- It contains antioxidant power. Chock full of phytochemicals like vitamins and minerals, peppermint has strong antioxidant properties that help strengthen your body’s immune system.
- It helps relieve headaches. Menthol, an active ingredient in peppermint, has been shown to be a safe and effective remedy for headaches and migraines. In addition to peppermint tea, try applying peppermint essential oil to your temples and forehead for relief.
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. We’d recommend a cup to fight the 3 p.m. slump! Before you move ahead, make sure you know the difference between spearmint and peppermint.
Spiced Peppermint Tea
Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves
- 2 whole allspice
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- Honey, optional
Directions
- Place the water, cinnamon, cloves and allspice in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minute. Stir in mint leaves. Remove from the heat; cover and steep for 5 minutes. Strain tea. Serve with honey if desired.
Do More With Mint
Mojito SlushWhether you're splashing poolside or watching the kids inside, this slushy beverage has just the right balance of minty crispness and limey tartness that's sure to tingle your taste buds. —Jessica Ring, Chicago, Illinois
Minty Sugar Snap PeasFresh mint adds a lively touch to cooked sugar snap peas. It's also nice on green beans or carrots. —Alice Kaldahl, Ray, North Dakota
Cantaloupe Ice PopsYour reminders to "eat your fruit" will finally stick once kids take a lick of these mmm-melony snacks. A perfect use for overripe cantaloupe, these pops make a light dessert or healthy between-meal refresher. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
Cilantro & Lemon Marinated Chicken KabobsCook the onions first so there’s plenty of room on the grill for the chicken skewers. Before serving, give the whole platter a spritz of lemon for a sunshiny delight. —Moumita Ghosh, Kolkata, West Bengal
Touch-of-Mint Iced TeaMy family loves the mild mint and lemon flavors in this iced tea. It's a wonderful alternative to soft drinks.—Martha Haseman, Hinckley, Illinois
Chicken GyrosThis yummy chicken gyro recipe is a cinch to prepare. Just take tender chicken, coat it in a creamy cucumber-yogurt sauce, then tuck it into pita pockets. Some folks like lettuce and diced tomato on top. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Mint JulepOur recipe for mint julep features a from-scratch mint syrup and and expert tips for the perfect warm-weather cocktail.
Summer Orzo SaladI’m always looking for fun ways to use the fresh veggies that come in my Community Supported Agriculture box, and this summer orzo salad is one of my favorite creations. I like to improvise with whatever I have on hand, so feel free to do the same here! —Shayna Marmar, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Tandoori-Style Chicken with Cucumber Melon RelishWe all need a quick meal that's deliciously healthy. I marinate the chicken before I leave for work, and when I get home, I grill the chicken and make the relish. My husband loves the spicy flavor. To amp up the heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
Minted Beet SaladWe have neighbors who share vegetables from their garden, and every year my husband and I look forward to their beets. My interest in Mediterranean food inspired this beet salad recipe—the vinegar and oil dressing with fresh mint tones down the sweetness of the beets, and the kalamata olives add a salty touch. —Barbara Estabrook, Appleton, Wisconsin
Lemon Mint CurdI like to "dress up" ordinary recipes with my fresh, homegrown herbs. This minty lemon curd is a family favorite! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Watermelon Mint SaladFive simple ingredients shine in this cool, crunchy, refreshing watermelon mint salad, which takes mere minutes to toss together.
Quinoa TabboulehWe put a gluten-free twist on a classic Middle Eastern salad by using quinoa instead of bulgur. Our quinoa tabbouleh recipe features a protein-packed superfood, crisp veggies, fresh herbs and an easy lemon vinaigrette.
Grilled Pork with Pear SalsaMy husband, Dave, and I have been in a dinner group with three other couples for a few years. We often share our recipes. This grilled pork was served by one of the couples, and I decided to "pear" it with this fabulous salsa. —Suzan Ward, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Grilled Fruit Phyllo TartThis tart was a hit at my friend's baby shower. It reminds me of a fruit salad that my mother used to make with cream cheese and whipped topping. Everyone loved the flaky crust, and the bright colors make it a pretty addition to any spread. —Laura McAllister, Morganton, North Carolina
Mediterranean Bulgur BowlYou can also transform this tasty bowl into an Italian version with mozzarella, pesto, tomatoes, spinach and basil. —Renata Smith, Brookline, Massachusetts
Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry-Orange RelishI like how grilled pork and fruit bring out the best in each other. If you have leftover relish, break out the tortilla chips! —Cindy Esposito, Bloomfield, New Jersey
Mint-Cucumber Tomato SandwichesI jazzed up the quintessential teatime cucumber sandwich to suit my family's tastes. This was my absolute go-to sandwich last summer when I was pregnant. It hit all the right spots! —Namrata Telugu, Terre Haute, Indiana
Moroccan Stuffed MushroomsCoriander and cumin are zesty updates to the familiar stuffed mushrooms. The addition of couscous makes them very filling and delicious. —Raymonde Bourgeois, Swastika, Ontario
Greek Orzo SaladThis tart, refreshing salad is a big hit in my home. All the tasty toppings—including red onions, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese and a zesty dressing—give it extra interest. —Judy Roberts, Las Vegas, Nevada
Mojito Marinated FruitAll the flavors of the popular mojito cocktail are featured in this fantastic salad. After you eat the fruit, you’ll want to sip the luscious syrup! —Marcy Griffith, Excelsior, Minnesota
Mediterranean Layered DipThis quick and easy dip begins with purchased hummus. It's then flavored with the Mediterranean flavors of feta cheese, olives and lemon.
