Benefits of Peppermint Tea What It Can Do for Your Health

A cup of peppermint tea has a refreshing quality that is hard to mistake. Its fresh minty aroma, cooling taste and naturally caffeine-free nature make it a popular choice among people who enjoy herbal drinks. Some drink it after a meal, others enjoy it during an afternoon break, and many prefer it in the evening when they want something warm without caffeine.

But peppermint tea is more than a pleasant-tasting drink. Peppermint leaves contain natural plant compounds, including menthol and other substances that have attracted attention for their possible effects on digestion and general wellbeing.

This raises several common questions. What are the health benefits of peppermint tea? What is peppermint tea good for? Does it help with bloating, stomach discomfort or nausea? Can it improve sleep? And is peppermint tea healthy enough to drink every day?

The honest answer is that peppermint tea can be a useful addition to a balanced daily routine, particularly as a refreshing, caffeine-free drink. Traditional herbal use also supports its use for mild digestive complaints. However, research on drinking peppermint leaf tea is limited, and some benefits often discussed online are based on studies of concentrated peppermint oil rather than tea.

Understanding this difference helps you enjoy peppermint tea without expecting it to do more than the evidence supports.

In this guide, we will look at how peppermint tea is made, what it contains, its possible health benefits, its limitations, how to prepare it and who should be careful when drinking it.

What Is Peppermint Tea?

Peppermint tea is an herbal infusion prepared from the dried or fresh leaves of the peppermint plant, scientifically known as Mentha x piperita.

Peppermint is a natural cross between water mint and spearmint. It is grown in several parts of the world and is widely used in herbal drinks, cooking, confectionery and traditional herbal preparations.

Unlike black tea, green tea and white tea, peppermint tea does not come from the Camellia sinensis plant. It is therefore classified as an herbal tea, also known as a tisane.

This difference matters because peppermint tea is naturally caffeine-free when made from pure peppermint leaves.

What gives peppermint tea its refreshing taste?

The familiar cooling sensation and fresh aroma come mainly from menthol and other natural compounds found in peppermint.

Menthol creates a cooling feeling by activating cold-sensitive receptors in the body. This is why peppermint can feel refreshing even when the tea itself is served warm.

Peppermint leaves also contain other plant compounds, including:

• Rosmarinic acid: A naturally occurring plant compound studied for its antioxidant activity.
• Flavonoids: Plant compounds found in many fruits, vegetables and herbs.
• Menthone: An aromatic compound that contributes to peppermint's characteristic smell.
• Eriocitrin: A flavonoid naturally present in peppermint leaves.
• Luteolin: Another plant flavonoid studied for its biological activity.

The amount of these compounds in a cup depends on the leaves, their freshness, the quantity used and the brewing method.

What Are the Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea?

Peppermint tea is often associated with digestion, relaxation and general comfort. Some of these uses have a long history in traditional herbal practice, while others need more human research.

Here are the main areas worth understanding.

1. May Support Comfortable Digestion

One of the best-known traditional uses of peppermint leaf is for digestion.

People commonly drink peppermint tea after a meal because its refreshing taste makes it a pleasant way to finish eating. Peppermint leaf preparations have traditionally been used for mild digestive complaints, including indigestion and flatulence.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recognised this traditional use of peppermint leaf preparations. Its assessment explains that laboratory studies suggest peppermint leaf may help relax the muscles of the digestive tract.

However, the EMA also makes an important point: the evidence is based on traditional use rather than sufficient clinical trials proving that peppermint tea treats digestive conditions.

So, what does peppermint tea do for digestion? For some people, a warm cup may be a comfortable addition to their after-meal routine. It should not be considered a treatment for persistent stomach problems.

2. May Help With Occasional Bloating and Gas

Bloating is a common experience. It can happen after eating too quickly, having a large meal, consuming certain foods or experiencing changes in digestion.

Peppermint has traditionally been used for flatulence, which refers to gas in the digestive system.

The natural compounds in peppermint have shown muscle-relaxing effects in laboratory research. This has led to interest in peppermint preparations for digestive discomfort.

However, there is a difference between drinking peppermint tea and taking concentrated peppermint oil capsules. Much of the clinical research into digestive symptoms has focused on the oil, not an ordinary cup of tea.

