Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
Peppermint tea has always been one of our favourite ways to get the senses firing with its familiar cooling quality and its ability to invigorate and recharge.
It has been the old faithful staple in our pantries, our go to at cafés to sip on after a meal to give our tummy’s some love (especially when we may have overindulged a smidge – I feel you), or just a beautiful caffeine-free way to snap you out of a 3pm slump (with bonus extra hydration if you are someone who struggles to get your 2 litres of water in a day).
What we know:
Peppermint leaves are packed with powerful essential oils containing menthol and menthone, which for centuries have been used for all sorts of things like topically for tension headaches, but why WE LOVE them is mainly as an aid for digestion particularly when there is cramping or colic, dyspepsia (indigestion), nausea, IBS, and gastritis.
And that’s not all! Peppermint also contains lovely flavonoids (such as Luteolin) and Tannins which have an antioxidant, anti-allergic, antimicrobial, and diaphoretic effect so its also not a bad idea to brew a pot if you starting to feel a bit congested.
HOT TIP:
Cover your tea while steeping with Little Wilding Co.’s Tea strainer to capture all that volatile essential oil where all the medicinal goodness is.
Action: Spasmolytic, carminative, cholagogue, antiemetic, antitussive, antimicrobial, mild sedative, diaphoretic, analgesic (topically).
Indications: IBS, dyspepsia, intestinal colic, flatulent colic, gallstones, gastritis, nausea & morning sickness, common cold, influenza, cough, nasopharyngeal catarrh, sinus headache.
Pregnancy / Breastfeeding safe: Ok to enjoy in pregnancy, avoid if breastfeeding as the astringent effect of tannins may inhibit lactation.
Included in blends:
Peppermint, Lemon Myrtle + Lavender here