We have enjoyed peppermint for centuries as a relaxing drink, and even today in many cultures it’s a medicinal treatment for issues such as digestive problems. Peppermint tea is a herbal infusion made from fresh or dried peppermint leaves and water. Once you learn how to make peppermint tea, you can brew it as a hot drink to help soothe your nerves.
Peppermint is also widely used in cooking and baking. It has a delicate aroma that you can add to many dishes for a fresh, minty flavour. The leaves of the peppermint plant are dried and crushed before being steeped in hot water to make peppermint tea.
Benefits of Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea has been used for centuries to treat digestive problems, including indigestion and heartburn. Studies have shown that peppermint tea may help with bloating, flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and stomach ulcers.
Peppermint aids digestion by relaxing the muscles in the digestive tract and increasing bile flow. It also may stimulate the production of saliva, which helps break down food in the mouth. Some people have reported that drinking peppermint tea helps improve their moods. It has a calming effect on the nervous system, which makes it helpful in treating anxiety and stress.
Peppermint contains menthol and methyl salicylate, chemicals that give mint its signature scent. These chemicals may work as natural painkillers by blocking pain receptors in the brain.
Tasting Notes
Peppermint tea is the perfect way to unwind after a long day. It's sweet, soothing, and has a hint of mint. You can attribute this to the leaves of the peppermint plant, which are steeped in water to create a tisane.
People describe the flavour as "cooling," which makes sense because peppermint has a cooling effect on the tongue. The taste itself is mild and not too potent. The tea is also somewhat spicy and has notes of earthy sweetness that linger in your mouth after you've finished drinking it.
There's no bitterness or astringent tones to the flavour either. Most tannins have been removed from the leaves to ensure they're safe for drinking (and not so strong that they'll give you heartburn).
The scent is also delightful. It smells like fresh minty herbs freshly cut from your garden and dipped into a water bowl on your kitchen table. Peppermint tea is a delicious and refreshing beverage that you can enjoy anytime.
Brewing Instructions
Here's how to make peppermint tea:
- Bring water to a boil in a kettle or pot.
- Pour boiling water into a teapot or mug, add 2 teaspoons of peppermint leaves per 8 ounces of water, and stir well.
- Cover the teapot or mug with a lid and let steep for 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea (the longer it steeps, the stronger it will be).
- Add honey or sweetener if you want it a little sweet. Otherwise, you can choose to savor the tingling but refreshing flavor of peppermint
Final Thoughts on How to Make Peppermint Tea
Learning how to make peppermint tea is an excellent start if you're getting into herbal teas. It's easy to make, has a light, refreshing flavour that goes well with many different foods, and can help soothe upset stomachs.
If you're looking for something with a little more kick, try adding chamomile or ginger the next time you are out restocking your stash of tea.
