Peppermint Tea

Overview

Peppermint tea is made from peppermint leaves (Mentha x piperita). It is not the same as peppermint oil. NIH describes peppermint oil and peppermint leaf as different products, with research mainly on enteric-coated oil capsules and very little on the leaf. [1] The oil guide is in Essential Oils. The plant's broader background will be in Herbs & Botanicals.

What the research shows about the tea

NIH says a small amount of research has been done on peppermint oil, mostly for irritable bowel syndrome, and very little on peppermint leaf, and there is not enough evidence to say whether peppermint leaf is useful for any health condition. [1] PubMed lists only 2 randomized trials mentioning "peppermint tea" (see Research). So IBS, headache and nausea findings for peppermint oil must not be applied to the tea.

What EU regulators concluded

The EU monograph describes peppermint leaf as a traditional herbal medicinal product, based on long-standing use, for relief of digestion-related problems such as indigestion and flatulence, in adults and children over 4; the committee relied on laboratory studies suggesting gut-relaxing effects, not clinical trials. [2] For adults it describes 1.5 to 3 g of the leaf in 100 to 150 ml of boiling water as an infusion 3 times daily, with a doctor to be consulted if symptoms last more than 2 weeks. [2] This is a description of authorised products, not a recommendation. See EU monograph examples.

Safety

• Acid reflux: the EU monograph says people with gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn) should avoid peppermint leaf preparations because heartburn may increase, and people with gallstones or other bile disorders should be cautious. It also lists hypersensitivity to peppermint leaf or menthol as a contraindication. [2]
• Peppermint tea, made from leaves, appears to be safe. However, the long-term safety of consuming large amounts of peppermint leaf is unknown. [1]
• Oral peppermint in amounts commonly found in food is likely safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding, but little is known about medicinal amounts. [1]
• Peppermint oil, not tea, should not be applied to the face of infants or young children. [1]
• Medicines: NIH advises talking with your provider; it does not list specific interactions for peppermint tea. [1]

Caffeine and blends

Pure peppermint tea is a herbal tea; check blends for added true tea. [3]