Peppermint Tea's Healing Properties
|
|
We all know that peppermint is a common flavoring used in gum, toothpaste, tea and candies. Peppermint is commonly used to calm an upset stomach Because of its soothing and healing properties and has been used for many years to treat headache, skin irritation, anxiety, and flatulence (or, gas). Peppermint has even been used to treat cold symptoms.
Peppermint tea has been used successfully as an alternative treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Gallstones, various viruses, itching and skin irritations and indigestion, as well as cold and flu symptoms. Peppermint teas and tinctures are made from the leaves and flowering parts of the plant. These are the parts of the plant that contains the oil used in natural remedies. These parts of the plant are dried and usually made into teas using traditional processes to make ordinary tea. |
The recommended adult dosage of peppermint tea is one to two tablespoons of dried peppermint leaf infused with eight ounces of hot water. The boiling water is poured over the dried peppermint leaves and then left to steep for three to five minutes. Uses for children include one to two ml of peppermint glycerite daily or a smaller amount of peppermint tea (about half of the adult dose!).
Because peppermint's active ingredient is menthol, it's important to be sure you aren't allergic to menthol before using peppermint tea or other forms of peppermint as an herbal remedy. It's especially important to consult your physician first, before using peppermint, especially if you are prone to allergies or have asthma. As with any herbal remedy or medicine, it's important to consult your physician before using to ensure that you don't have any adverse drug interactions.
Other forms of peppermint include a tincture which is made with 10% peppermint oil, 1% peppermint extract, and then adding one part peppermint oil to nine parts grain alcohol. Alternatively, capsules which are enteric-coated are also available and especially effective in treating IBS. Peppermint creams or ointments, which contain 1% to 20% menthol, are also available, these are especially good when used for tension headaches and skin irritations.
If you are pregnant or nursing, it's important not to consume large amounts of peppermint or peppermint tea. Women with a history of miscarriage shouldn't use peppermint in any form at all while pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
While peppermint tea is usually safe and effective for treating upset stomach or intestinal discomfort, peppermint tea shouldn't be used if you have Gastroesophogeal Reflux Disease (GRD). Peppermint tea can cause the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus to relax too much, and allow stomach acid to come back into the esophagus. This will worsen symptoms of heart-burn and indigestion.
It's important to realize that there is a big difference between peppermint oils, tinctures, and teas. Menthol in its pure form is poisonous. Peppermint oils should NOT be ingested or taken internally. Rare side effects of peppermint tea include such negative reactions as cramping, diarrhea, and some cases of drowsiness, tremors, muscle pain and a slowed heart rate. In rare, extremely severe cases of over-dose, coma could occur.
Peppermint tea is a wonderful natural remedy, and treats a variety of ailments and conditions. If you think peppermint tea could be useful in treating symptoms or a condition which you are having, then discuss the use of peppermint tea with your physician or a naturopath. |
TeaBenefits.com Featured Product
 |
Buy Organic Peppermint Leaf
We offer high-quality yet low-priced organic Peppermint Leaf. Makes the best Peppermint Tea.
We give up to 40% discount! Try us now!
Buy Now! |
|
Author: Gen Wright
About the Author: Khalid Al-Khames is a graduate from Edinburgh. After finishing suffering IBS in 2008, Kal decided to setup Peppermint-Tea.com, a useful information resource about peppermint tea.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Peppermint Tea's Healing Properties
Buy Organic Aroma
Oils
Enhance your mood with these high-quality aroma oils.
Apply these fragrances to your skin to experience their healing properties. Buy Now! |
|
|
Buy Organic Massage Oils
Drive your daily tension and fatigue away using these soothing massage oils.
This is the perfect cap to your day! You deserve it!
Buy Now! |
|
Do you find the contents of this site useful and helpful? Feel free to bookmark, share and tell your friends about this site.
|
Peppermint Tea Benefits Trivia:
Did you know that:
Peppermint tea is a rich source of Vitamin C. Thus, drinking the herbal infusion may have a good role in helping strengthen the body's immune system by keeping viruses and bacteria at bay. Read here to know more about Vitamin C.
Peppermint tea is great decongesting agent as its helps clear air passageways from mucuous. Aside from drinking the herbal infusion, inhaling peppermint steam may also give relief from breathing difficulties. Find out which other teas and tisanes are good for cough.
Peppermint has high levels of the mineral manganese. Manganese functions as an antioxidant that seeks free radicals in the body and helps neutralize them. It also plays an important role in promoting the proper growth of bone structure. Get more information on manganese here.
Peppermint contains a good amount of the amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan is a key player in the production of the mood-regulating chemical serotonin. So this may partially explain why our mood often improves and is uplifted whenever we drink a nice hot cup of peppermint tea. Go here for more info on tryptophan.
Peppermint is a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids. While mostly obtained from fish like salmon and mackerel, omega-3 is also abundant in herbs like peppermint and fruits like kiwi. Omega-3 increases levels of good cholesterol in the body and hence has been dubbed one of nature's heart-friendly substances.
Peppermint Essential Oil, when applied on the temple and areas in the head, may help relieve headaches, migraines and other pains. Read here for more info on the pain-relieving properties of peppermint oil.
The quality of the water used to make peppermint tea is very important. It is believed that the water used must be free of contaminants and contain enough oxygen to enhance the natural flavor of the tisane. Peppermint tea made with pure water yield a clean, minty flavor and a drink that is aesthetically pleasant. Learn more about the health benefits of water here.
Check out these Related Articles for Peppermint Tea:
Submit Your Article
Ready to take that first step toward a healthier life?
Buy Peppermint Tea here!
Check out this Interesting Video on Peppermint Tea Benefits:
Check out these Related Topics to Peppermint Tea Benefits:
Check out these Related Topics to Peppermint Tea Benefits:
|