![how many cups of peppermint tea should you drink a day](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/how-many-cups-of-peppermint-tea-should-you-drink-a-day.jpg?output-quality=75)
While there are no set guidelines regarding how many cups of peppermint tea you should have a day, most studies recommend 2-3 cups, with a few researchers suggesting that drinking up to 4-5 cups may be fine as well.
Because peppermint tea contains no caffeine, it can be consumed in the evening. Besides having potential relaxing effects, peppermint tea can also help calm the stomach, promote digestion, and reduce headaches.
9 health benefits of peppermint tea
- Relieves headaches and migraines: Peppermint contains menthol, which acts as a relaxant and increases blood flow, thereby aiding in pain relief. It may provide relief from headaches and migraines.
- Relieves menstrual cramps: Peppermint is said to have antispasmodic properties that help alleviate menstrual cramps, reducing the severity and duration. Peppermint compounds act as muscle relaxants and may relieve cramps by working on the muscles in the uterus.
- Relieves stress: Peppermint tea's natural aroma has a calming effect. Researchers have suggested that people who smelled peppermint or included peppermint tea in their diet reduced their anxiety and fatigue levels by 20%.
- Relieves congestion: Because peppermint can help open breathing passageways, peppermint tea can help with respiratory issues, such as asthma or congestion. Consuming peppermint tea can help you breathe easier and relieve congestion by acting as an expectorant.
- Aids digestion: Because peppermint is known to reduce gastric acid in the stomach, it is a popular tea to drink after a meal. Peppermint oil is often used as a digestive remedy for an upset stomach, and peppermint tea may help those who suffer from gastrointestinal diseases.
- Eliminates bad breath: Peppermint tea can help mask bad breath, allowing the antibacterial properties to combat the source of the odor. To reap the full benefits of peppermint tea for bad breath, it may be beneficial to drink after eating foods such as garlic or onions. Make sure to use real peppermint and not artificial flavors for the best results.
- Helps weight loss: The strong aroma of mint has been shown to help control appetite and suppress cravings. If you crave sweets after dinner, sipping a cup of hot peppermint tea can help you satisfy the craving. Peppermint tea's calming, soothing aroma can help reduce stress and reduce cortisol levels, which can have an impact on your metabolism. It only has 2.4 calories per 8-oz serving, which makes it a great alternative to sugary soft drinks.
- Increases concentration: Inhaling the invigorating scent of peppermint tea may improve concentration and mental focus.
- Boosts immunity: Peppermint contains antibacterial and antiviral properties and is also high in antioxidants. This can help the immune system work better in eliminating harmful germs and viruses from the body.
Does peppermint tea have any side effects?
Too much of anything can cause unpleasant side effects. Talk to your doctor if you are:
- Pregnant
- Allergic to menthol or mint
- Suffering from kidney stones or diabetes
- Taking certain medications, such as antidiabetic medications and medications to reduce stomach acid, since these can react negatively with peppermint
While the health benefits of peppermint tea mentioned above are backed by research, this article is only for informational purposes and should not be construed as medical advice. Those with health-related questions should seek the advice of a medical professional. The FDA has not reviewed these statements.
