There's not much in this world that's more calming and refreshing than the flavor of mint -- which is why it's a no brainer that mint tea is one of the most popular tea flavors across the world. But beyond its satisfying flavor, this powerhouse tea has a host of health benefits, deeming it a healing drink for centuries. In this article, we'll explore the history of mint and peppermint tea, learn about its benefits, and share some tips for brewing the perfect cup of mint tea.
History of Mint Tea
Its exact origin is unknown, but mint tea is thought to have originated in the Middle East specifically in Morocco in the 19th century by a British merchant. The merchant referred to this beverage as 'gunpowder tea,' and was unable to sell it in the Baltic region of Northern Europe because of the Crimean War. He instead brought his concoction to Morocco, where it quickly grew in popularity with the locals. They began to even make it on their own with fresh mint. Today, it is widely consumed throughout the world and is particularly popular in Morocco, where it is traditionally served after meals.
What Is Mint Tea?
This popular herbal tea is made from the leaves of the mint plant, which is a member of the Lamiaceae family. There are many different types of mint, including spearmint, peppermint, and watermint. Mint tea is traditionally brewed by infusing mint leaves with green tea leaves, but you can also find varieties that are made with black or white tea leaves. The type of tea leaves used will affect the flavor, caffeination, and color of the mint tea. At Mosi, we offer a Green Mint loose leaf tea that contains a bit of caffeine from the green tea leaves.
Mosi's green mint tea is a refreshing and flavorful way to enjoy the benefits of mint. Our tea is 100% garden-picked at its peak of flavor. Our blend includes spearmint, peppermint, and lemongrass for an added bright, robust flavor.
What Does It Taste Like?
Mint tea has a refreshing, crisp, bright flavor. Depending on the infusion or blend, some peppermint teas will include undertones of green tea, while others will have fruity and vanilla aromas.
Health Benefits of Mint Tea
The health benefits of peppermint tea have been known for centuries, and recent scientific studies have confirmed many of the theorized benefits from centuries of consumption.
Peppermint Tea Aids Digestion
Mint is well known for its ability to improve digestion. Mint tea can help to relieve indigestion, bloating, and gas. It does this by stimulating the production of digestive juices and increasing the flow of bile. This can speed up the movement of food through the stomach and intestines, which is important for preventing indigestion and other digestive problems.
Mint tea is also thought to have carminative effects, which means it can help to expel gas from the intestines. This is due to the presence of menthol in mint, which relaxes the muscles in the digestive tract and helps to move gas along.
If you're struggling with an upset stomach or indigestion, try drinking a cup of mint tea after meals. You can also find mint tea bags that contain both peppermint and green tea for an extra dose of antioxidants.
Peppermint Tea Helps Combat Common Cold
Mint is a popular herbal remedy for the common cold and flu. This is because menthol (the 'cooling' agent in peppermint) has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Mint tea can help to relieve symptoms of the common cold and flu, such as congestion, sore throat, and cough.
The menthol in mint is also thought to help thin mucus and make it easier to expel, which helps in clearing congestion and relieving a sore throat.
Peppermint Tea Prevents Nausea
Mint is a popular remedy for nausea, and mint tea is thought to be just as effective. This is because mint can help to settle the stomach and calm the digestive tract.
Mint is thought to have carminative effects, which means it can help to expel gas from the intestines. This is important for preventing indigestion and other digestive problems.
Mint is also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe the stomach and reduce nausea.
Peppermint Tea Helps With Stress/Anxiety
Mint is well known for its ability to help with stress and anxiety, and have a calming effect. Peppermint oil is frequently used in aromatherapy because of its known stress-relieving effects. This is due to the presence of menthol in mint, which has a relaxing effect on the body.
Peppermint is a stimulant -- which may seem counterintuitive as a calming agent. In fact, it works by 'waking up' underused muscles by strongly tightening, and then releasing to increase circulation and help get the anxious body back on track.
Not only does peppermint tea help relieve stress, but it also aids in mitigating the physical effects of stress. Peppermint tea has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can help to protect the body against the damaging effects of stress. Making hot peppermint tea will assist to lower your total body temperature, allowing your muscles to relax and reducing any inflammation that may be present. Anti-inflammatory qualities also help to lower blood pressure, which helps to promote a tranquil state of mind.
Mint Tea Improves Focus and Concentration
Mint tea is often consumed as a way to improve focus and concentration. The menthol in peppermint is known to have a stimulating effect on the brain, which can help to improve cognitive function and vigilance. One study even found that peppermint oil improved memory recall in young adults. If you're struggling to focus at work or school, try sipping on some mint tea throughout the day.
Mosi's Green Mint tea is an invigorating blend of organic green tea and mint. With the boost of l-theanine from the green tea, this blend is supercharged to help you focus, without the crash that typically comes with caffeine.
Peppermint Tea Prevents Bad Breath
This one may seem obvious (mint toothpaste, anyone?) but you may not know that even sipping on a refreshing cup of tea could improve your breath. The menthol in mint helps to mask bad breath, and also acts as an antimicrobial to keep the icky breath germs at bay.
If you're looking for a natural way to freshen your breath, try sipping on some mint tea throughout the day.
Mint Tea Promotes Skin Health
Mint is often used in skincare products because it is thought to be beneficial for the skin.
The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties in mint are known to help to treat acne and other skin conditions.
If you're looking for a natural way to soothe your skin, try using a mint-infused face mask or moisturizer. You can also add a few drops of peppermint oil to your bathtub for a refreshing and invigorating soak.
How To Brew Mint Tea
Brewing mint tea is simple and only requires a few fresh mint leaves and hot water. For the best flavor, use fresh mint leaves or a whole, loose leaf tea like Mosi's Green Mint tea, rather than a peppermint tea bag. Here's how to make Mosi's tea using the Mosi Tea Infuser:
STEP 1: Fill the sieve with Mosi Green Mint tea and secure it to the lid.
STEP 2: Pour water (about 185 degrees which has small boiling bubbles) into your infuser through the spout.
STEP 3: Attach the lid, switch up the lock, and flip the infuser upside down for 2 minutes.
If you're looking for a unique, new way to sip on mint tea, try our recipe for Green Mint Punch:
Green Mint Tea Punch
Ingredients
- 1 tsp Mosi Green Mint loose leaf tea
- 1/3 cup boiling water
- fresh mint sprigs
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 shot orange juice
- 1 shot lemon juice
- 2 orange slices for garnish
- 2 lemon slices for garnish
Tools + Equipment
- Mosi All-in-One infuser to combine all the ingredients easily
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cup
- Citrus juicer to squeeze the lemon juice, optional
- Shot glass
Directions
STEP 1: Fill the sieve with Mosi Green Mint tea and secure it to the lid.
STEP 2: Place the mint leaves and sugar in the bottom of a cocktail shaker or large metal cup or bowl. Using a wooden cocktail muddler or unfinished wooden spoon, gently mash the mint 3 to 4 times to release the juices and to combine it with the sugar.
STEP 3: Add mint leaves, sugar, orange juice, and lemon juice to the infuser and attach the lid to the infuser.
STEP 4: Add boiling water to the infuser through the spout.
STEP 5: Switch up the lock and flip the infuser upside down. Steep for 8 minutes.
STEP 6: Flip it right side up and set aside with the lid open to cool for at least 5 minutes. Add ice cubes and garnish with orange or lemon slices.
STEP 7: Shake your Mosi infuser. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Mint tea is a delicious, refreshing drink that has many health benefits. It can help improve digestion, combat the common cold, prevent nausea, reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and aid in digestion. Incorporate mint tea into your daily routine today with Mosi's Green Mint tea!
