Mint, Peppermint, or Spearmint?Mint tea can contain both peppermint and spearmint leaves, which can be mixed in varying proportions, depending on what you prefer. Spearmint and peppermint have flavors that are very different from each other, and they both offer health benefits. contains a compound known as carvone, giving it a mild flavor that’s sweet and cool. Carvone is also found in caraway seeds and dill.Peppermint, on the other hand, is loaded with menthol and menthone, giving it a sharp, spicy flavor.Mint Tea BenefitsThere is some limited evidence that mint tea may help with some symptoms. Here are a few possible mint tea health benefits.Mint tea for digestion“Tea, in general, is very beneficial for numerous reasons, but mint tea in particular has been shown to help with digestion and some irritable bowel symptoms,” says Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian nutritionist at No Nonsense Nutrition, LLC, in Marietta, GA. It does this by causing the muscles of the stomach to relax and by improving the flow of bile, helping food digest and pass through the stomach more quickly. This relieves pain and bloating. But peppermint can irritate the upper , so it should not be used if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (). Cold and fluSome people report that mint tea relieves cold and . The aroma of peppermint seems to help open nasal passages. Menthol has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may also help improve these symptoms.Is mint tea good for high blood sugar?There’s no evidence that mint tea helps with high blood sugar. But if you’re looking for a soothing alternative, chamomile tea can regulate blood sugar.Mint Tea Nutrition FactsMint leaves contain , antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and other vitamins and minerals. But the amount of these found in a cup of tea is very low, as many of them are removed when these leaves are prepared into a tea.Mint Tea Side EffectsThe menthol in peppermint can cause adverse side effects in large amounts. While it’s difficult to consume too much menthol by drinking peppermint tea, it’s not recommended for people with certain health conditions.Before adding peppermint tea to your diet, talk to your doctor about these considerations: Peppermint can help with digestion and stomach pain but can worsen . If you have experienced indigestion due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you should avoid peppermint.Medication interactionsPeppermint may interact with certain medications. It should not be taken with cyclosporine, a drug taken by organ transplant patients. It may also reduce the effect of medications metabolized in the liver or drugs that reduce stomach acid. Some studies show that peppermint may lower your blood sugar and as well, so it’s not recommended for people taking medication for diabetes or blood pressure issues.Kidney stones or Peppermint may help promote good kidney function, but it’s not recommended for people who have kidney stones or gallstones.Pregnancy concernsResearch has not found any harmful effects of peppermint tea on pregnant women. But this has not been well-studied, so speak to your doctor before drinking the herbal beverage while .How to Prepare Mint TeaThere are many commercially available mint teas, sold in tea bags or loose leaf, for you to choose from. These often contain a mix of peppermint, green tea, and spearmint. Green tea contains caffeine, so if you are avoiding caffeine, look for an herbal mint tea without green tea.If you would like a stronger flavor and improved health benefits, you may wish to make your own tea using fresh ingredients. To make mint tea:Boil two cups of water.Remove from heat and add a handful of torn or chopped .Cover and steep for five minutes.Strain and drink.Experiment with different amounts of peppermint and spearmint leaves. You may find that you prefer one mix for a cooling and refreshing summer drink, and a completely different combination for a warm, comforting winter drink.TakeawaysWhether served hot or cold, mint tea is a delicious and refreshing drink. It may help soothe an upset stomach, relieve a stuffy nose, and create an overall calming effect. However, it can cause acid reflux and doesn’t mix well with certain medications, so talk to your doctor before enjoying a cup.Mint Tea FAQsDoes mint tea help with weight loss?Mint tea is sweet, soothing, and calorie-free, so it may help if you’re trying to eat less. But there’s no evidence it changes your .Are there any side effects of drinking mint tea?Mint can trigger acid reflux and doesn’t mix well with certain medications. If you take any medicines, ask your doctor if it’s okay for you to drink mint tea.How do you prepare fresh mint tea?The easiest way is to add a mint tea bag to hot water for a few minutes. But if you don’t have a tea bag, you can use freshly chopped mint leaves. Remember to strain the leaves out of the hot water before drinking.SourcesUpdate HistorySharePrintPhoto Credit: Liv Friis Larsen/DreamstimeSOURCES:Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RDN, LD, registered dietitian nutritionist, No Nonsense Nutrition, LLC, Marietta, GA.American Family Physician: “.”American Journal of Physiology: “.”Archives of Clinical Microbiology: “.”Baines, D. and Seal, R. Natural Food Additives, Ingredients and Flavourings, Woodhead Publishing, 2012.Continuing Medical Education: “.”Food Science and Biotechnology: “.”Integrative Medicine: “Viral Upper Respiratory Infection.”Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology: “.”Journal of International Society of Preventative Community Dentistry: “.”Kid World Citizen: “.”Medeniyet Medical Journal: “.”Mount Sinai: “.”Nabavi, S. M., Suntar, I., Barreca, D., & Khan, H. Phytonutrients in Food: From Traditional to Rational Usage, Woodhead Publishing, 2020.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: “.”Phytomedicine: “.”Phytotherapy Research: “.”Przeglad Gastroenterologiczny: “.”The World's Healthiest Foods: “Peppermint.”U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS Field Office Technical Guide: “.”U.S. National Library of Medicine: “.”University of Vermont Extension, Department of Plant and Soil Science: “.”USDA FoodData Central: “Peppermint, fresh.”SharePrintMore on Diet & Weight Management Recommended FEATURED Top doctors in , Find more top doctors on Search Related LinksPoliciesAboutFor Advertisers © 2005 - 2025 WebMD LLC, an company. All rights reserved. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. , The answer is clear—mint leaves do not contain any caffeine at all! Their lack of this stimulant makes them an excellent choice for anyone looking for flavorful yet calming options in teas or culinary applications., By itself, mint tea does not contain caffeine, but some mixed mint teas may contain caffeine from other ingredients. Mint tea is traditional in many cultures. (Photo Credit: Liv Friis.