Key takeaways
- Potential benefits of peppermint tea include fresher breath, headache relief, improved digestion, and relief from menstrual cramps. However, more research is necessary to support these benefits.
- Peppermint tea is generally safe to consume, but some people may experience side effects such as heartburn or GERD if they drink large amounts.
- To make peppermint tea, people can use peppermint teabags from a store or steep peppermint leaves in hot water and strain the drink into a mug.
Peppermint is a minty herb native to Europe and Asia. Historically, people have used peppermint as a flavoring and for its medicinal properties. It is an ingredient in a variety of modern products, including toothpastes, candies, and teas.
Many people drink peppermint tea because they enjoy the taste, but it may also have several potential health benefits.
Although there is not much research on peppermint tea itself, researchers have studied some of the oils and other compounds in peppermint leaves, such as menthone, limonene, and menthol.
Peppermint is a popular flavoring due to its clean, pleasant smell and taste. People may feel that they have fresher breath after drinking peppermint tea.
Some research supports this. For example, a 2020 study found that peppermint essential oil showed some antibacterial activity, concluding it has the potential to manage oral health and bad breath.
A small 2024 study tested the effects of a blend of different mints, including peppermint, on the oral microbiome in 20 participants. The mint oil blend helped decrease the amount of oral bacteria associated with bad breath and oral diseases and increased beneficial bacteria.
Despite this promising research, more studies are necessary to see if peppermint tea has the same effect as peppermint oil.
A 2019 article tested the nasal application of peppermint oil vs. lidocaine drops on migraine headaches in 120 adults.
The study found that 42.1% of people in the peppermint group responded considerably to the remedy. This was similar to the lidocaine group, in which 41.5% of people responded well to treatment.
It is possible that peppermint tea may have a similar effect. However, more research is necessary.
A 2022 study suggests that inhaling essential oil from the peppermint leaf herb may suppress inflammation and restore tight nasal junctions in people with allergic rhinitis.
Inhaling steam and vapors may also be helpful for easing nasal congestion from colds and other upper respiratory infections.
Some people find that the vapors from peppermint tea help. However, more research is necessary to prove whether peppermint tea vapors may be as effective as its essential oil.
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The researchers suggest peppermint oil may act as a muscle relaxant with antispasmodic effects on various parts of the GI system.
Drinking peppermint tea may have a similar effect.
Peppermint oil may also help reduce the severity of dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps).
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The researchers found that peppermint oil capsules were as effective at relieving menstrual pain as mefenamic acid, a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
People may also wish to try drinking peppermint tea as a home remedy for menstrual cramping.
A small 2025 study suggests that peppermint tea may boost cognitive performance and blood flow to the cerebrum — part of the brain.
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However, the studies were both very small, so further research will be necessary to confirm the findings.
Key terms explained
Cognitive performance: A person’s ability to think and carry out tasks involving memory, attention, thinking, and problem-solving.
Some research has suggested that essential oils from peppermint may help kill harmful bacteria.
For example, one 2018 study found that peppermint oils helped reduce the growth of bacteria such as E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella in pineapple juice.
However, the peppermint oils were less effective at reducing bacteria when the researchers added them to mango juice.
A 2023 review suggests peppermint offers a potential platform for the creation of antibacterial preparations.
However, more research is necessary to understand if peppermint tea shares these properties. Anyone using peppermint for antibacterial purposes may benefit from speaking with a doctor first.
Peppermint tea bags are widely available in many health and grocery stores. However, people can quickly make fresh peppermint tea at home using only peppermint leaves and hot water.
To make peppermint tea at home:
- Add 2 cups of water to a pot.
- Bring the water to the boil, then turn off the heat.
- Add around four or five torn peppermint leaves to the water.
- Cover the pot and let the leaves steep for 5 minutes or according to taste.
- Strain the tea into a mug.
Peppermint tea is naturally caffeine-free. It also contains zero calories, which can make it a great alternative to soda, fruit juices, and other sugary drinks. However, flavoring the tea with sugar, honey, or cream will add calories to the drink.
Factors such as underlying health conditions, pregnancy status, and the strength of the tea may affect how much peppermint tea someone should drink.
Most studies focus on peppermint oil instead of peppermint tea. Anyone concerned they are drinking too much peppermint tea should speak with a healthcare professional for advice.
Peppermint tea is
People who are allergic to peppermint or any of the chemicals in peppermint should not drink peppermint tea.
Peppermint tea is a popular herbal tea that is naturally calorie- and caffeine-free.
Some research suggests that peppermint may have certain health benefits, such as fresher breath, better digestion, and reduced headache pain. Peppermint also has antibacterial properties.
However, there has been little conclusive research into the specific health benefits of drinking peppermint tea.
Although peppermint tea is generally very safe, some people with GERD find that drinking it can trigger or worsen their symptoms.