Introduction

Peppermint (Mentha piperita Linn family: Labiatae) is an herbaceous popular plant of small size with greenish-feathery leaves commonly known as mint, spearmint, and peppermint. Peppermint herb can be used in numerous forms such as tea, tincture, oil, or extract, and applied externally as a rub or liniment due to its medicinal properties, taste, and aroma. The benefits of peppermint tea reduce pain and regulate blood sugar levels and cholesterol.

Geographical distribution

Peppermint is native to the Mediterranean region and has been spread worldwide in Eastern Asia, the USA, Canada Australia, and Africa.

Nutritional value of Peppermint- According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), peppermint contains essential oils, vitamins, dietary fiber, and minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, and magnesium. It also contains rosmarinic acid and several flavonoids, primarily eriocitrin, luteolin, menthol, menthone, and hesperidin. (1, 2).

Health benefits of Peppermint and peppermint tea

Some of the benefits of peppermint tea and peppermint are as follows

1. Treat oral disease and halitosis/bad breath

Oral rinse with peppermint is effective for the reduction of halitosis (3). The combination of sage tea-thyme-peppermint hydrosol gargle may help to alleviate oral mucositis (inflammation and ulceration in the mouth) (4). Furthermore, peppermint leaves fight against different oral microorganisms such as Streptococcus mutans, Aggregatibacter actinomycetem-comitans, and Candida albicans that cause severe oral diseases (5).

2. Treat nasal congestion

The menthol found in peppermint enhances the nasal sensation of airflow and prevents nasal congestion, sneezing, and nasal rubbing (6). Moreover, peppermint contains luteolin-7-O-rutinoside which is useful in alleviating the nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis (7).

3. Peppermint tea treats dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is related to painful uterine contractions during menstruation. Peppermint contains an important active material known as menthol which reduces pain intensity and duration of pain, nausea, and diarrhea thus peppermint tea relaxes the smooth muscle and treats dysmenorrhea symptoms (8).

4. Regulate cholesterol and blood glucose levels

Intake of peppermint leaves or leaves extract in the form of peppermint tea decreases the elevated levels of blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, very-low-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and HDL-ratio without affecting serum insulin levels (9).

5. Reduce pain

Peppermint leaves act as an analgesic agent that is very effective to suppress pain like tooth, abdominal, and thermal pain (heat and cold pain) (10). Peppermint contains a high amount of menthol which is effective for the treatment of various pain conditions including headache (migraine) (11).

6. Increase body weight

As we know stress had negative impacts on appetite and reduced appetite may decrease body weight however peppermint powder or tea increases body weight by the secretion of gastrointestinal fluids and improving digestion and absorption (12).

7. Treat cancer

Peppermint leaves contain polyphenols which act as an anticancer agent that inhibit the growth of the human colon cancer cell line (13).

8. Insect repellent

Peppermint contains bioactive compounds that show insecticide effects against houseflies (Musca domestica) thus peppermint leaves, stems, and bark aqueous extract spray or burn fresh leaves, stems, and roots to generate smoke that repels houseflies (14).

9. Improve cognitive function

Peppermint contains a high amount of menthol and menthone which increases alertness and improves memory, therefore, peppermint shows beneficial effects on the central and peripheral nervous system, human cognitive function, alertness/fatigue, and enhanced sporting performance (15).

10. Radioprotective properties

Peppermint leaves contain a rich amount of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and flavonols that show antioxidant and radical scavenging activity thus protecting from radiation-induced damage (16).

11. Protect from kidney injury

Gentamicin is an antibiotic that is used to treat various type of bacterial infection however it can damage kidney and alter body weight blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, creatinine clearance, uric acid, urinary protein, and enzyme excretion however peppermint supplementation prevents all these damages (17).

12. Antiviral properties

The presence of phenolic acid and flavonoid in peppermint shows a wonderful effect on the inhibition of respiratory syncytial virus thus preventing cold symptoms (18).

Side effect of peppermint

Peppermint tea and peppermint leaf extract have not been reported unsafe and it proved safe for regular consumption and may be used in cosmetic formulations although precaution should be needed for using peppermint oil in patients with GI reflux, hiatal hernia, or kidney stones (19, 20).  Moreover, Peppermint should be used in the recommended fashion or at the recommended dose because at a high dosage, it may cause a negative effect on the reproductive system (21).

Peppermint tea recipe

Peppermint can be consumed in the form of tea or lemon and peppermint juice and also in the form of other types of summer drink

1. Peppermint hot tea with peppermint leaf extract

For the preparation of peppermint hot tea, take 7 to 8 fresh leaves of peppermint and wash it thoroughly and then gently crush it and put it in a cup. Now add hot water and then leave for 4 -5 mins. Your peppermint tea is ready you can add a little fresh lemon and honey to it.

2. Peppermint hot green tea

Prepare green tea and add crushed leaves of peppermint into it. Cover the tea for 4-5 mins then add fresh lemon and honey.

3. Peppermint cold tea

Peppermint cold tea can be prepared just like the above two methods. But for this, you need to refrigerate the tea or add some ice.