If you occasionally feel uncomfortable after eating, you may enjoy peppermint tea as a warm, caffeine-free drink. But if bloating happens frequently, becomes painful or is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, vomiting or changes in bowel habits, seek medical advice rather than relying on herbal tea.

3. Offers a Caffeine-Free Alternative to Regular Tea

One practical benefit of peppermint tea is that pure peppermint leaf tea contains no natural caffeine.

This makes it a useful option for people who want to reduce their caffeine intake or enjoy a warm drink later in the day.

Regular black and green teas contain caffeine because they are made from the Camellia sinensis plant. Peppermint tea comes from a different plant, so a pure peppermint infusion does not naturally contain this stimulant.

This can be helpful for people who notice that coffee or regular tea makes them feel restless or affects their sleep.

Check the ingredients when buying packaged herbal blends. A peppermint blend containing black tea, green tea or other caffeinated ingredients will not be caffeine-free.

4. May Make an After-Meal Routine More Enjoyable

Many people enjoy a cup of peppermint tea after lunch or dinner.

There is a simple reason for its popularity: the fresh aroma and cooling taste make it a pleasant drink after a rich or heavily flavoured meal.

Its traditional association with digestion also makes it a familiar choice after eating.

However, it is important not to confuse a pleasant after-meal drink with a proven digestive treatment. Peppermint tea does not cancel out a heavy meal, prevent all digestive discomfort or replace a balanced diet.

5. Contains Natural Plant Antioxidants

Peppermint leaves contain several naturally occurring plant compounds, including rosmarinic acid and flavonoids.

These compounds have been studied for their antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are substances that can help limit damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals.

Plant antioxidants are found in many everyday foods, including berries, vegetables, herbs and tea.

However, laboratory findings do not automatically prove that drinking peppermint tea produces a particular health benefit in humans. The amount absorbed by the body and its effects depend on several factors.

It is fair to say that peppermint leaves contain antioxidant compounds. It would be misleading to claim that peppermint tea prevents disease or provides a guaranteed protective effect.

6. Provides a Refreshing Drink Without Added Sugar

Pure peppermint tea has a naturally fresh taste and contains very few calories when served without sweeteners.

For people trying to reduce sugary drinks, this can be a practical advantage.

Instead of reaching for a sweetened beverage every time you want something flavoured, you can prepare peppermint tea and enjoy its natural mint character.

If you add honey, sugar or flavoured syrup, the calorie and sugar content will increase.

The benefit here is not a special fat-burning effect. It is simply a way to enjoy a flavourful drink without needing added sugar.

7. May Help Freshen the Mouth Temporarily

Peppermint is widely used in chewing gum, toothpaste and mouth fresheners because of its strong, clean aroma.

Drinking peppermint tea can leave a temporary fresh feeling in the mouth. Its minty taste may also help cover food odours for a short time.

However, peppermint tea should not be treated as a substitute for brushing, flossing or regular dental check-ups. It does not remove plaque or treat gum disease.

For everyday mouth care, proper oral hygiene remains essential.

8. Can Be Part of a Relaxing Daily Routine

A warm cup of herbal tea can provide a quiet break during a busy day.

Preparing the leaves, waiting for the infusion and drinking it slowly can create a simple routine that encourages you to pause for a few minutes.

Peppermint tea is naturally caffeine-free, so it can be a suitable evening beverage for people avoiding caffeinated drinks.

However, there is not enough strong human evidence to say that peppermint tea directly reduces anxiety, treats stress or improves sleep quality.

Its value may be more about the comfort of a warm drink and the routine around it than a proven medicinal effect.

9. Contributes to Daily Fluid Intake

Water is the main drink most people should rely on for hydration, but other drinks also contribute to daily fluid intake.

A cup of peppermint tea provides water and can be included in a normal hydration routine.

This can be particularly useful for people who find plain water less appealing and enjoy drinking herbal infusions throughout the day.

It is still important to drink enough water, especially during hot weather, exercise or illness.

10. Offers a Different Way to Enjoy Herbal Ingredients

Peppermint tea can be enjoyed on its own or combined with other herbs and ingredients.

Some popular combinations include:

• Peppermint and chamomile.
• Peppermint and ginger.
• Peppermint and lemon.
• Peppermint and green tea.
• Peppermint and fennel.

