Mint Tea: a refreshing cup for a better digestion

Slow digestion, gas, bloating… Eating too fast or having heavy and (too) rich meals at family gatherings and celebrations sometimes trigger digestive problems. 

A cup of mint tea or a mint tea blend is often the perfect answer to these ailments.

Let’s discover the health benefits of mint, and see how mint tea can help us relieve digestive issues.

The health benefits of mint, peppermint and spearmint … Which is which?

The word Mint refers to a genus of plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family, consisting of several species that are often difficult to differentiate. 

Without going into botanical details, here are the main differences between the two types of mint that are most commonly used in cooking and in herbal medicine.

Spearmint, also known as garden mint, common mint, lamb mint and mackerel mint, is a species of Mentha spicata. 

It is the variety most commonly found in commerce. 

Spearmint owes its name to the shape of its leaves: in Latin, “spica” means “spear”. 

This type of mint is delicate, sweet and aromatic, and very tasty. 

It is found in the traditional Moroccan Mint Tea, very appreciated in the Maghreb countries, or in our very own version of Mojito Tea, one of our favourite Summer Teas!

Peppermint is a hybrid s a hybrid mint, a cross between watermint (mentha aquatica) and spearmint (mentha spicata). 

Its flavour is stronger and more powerful, quite pungent – almost spicy. 

Because it is a mix of two types of mint, it contains a higher content of menthol, the agent responsible for its cool, fresh sensation in the mouth. 

Peppermint leaves are dark green and oval, and its stems are purple. 

Both varieties are excellent natural remedies to relieve digestive disorders, and are among the plants most often used to prepare digestive herbal teas. 

Discover Tea Shop’s carefully selected range of Mint teas and herbal teas!

The health benefits of mint tea

As medicinal plants, both peppermint and spearmint share many properties, especially as a digestive aid. Peppermint, due to its higher content of menthol, is more often used to relieve respiratory tract conditions. 

Mint contains minerals, vitamins and nutrients such as vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, folate, and carotene, which is an antioxidant.

- Mint tea to soothe digestive issues 

As Spearmint and Peppermint have antispasmodic, antiseptic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties (particularly due to their high content of menthol), they are both very effective at relieving abdominal pain and colic. 

Mint is also a carminative: it prevents the formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract and facilitates its expulsion, thus reducing the natural fermentation process of ingested foods. 

A Mint tea is an excellent option to reduce flatulence, stomachache, abdominal bloating and spasms. In addition to stimulating the production of gastric juices to aid digestion, peppermint improves liver function. 

It helps reduce liver inflammation, and has an effect on gallbladder by stimulating bile secretion. 

Mint also has an antiemetic effect: it prevents nausea and vomiting and helps reduce bowel inflammation in case of diarrhea, constipation or gastroenteritis.

- Mint tea to soothe the respiratory tract 

Mint helps reduce the symptoms of cold, bronchitis, and helps soothe a sore throat. 

Menthol is a powerful decongestant, which explains why mint tea is one of the most commonly used herbal teas to relieve congestion related to respiratory diseases. 

Mint also increases perspiration and helps lower fever. 

Lastly, its antispasmodic properties help reduce muscular and joint pain due to cold and related illnesses.

Possible interactions 

All medicinal plants may cause herb-drug interactions. 

You should always consult with your doctor before consuming plants if you take drugs or supplements, or if you have any doubts about possible drug interactions or side effects. 

Some studies state that an excessive consumption of mint may limit the effect of some heart medications and increase blood pressure. 

Medicinal plants are generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and should not be consumed by children without medical advice.