—Patterson Watkins, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Mimi’s Lentil MedleyI made this one summer evening by putting together what I had on hand. My husband gave it his top rating. —Mary Ann Hazen, Rochester Hills, Michigan
Stuffed Grilled ZucchiniPair these zucchini boats with charred pork chops, smoked fish or other grilled greats. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Yellow Squash & Watermelon SaladI always like to bring this healthy option to parties and potlucks, and people seem to really appreciate that. No oil is necessary for this salad; the lemon juice combines with the feta to lightly coat the bright, fresh ingredients. —Camille Parker, Chicago, Illinois
Shrimp with Tomatoes & FetaAny recipe that is special enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight meal is a favorite in my book. All you need to finish off the meal is a side salad and crusty French bread to sop up the delicious tomato and wine juices. —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
Grilled Steaks with Cilantro SauceFresh herbs made into a sauce help make these steaks the main star of our favorite summer grilling menu. —Lynne Keast, Monte Sereno, California
Slow-Cooker Tropical Pork ChopsPork and fruit go so nicely together and when you add fresh herbs, you get this fresh, light and bright main dish that everyone loves. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Lime Mint JellyThis holly-green jelly won a Best of Show at the county fair and I was so thrilled. Flavored with lime, it's delicious on roasted meats. —Gloria Jarrett, Loveland, Ohio
Lemon Herb QuinoaMy family is turning to quinoa more and more these days. It's a super grain that's packed with protein and vitamins. Plus, it can be paired with any kind of main course. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Delicate Mint ThinsNewly married, I needed something fancy to impress my relatives at a reunion and came up with these cookies. I got many compliments on their subtle flavor.—Kristine McDaniel, Kettering, Ohio
Thai Veggie DipThis delicious dip is full of flavor, color and crunch, but not full of calories. There's mild sweetness from the honey with a bit of heat at the end from the pepper flakes. If spicy food is your thing, feel free to add an extra dash of pepper. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Spiced Mint TeaThis delightful recipe makes teatime special. Dress up this homemade fresh mint tea with spices and a bit of honey if you like. —Ione Banks, Jefferson, Oregon
Watermelon CupsThis lovely appetizer is almost too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Pea Soup ShootersAppetizers really don’t get any easier than this. These shooters can be made ahead, they’re colorful, and they won’t weigh you down. Top with a small dollop of yogurt for a little more tang. —Jacyn Siebert, San Francisco, California
Honey-Lime Berry SaladI picked up this dish a couple of years ago, and really like the mint and fruit combo. Cilantro is one of my summer favorites so sometimes I use it instead. Turns out, this recipe's really two in one! —Kayla Spence, Wilber, Nebraska
Minted ButterI prefer to serve this mint butter with scones, but it goes well with other breads, too. When I make the butter, it's only with mint fresh from our garden.—Sherry Smeltzer, Osage Beach, Missouri
Halibut Steaks with Papaya Mint SalsaAn amazing mix of fresh, zesty salsa and good, smoky flavor—plus 161mg of magnesium—makes this dish the catch of the day! —Sonya Labbe, Los Angeles
Fruit SkewersFruit skewers made with fresh fruit, cheese and a cinnamon yogurt dip will become a regular snack for every potluck, barbecue and game-day party.
Iced Melon Moroccan Mint TeaI grow mint on my balcony, and this refreshing beverage is a wonderful way to use it. It combines two of my favorite drinks—Moroccan Mint Tea and Honeydew Agua Fresca. For extra flair, add some ginger ale. —Sarah Batt Throne, El Cerrito, California
Layered Mediterranean Dip with Pita ChipsNot your ordinary layer dip, the bold combination of hummus and Greek yogurt will be a new most-requested recipe at your next baby shower or gathering. —Elizabeth Dumont, Boulder, Colorado
Raspberry Mint JamI have so much mint growing in my yard that I add it to almost everything. What a revelation it was when it went in my raspberry jam—the mint really wakes up the raspberry flavor.—Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington
Vietnamese Noodle Salad with PorkEnjoy this Vietnamese noodle salad with pork, combining crisp vegetables, fresh herbs and tender pork in a bright lime dressing for a light, refreshing meal.