Each combination has its own taste and caffeine profile. For example, peppermint and chamomile can make a caffeine-free herbal infusion, while peppermint blended with green tea will contain caffeine.

If you are choosing an herbal blend for a particular reason, check all ingredients rather than relying on the product name alone.

What Does Peppermint Tea Do for the Body?

When you drink peppermint tea, you consume water and small amounts of naturally occurring compounds extracted from the leaves.

The experience can be understood in a few simple ways.

• The digestive system: Peppermint leaf has a traditional association with mild digestive complaints such as indigestion and flatulence. Its possible effects on digestive muscle activity have been explored mainly through laboratory studies.
• The mouth: Menthol creates a cooling sensation and gives peppermint its fresh taste.
• The nervous system: Pure peppermint tea contains no natural caffeine, so it does not provide the stimulant effect associated with black tea or coffee.
• Hydration: The water in the infusion contributes to your daily fluid intake.
• General routine: A warm cup can become a pleasant part of an after-meal or evening routine.

This is the practical answer to questions such as what does peppermint tea do to your body and what does peppermint tea do for you. It provides a refreshing, caffeine-free drink with naturally occurring plant compounds, but it should not be treated as a medicine.

Is Peppermint Tea Good for Your Stomach?

Peppermint tea is commonly used as a traditional herbal drink for digestive comfort.

The European Medicines Agency recognises the traditional use of peppermint leaf preparations for indigestion and flatulence. Its assessment also explains that there is not enough clinical trial evidence to confirm the effectiveness of peppermint leaf for these complaints.

It is also important to understand that peppermint does not suit every stomach.

For some people, peppermint may make acid reflux or heartburn worse. This is because peppermint can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter, the muscle that helps keep stomach contents from moving back into the oesophagus.

If you regularly experience acid reflux, a burning feeling in your chest or sour fluid coming into your mouth, peppermint tea may not be the best choice.

A drink that feels soothing to one person may cause discomfort in another.

Peppermint Tea vs Peppermint Oil: What Is the Difference?

This is one of the most important points when reading about peppermint tea benefits.

Peppermint tea and peppermint oil come from the same plant, but they are not interchangeable.

Feature	Peppermint tea	Peppermint oil
Source	Fresh or dried peppermint leaves	Concentrated essential oil
Preparation	Leaves infused in hot water	Oil extracted from plant material
Strength	A mild herbal infusion	Highly concentrated
Main use	Everyday herbal drink	Used in selected medicinal and other preparations
Research	Limited human research on leaf tea	More research, especially on certain digestive symptoms
Caffeine	Naturally caffeine-free when pure	Caffeine-free

Some studies suggest that enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules may help relieve certain symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in adults.

However, this evidence does not prove that drinking peppermint tea has the same effect.

The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) clearly separates the research on peppermint oil from the limited evidence on peppermint leaf.

Never swallow undiluted essential oil or add concentrated peppermint oil to tea as a home remedy without professional advice. Essential oils are much more concentrated than an ordinary leaf infusion.

Is Peppermint Tea Good for Weight Loss?

Peppermint tea is sometimes promoted online as a weight-loss drink. It is worth looking at this claim carefully.

Pure peppermint tea contains very few calories when consumed without sugar or honey. Replacing sugary drinks with unsweetened peppermint tea may help reduce the number of calories you consume.

That is a reasonable dietary benefit.

However, there is no strong clinical evidence showing that drinking peppermint tea directly burns body fat, speeds up metabolism enough to cause weight loss or reduces belly fat.

Weight management depends on several factors, including:

• Overall food intake.
• Physical activity.
• Sleep quality.
• Daily habits.
• Stress management.
• Individual health conditions.

Peppermint tea can fit into a balanced weight-management routine, but it is not a weight-loss treatment.

Does Peppermint Tea Help You Sleep?

Peppermint tea is naturally caffeine-free, which makes it a suitable alternative to caffeinated tea or coffee in the evening.

Some people enjoy its fresh taste as part of a quiet bedtime routine.

However, caffeine-free does not automatically mean sleep-improving. There is not enough reliable human research to show that peppermint tea treats insomnia or improves sleep quality directly.

If you enjoy it, a small cup in the evening may be a pleasant way to wind down. Avoid drinking large amounts immediately before bed if waking up to use the bathroom affects your sleep.

