Peppermint tea is well-loved for its digestive-soothing properties. The menthol in peppermint can help relax digestive muscles, which may ease feelings of bloating and indigestion. It's also naturally caffeine-free, making it a great choice for any time of day.
Peppermint is a hybrid mint native to Europe and Asia. Today, it is cultivated worldwide, with Egypt being a major producer of high-quality peppermint for the global tea market due to its favourable climate.
No, they are different. Peppermint has a much higher menthol content (around 40%), giving it a strong, cooling, and pungent flavour. Spearmint has less than 1% menthol, resulting in a milder, sweeter, and more delicate minty taste.
While it often soothes an upset stomach, it can worsen symptoms for people with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). The menthol can relax the sphincter muscle at the top of the stomach, potentially allowing acid to move up and cause or worsen heartburn.
No, peppermint tea is naturally free of caffeine. Its relaxing properties make it an excellent choice for an evening beverage, as it can help soothe digestion after a meal and will not interfere with sleep.
Peppermint is cultivated on farms, and the leaves are harvested just before the plant flowers, when its essential oil content is at its highest. The leaves are then carefully dried and cut to size, preserving their potent menthol aroma and flavour for brewing.
