Why is peppermint tea so good for our digestion?

Peppermint tea

Credit: Getty

Strong Women


Why is peppermint tea so good for our digestion?

By Lauren Geall

2 years ago

3 min read

A mug of peppermint tea is often held up as one of the best ways to deal with bloating – but what is it that makes this natural remedy so effective?


No one likes feeling bloated, but for many of us, it’s a regular occurrence. We’ve all been there: one moment you’re sat at work, typing away on your laptop, and the next, you find yourself hunched over, struggling to think about anything else other than the pressure building in your abdomen.

Unable to curl up in a ball and spend the rest of the day in your pyjamas, it’s at this point when you might reach for the peppermint tea. 

Often sold as the first port of call for digestive discomfort, it’s something many of us have sitting in our cupboards in case of an emergency.

But what is it about peppermint tea that makes it so good for managing bloating and other digestive issues? And what other health benefits can a mug of peppermint tea (or any form of peppermint) offer? We asked the experts to give us the facts. 


How does peppermint tea help with digestion?

The main reason why peppermint tea is such an effective tool for dealing with digestion has to do with the key active ingredient found in peppermint oil: menthol.

“Peppermint tea is very well known and loved for its digestion aiding properties,” explains Jess Shand, a women’s naturopathic nutritionist. “The active ingredient, menthol, stimulates the smooth muscles of the stomach to relax and improves the flow of bile which, as a result, helps food to digest and pass through the stomach more quickly.”

This ability to speed up the rate at which food passes through the digestive system means peppermint can reduce indigestion and constipation, too – and its role as a carminative means it can calm digestive gas, in turn reducing flatulence, bloating and indigestion.

However, Shand warns: “Peppermint relaxes the sphincter between the oesophagus and stomach (the lower oesophagal sphincter), so it can be irritating and cause gastroesophageal reflux and heartburn for people suffering from GERD. If this is you, please avoid.” 

What other benefits can peppermint offer?

Peppermint tea

Credit: Getty

Beyond being a helpful for reducing digestive discomfort, peppermint can offer a whole host of other benefits, explains Eliza Glynn, a nutritionist at Holland & Barrett.

Those benefits include fresher breath (its antibacterial properties mean it can kill the germs which cause bad breath), calming nausea (due to its anti-spasmodic effect) and supporting the immune system.

“Peppermint leaves contain flavonoids, vitamins and minerals which support the immune system,” Glynn explains. “Peppermint is an antioxidant, meaning it can help rid the body of harmful free radicals which can cause inflammation, leading to various diseases.

“Most studies have been based on pure peppermint oil, but the leaves of the peppermint plant do contain the oil, so it’s worth drinking up.”

Peppermint also has the potential to boost mental clarity, Glynn adds. “Peppermint is a fresh, energising flavour. So much so that the scent of it is thought to boost alertness and increase concentration, for example during a test.

“Inhaling the scent of peppermint has even been shown to improve memory and recall – so it might be wise to brew some peppermint tea before your next important meeting.” 

What other foods and drinks can aid digestion in a similar way?

Peppermint isn’t the only ingredient that has the potential to calm digestive discomfort.

“Fennel and dandelion teas are another two of my favourite remedies to support digestion and reduce bloating after meals,” Shand says. “These herbs are known for their ability to help the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal system relax, promoting flow and relieving discomfort in the process.”

Glynn agrees, adding that gut-friendly ingredients like fermented foods and those rich in fibre can also help. “Water is also essential in aiding digestion,” she adds. “Without water, fibre can’t do its job.” 

Images: Getty

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