People with acid reflux should also be cautious because peppermint may worsen heartburn, particularly when lying down.

Does Peppermint Tea Help With Nausea?

Peppermint is often mentioned as a natural option for nausea, but the evidence needs to be understood correctly.

Some research has examined peppermint oil or peppermint extract for nausea, including studies involving people undergoing chemotherapy. These findings do not establish that ordinary peppermint leaf tea provides the same benefit.

If you feel mildly unsettled, you may find the smell and taste of peppermint tea pleasant. But it should not replace medical care when nausea is severe, persistent or accompanied by dehydration, intense pain, fever or repeated vomiting.

Pregnant people should also seek appropriate advice before using herbal preparations for nausea.

How to Make Peppermint Tea at Home

Preparing peppermint tea is simple. You only need good-quality peppermint leaves, hot water and a cup or teapot.

Ingredients

• 1–2 teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves.
• 200–250 ml of fresh water.
• Honey or lemon, optional.
• Fresh peppermint leaves, optional.

Step-by-step preparation

Step 1: Heat fresh water

Bring fresh drinking water to a boil.

Step 2: Measure the leaves

Add approximately 1–2 teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves to a teapot or infuser. If using fresh leaves, gently crush a few leaves to release their aroma.

Step 3: Pour the water

Add hot water over the leaves.

Step 4: Allow the tea to steep

Leave it for approximately 5–7 minutes, depending on how strong you prefer the flavour.

Step 5: Strain and serve

Remove the leaves and pour the infusion into a cup.

Step 6: Add flavour if desired

A little lemon or honey can be added if you prefer a different taste. Pure peppermint tea is also enjoyable without sweeteners.

Peppermint tea brewing guide

Brewing factor	Suggested amount
Dried peppermint leaves	1–2 teaspoons
Water	200–250 ml
Water temperature	Near boiling
Steeping time	5–7 minutes
Serving style	Hot or iced

These are practical home-brewing suggestions rather than a medical dosage.

How to Make Iced Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is not limited to cold weather. Its fresh flavour also works well in a chilled drink.

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves.
• 250 ml of hot water.
• Ice cubes.
• Lemon slices.
• Fresh mint leaves.
• Honey, optional.

Preparation

1. Add the peppermint leaves to hot water.
2. Allow them to steep for around 5–7 minutes.
3. Strain the infusion.
4. Let it cool to room temperature.
5. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
6. Pour in the cooled peppermint tea.
7. Add lemon and fresh mint.
8. Sweeten lightly if required.

You can prepare a larger quantity and refrigerate it in a clean, covered container. For the best taste, enjoy it while fresh.

How Often Can You Drink Peppermint Tea?

There is no universally established daily amount of peppermint tea that has been proven to deliver specific health benefits.

For most healthy adults, an occasional or moderate cup of pure peppermint tea can be a reasonable part of a normal beverage routine.

However, the safety of consuming large amounts of peppermint leaf over long periods is not well established.

Pay attention to how your body responds. If peppermint tea causes heartburn, stomach discomfort or an allergic reaction, stop drinking it and seek advice if symptoms continue.

It is also important to remember that drinking more herbal tea does not necessarily produce greater health benefits.

Is Peppermint Tea Safe? Possible Side Effects and Precautions

Peppermint tea appears to be safe for most people when consumed as an ordinary beverage. However, there are some situations where extra care is needed.

1. Acid reflux and heartburn

Peppermint can worsen gastro-oesophageal reflux and heartburn in some people.

If you have frequent acid reflux, a hiatal hernia or regular heartburn, speak with a healthcare professional before making peppermint tea a regular habit.

2. Gallstones and bile-related conditions

The European Medicines Agency advises caution for people with gallstones and other bile-related problems when using peppermint leaf preparations.

If you have been diagnosed with a gallbladder or bile duct condition, ask your healthcare professional before using peppermint medicinally.

3. Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Peppermint in normal food amounts is different from concentrated herbal preparations or essential oils.

There is limited information about the safety of medicinal amounts of peppermint leaf during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements notes that the evidence for peppermint during pregnancy is limited.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor or midwife before using peppermint tea regularly for medicinal purposes. Do not take peppermint essential oil by mouth without professional advice.

4. Allergic reactions

Although uncommon, some people may be sensitive or allergic to peppermint.

