SAN DIEGO—If you're ever offered an after-dinner peppermint tea, consider accepting it as a valued gift. It will do more than freshen your breath. It can help you digest your dinner and relieve a nagging stomachache.
Peppermint tea can also prevent something far more embarrassing than bad breath, namely gas. What's more, this flavor of herb is caffeine-free and can relieve diarrhea, reduce nasal congestion, soothe sore muscles and even treat irritable bowel syndrome. Peppermint is also useful in improving circulation and alleviating other circulatory problems, nervousness, insomnia, headaches, fevers, PMS, stress and tension. It also helps to reduce colic.
Although peppermint tea is caffeine-free, it is nonetheless a great energizer. The next time you are feeling exhausted from sleeping too little or working too hard, try having a cup and see how it makes you feel.
Because peppermint is also a strong antiseptic, peppermint tea is most helpful when it comes to treating colds, flu, headaches due to indigestion, or fever. It can make you feel better in no time.
While drinking the tea, you might also try inhaling the aroma. The warmth with help loosen sinus congestion towards the front of the nasal cavities, and the taste of the mint will help to enliven your taste buds.
So, enjoy a nice hot cup or two of peppermint tea, and enjoy the wonderful scents of its benefits!
One cautionary word: Peppermint can sometimes cause a choking reaction in very young children. To be on the safe side, avoid giving it to children under the age of 5.
Dr. Huang is a graduate of Samra University of Oriental Medicine and is a licensed acupuncturist of the California State Board of Medical Quality Assurance. Her Traditional Oriental Medicine practice is in San Diego, California.
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