Herbal medicine has been around as long as human beings have roamed the earth. Mother Nature provides various herbs, plants, flowers, and foods that help heal and detoxify the body. So the next time you are looking for a natural way to support and cleanse your body, consider peppermint for detox and enjoy its many benefits.
What is Peppermint
Peppermint is a cross between spearmint and watermint. It is originally from Europe and Asia and has been used for centuries for its health benefits and delicious flavor. Peppermint extract is used in toothpaste, mints, candy, and many other products to provide a fresh, cooling taste.
In gardens, peppermint grows quickly and can take over your landscaping if you’re not careful to trim it back now and then. It grows well in most climates and will come back year after year.
The essential oil responsible for this tingly, minty sensation is menthol, and it has some pretty incredible health and detox benefits.
How Does Peppermint Help Detox
Peppermint does wonder for the digestive system. It helps to regulate digestion, moving gas through the body to lessen feelings of bloating. Peppermint is often used by people battling IBS or anyone looking to calm an upset stomach.
The menthol in peppermint tea increases bile production, which helps the body break down foods and move waste efficiently through the digestive system. Since the liver is our primary detox organ — and where bile is made — peppermint tea promotes healthy detoxification. Menthol also relaxes the muscles in the digestive tract, further helping the body operate smoothly.
How Much Peppermint to Detox
Peppermint comes in many different forms. From liquid tincture and essential oil, to capsules, dried tea, and fresh leaves. When using peppermint for detox many people find a strong tea to be most enjoyable.
Peppermint Detox Tea Recipe
Peppermint tea is brewed with tea bags, loose-leaf tea, or fresh leaves from the garden. Using tea bags is perfectly fine, but there’s something to be said about brewing a cup of tea with fresh leaves. However, don’t be discouraged if you can’t access fresh peppermint. If using tea bags, prepare as directed on the package.
- If using fresh leaves, be sure to grind them a bit to release the flavor. You can use a mortar and pestle or even chop them roughly with a knife. Use an infuser to keep the leaves contained within the vessel. This applies to loose tea as well.
- Bring your water to a boil and let it cool for a couple of minutes before pouring over your tea leaves. Peppermint, like many teas, will taste better if the water cools. However, boiling water can burn the fragile leaves and alter the flavor.
- Steep the peppermint tea for five to 10 minutes. The longer it steeps, the more the flavors will have time to develop, providing for a stronger tea. When using peppermint for detox, you can steep for up to 15 minutes.
- Remove the infuser from the teapot and enjoy your peppermint tea hot or cold.
To further aid digestion and help the body flush out toxins, try adding some grated ginger to the teapot, or squeeze fresh lemon juice into your cup before drinking. Peppermint pairs well with many flavors. Feel free to experiment and find new combinations!
Potential Peppermint Side Effects
Peppermint can interact with certain medications used to treat acid reflux, heartburn, blood pressure, and diabetes. Consult your doctor if you are currently experiencing any of these conditions.
Pregnant women can drink peppermint tea, but should consult their doctor about the proper quantity, as some teas have been linked to a greater likelihood of miscarriage.