Stop using it if you notice an unusual reaction, such as itching, swelling, a rash or breathing difficulty. Seek urgent medical help if you experience signs of a serious allergic reaction.

5. Children

Do not assume that herbal tea is automatically suitable for young children.

The EMA's traditional-use assessment for medicinal peppermint leaf preparations applies to adults and children over four years of age. This is not a general recommendation for every child or every preparation.

Ask a paediatrician before giving peppermint preparations to young children.

6. Medication and herbal product use

If you take regular medication or use other herbal products, discuss peppermint use with a healthcare professional or pharmacist.

This is particularly important when using concentrated extracts or essential oils, which are not the same as ordinary tea.

Who Should Be Careful With Peppermint Tea?

Peppermint tea may not be suitable for everyone.

Group	What to consider
People with acid reflux	Peppermint may worsen heartburn
People with gallstones	Seek medical advice before medicinal use
Pregnant individuals	Safety information for medicinal amounts is limited
Breastfeeding individuals	Ask a healthcare professional before regular medicinal use
Young children	Do not give medicinal peppermint preparations without professional guidance
People with peppermint allergies	Avoid peppermint
People taking medication	Check for possible interactions, especially with concentrated products

The main point is simple: peppermint tea is an everyday herbal beverage, not a replacement for medical treatment.

How to Choose Good-Quality Peppermint Tea

The quality of the leaves affects the aroma and taste of your cup.

When choosing peppermint tea, pay attention to the following details.

Check the ingredients

If you want pure peppermint tea, look for peppermint leaves as the only ingredient.

Some products combine peppermint with green tea, black tea, liquorice, chamomile or other herbs. These blends have different properties and may not all be caffeine-free.

Look at the leaf quality

Good-quality dried peppermint leaves should have a fresh herbal aroma. Avoid products that smell stale or show signs of moisture damage.

Check the packaging

Peppermint leaves can lose their aroma when exposed to air, light and moisture.

Choose packaging that protects the leaves and can be sealed properly after opening.

Check the source

Clear information about the producer, ingredients and origin helps you make an informed choice.

Store it properly

Keep peppermint tea in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Store it away from strong-smelling foods and spices.

Peppermint Tea vs Other Herbal Teas

Different herbal teas offer different flavours and traditional uses. Comparing them can help you choose a drink that suits your preferences.

Herbal tea	Taste	Common reason people enjoy it
Peppermint tea	Fresh, cool and minty	Caffeine-free refreshment and traditional digestive use
Chamomile tea	Mild, floral and slightly sweet	Evening herbal drink
Ginger tea	Warm and spicy	Traditional use for digestive comfort
Fennel tea	Mildly sweet and aromatic	Traditional use for occasional digestive discomfort
Lemon balm tea	Light and lemony	Relaxing herbal drink

These are general descriptions of traditional use and flavour, not claims that every tea treats a health condition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peppermint Tea

What are the health benefits of peppermint tea?

Peppermint tea is a naturally caffeine-free herbal drink that contains plant compounds such as menthol and flavonoids. Peppermint leaf also has a traditional history of use for mild indigestion and flatulence. However, clinical research on the health effects of drinking peppermint tea remains limited.

What is peppermint tea good for?

Peppermint tea is commonly enjoyed as a refreshing drink and has a traditional association with digestive comfort. It can also be a useful caffeine-free alternative to regular tea and coffee.

What does peppermint tea do?

Peppermint tea provides water and small amounts of natural plant compounds extracted from peppermint leaves. Its menthol content creates a cooling sensation, while its fresh flavour makes it a popular herbal drink.

What does peppermint tea do for the body?

It contributes to fluid intake, provides naturally occurring plant compounds and offers a caffeine-free alternative to regular tea. Peppermint leaf has also been traditionally used for mild digestive complaints.

What does peppermint tea do to your body?

When consumed, peppermint tea provides a mild infusion of peppermint leaf compounds. Some people enjoy it after meals, while others drink it as a refreshing evening beverage. Its effects vary from person to person.

Is peppermint tea good for you?

For most healthy adults, pure peppermint tea can be a pleasant addition to a balanced daily routine. It is naturally caffeine-free and contains plant compounds. However, people with acid reflux or certain gallbladder conditions should be cautious.

Is peppermint tea healthy?