![](https://images.medicinenet.com//images/slideshow/foods-that-arent-as-healthy-as-you-think/foods-that-arent-as-healthy-as-you-think-s1-bulletproof-coffee.jpg)
SLIDESHOW
Foods That Aren't as Healthy as You Think See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
WebMD. Peppermint Tea: Is It Good for You? https://www.webmd.com/diet/peppermint-tea-good-for-you#1
Davis B. What are the health benefits of peppermint tea? MVOrganizing. https://www.mvorganizing.org/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-peppermint-tea/
Staughton J. 9 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea. Organic Information Services. https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/beverage/peppermint-tea.html
Top How Many Cups of Peppermint Tea to Drink a Day Related Articles
bitter melon
Bitter melon, an edible fruit with many phenolic compound, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and insulin-like peptides, has been traditionally used for treating many conditions including diabetes, cancer, fever, and infections. Other uses for bitter melon include diabetes, cancer prevention, gastrointestinal upset, abnormal blood fat levels (dyslipidemia), obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, psoriasis, and others. Do not take bitter melon if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.Indigestion (Dyspepsia, Upset Stomach Pain)
Indigestion (dyspepsia, upset stomach) can be caused by problems related to, or not related to the gastrointestinal tract. Signs and symptoms are upper abdominal pain, belching, nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, and abdominal distention. Treatment depends upon the cause.Fat-Fighting Foods
Learn about fat-fighting foods such as grapefruit, hot peppers, vinegar, and more. Discover the benefits along with surprising facts about how they may fight fat.Headache
Headaches can be divided into two categories: primary headaches and secondary headaches. Migraine headaches, tension headaches, and cluster headaches are considered primary headaches. Secondary headaches are caused by disease. Headache symptoms vary with the headache type. Over-the-counter pain relievers provide short-term relief for most headaches.Headaches Quiz
If you're plagued with headaches, our Headaches Quiz may help you identify causes, triggers, symptoms, and treatments for headache pain caused by different types of headaches such as migraines, sinus, cluster, tension, or stress.Healthy Living and Disease Prevention
The importance of a healthy lifestyle in disease prevention is widely understood and most people know that lifestyle changes and choices can be critical to good health. Learn about healthy behaviors that constitute healthy living.lemon balm
Lemon balm has been used traditionally for centuries as a medicinal herb to promote sleep, relieve stress and anxiety, improve appetite and digestion, and to treat viral and other infections. The suggested uses of lemon balm include insomnia, anxiety, improving cognitive function, irregular heart rhythm and nervous palpitations, high blood pressure (hypertension), antispasmodic, appetite stimulant, indigestion, menstrual irregularities, and others. Common side effects of lemon balm include nausea, dizziness, sedation, increased appetite, wheezing, hypersensitivity reactions, and skin irritation.Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps (pain in the belly and pelvic area) are experienced by women as a result of menses. Menstrual cramps are not the same as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Menstrual cramps are common, and may be accompanied by headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea. Severity of menstrual cramp pain varies from woman to woman. Treatment includes OTC or prescription pain relief medication.
Migraine or Tension Headache? Symptoms, Triggers, Treatments
What does a migraine headache feel like compared to a tension headache? Learn to spot migraine symptoms early, how to identify your triggers, and get more information on migraine headache medications and treatments. Learn to tell migraine from other types of headaches.All About Antioxidants
They're sometimes seen as a kind of magic bullet for our health problems. Find out more about what antioxidants can do for your health.peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is the essential oil that has been historically used orally and topically to treat a variety of conditions such as digestive disorders, cough, and other upper respiratory symptoms. Do not administer peppermint oil to infants and children. Common side effects of peppermint oil include diarrhea, heartburn, mouth ulcers, burning mouth syndrome, allergic reactions, flushing, and headache. Avoid use of oral peppermint oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.peppermint oil - oral
25 Ways to Relieve Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps happen when prostaglandins force the uterus to contract. Dysmenorrhea, or period pain, may be relieved by heating pads, ibuprofen, and other measures. Endometriosis may cause severe cramps during the menstrual cycle. Luckily, women have many options for period pain relief.Tea Quiz
Are all teas created equal? Take this quiz to learn what drinking tea does to the body, and how it can provide health benefits against certain diseases and conditions.Tension Headache
A tension headache is one of the most common types of headaches, and the exact cause is not known. Factors that may contribute to tension or stress headaches are lack of sleep, increased stress (referred to as a stress headache), skipping meals, dehydration, medical diseases or conditions, anxiety, or changes at home, work, or school. Treatment of tension headaches include prescription and OTC medications, stress management, and treating any underlying illness or condition.