Pure peppermint tea can fit into a healthy beverage routine, especially when served without added sugar. Its possible medicinal benefits should not be overstated because research on peppermint leaf tea is limited.

Is peppermint tea good for health?

Peppermint tea offers practical benefits as a caffeine-free drink and has a traditional use for mild digestive complaints. It does not replace a balanced diet, medical treatment or professional health advice.

Why is peppermint tea good for you?

People often choose peppermint tea because it has a fresh taste, contains no natural caffeine and can be enjoyed without added sugar. Peppermint leaves also contain naturally occurring plant compounds.

How is peppermint tea good for you?

It can help you replace sugary or caffeinated drinks with a simple herbal infusion. Its traditional use for mild indigestion and flatulence is another reason people enjoy it, although strong clinical evidence for the tea itself is lacking.

Are there any benefits to peppermint tea?

Yes. It provides a caffeine-free drink, contributes to hydration and contains natural plant compounds. Peppermint leaf also has a long history of traditional use for certain digestive complaints.

What benefits does peppermint tea have?

The main practical benefits are its refreshing flavour, lack of natural caffeine and suitability as an unsweetened drink. Traditional herbal use also supports its use for mild digestive discomfort.

What does peppermint tea help with?

Peppermint leaf preparations have traditionally been used for indigestion and flatulence. However, the available evidence does not establish peppermint tea as a treatment for IBS, chronic bloating or other digestive diseases.

Is drinking peppermint tea good for you?

For most healthy adults, drinking pure peppermint tea in ordinary beverage amounts can be a reasonable choice. It may not suit people with reflux or certain gallbladder problems.

What is herbal peppermint tea good for?

Herbal peppermint tea is a caffeine-free infusion enjoyed for its cooling taste and fresh aroma. It is also traditionally used for mild digestive complaints.

What are the benefits of drinking peppermint tea every day?

Drinking peppermint tea regularly can provide a simple caffeine-free beverage option and contribute to fluid intake. However, there is no established daily amount that guarantees specific health benefits, and the long-term safety of consuming large quantities has not been fully studied.

Is peppermint tea good for bloating?

Peppermint leaf has a traditional use for flatulence, and laboratory research suggests it may affect digestive muscle activity. However, evidence that ordinary peppermint tea relieves bloating in humans is limited.

Does peppermint tea help with acid reflux?

Peppermint may make acid reflux and heartburn worse in some people. If you regularly experience reflux, peppermint tea may not be the right choice.

Does peppermint tea contain caffeine?

Pure peppermint tea is naturally caffeine-free because it is made from peppermint leaves rather than the tea plant used for black and green tea. Check the ingredients of blends, as some may contain caffeinated tea leaves.

Can you drink peppermint tea before bed?

Yes, many people enjoy it in the evening because it does not naturally contain caffeine. However, it has not been proven to treat insomnia or improve sleep directly. People with acid reflux should be cautious.

Is peppermint tea good for weight loss?

Unsweetened peppermint tea is very low in calories and can replace sugary drinks. However, there is no strong evidence that it directly burns fat or causes weight loss.

Can peppermint tea be consumed without sugar?

Yes. Peppermint tea has a naturally fresh flavour and can be enjoyed without sugar, honey or milk.

Is peppermint tea safe to drink every day?

Ordinary amounts of peppermint tea appear to be safe for most people. However, the long-term safety of drinking large amounts is unknown. People with reflux, gallstones or other relevant health conditions should seek advice.

Final Thoughts: Is Peppermint Tea Worth Adding to Your Routine?

Peppermint tea is a simple herbal drink with a refreshing flavour and a long history of traditional use. It is naturally caffeine-free, contributes to hydration and contains plant compounds that have attracted scientific interest.

Its best-established traditional role is in supporting relief from mild digestive complaints such as indigestion and flatulence. Even here, it is important to understand that the clinical evidence for drinking peppermint leaf tea is limited.

Peppermint tea is not a weight-loss treatment, a sleep medicine or a cure for digestive conditions. It may also worsen heartburn in some people, so it is not suitable for everyone.

If you enjoy its fresh taste, try a cup after a meal or during an afternoon break. Brew it with fresh water, use good-quality leaves and enjoy it without adding too much sugar.

A good herbal tea does not need extraordinary health claims to earn a place in your daily routine. Sometimes, a simple, enjoyable drink is reason enough.