Mint isn’t just a flavour of toothpaste. It’s far more than your everyday mouthwash. It works great in ice cream, after-dinner chocolate and adds a delicious warming flavour to lemonade and other drinks. But sometimes mint – whether its peppermint, spearmint or pennyroyal – deserves to be a star of the show. There’s no better way to put mint in the limelight than steeping it in boiling water and adding a drop of Mee to make the perfect CBD drink – CBD and mint infused tea.
Benefits of Mint Tea
So, is mint tea good for you? Well, it wouldn’t be a MightyMe recipe without talking about the main benefits of mint. And one of the most well-known benefits is its ability to aid digestion and alleviate bloating. The natural compounds found in mint, such as menthol, have a soothing effect on the digestive system, helping to relax the muscles and reduce discomfort. So, if you’ve indulged in a big meal or are experiencing bloating, a cup of mint tea can be a soothing and refreshing remedy.
One of our favourite benefits of mint is its astonishing ability to promote relaxation and relieve stress. The aromatic scent of mint has a calming effect on the mind and can help ease tension and anxiety. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply need a moment of well-deserved peace, sipping on a cup of mint infused tea can provide a soothing respite in your busy day.
Mint is also known for its invigorating properties. The cool and refreshing flavour of mint can awaken your senses and provide a natural energy boost. Instead of reaching for a cup of coffee in the afternoon slump, try opting for a cup of mint infused tea to reenergise yourself without the jitters associated with caffeine. It’s a healthier alternative that can help you stay focused and alert throughout the day.
And for those looking to support their immune system, mint is a great choice. It is rich in antioxidants that help protect the body against free radicals and strengthen the immune system. Additionally, the antibacterial properties of mint can help fight off common colds and infections. Sipping on a cup of mint tea can be a comforting way to give your immune system a little extra support.
Just so we can cover all bases, and discuss the many ways mint can help you, have a read of the other key benefits of mint here:
- Immune Support: Mint is rich in antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system and protect the body against free radicals.
- Respiratory Health: The menthol content in mint can help alleviate respiratory congestion and provide relief from cold and flu symptoms.
- Oral Health: Mint has antibacterial properties that can help freshen breath, promote oral health, and prevent bad breath.
- Weight Management: Mint is low in calories and can be a great alternative to sugary beverages, supporting weight management goals.
- Skin Health: The antioxidants in mint can help promote healthy skin by fighting free radicals and reducing inflammation.
- Natural Refreshment: Mint tea offers a refreshing and cooling sensation, making it a great beverage to quench thirst and stay hydrated.
- Antioxidant Powerhouse: Mint contains antioxidants that help protect the body’s cells from damage and support overall health.
We absolutely love mint, whether its morning, afternoon or before bed. Incorporating mint tea into your routine really can be a delicious and enjoyable way to kick off your route to health and wellness.
Types of Mint Tea
There are so many different types of mint infused teas, and while they all share the same benefits, they have unique tastes. Have at some our favourites below.
Peppermint Tea: Peppermint tea is a popular choice known for its refreshing and cooling properties. It has a bolder and more invigorating flavour that can awaken your senses and provide relief from indigestion and bloating. Sip on a cup of peppermint tea after a heavy meal to soothe your stomach and support digestion.
Spearmint Tea: With a slightly sweeter taste than peppermint, spearmint tea offers a milder and more delicate flavour profile. It’s known for its calming properties and can be enjoyed hot or iced. Spearmint tea is often used to support respiratory health and freshen breath.
Moroccan Mint Tea: Inspired by the traditional mint infused tea of Morocco, this aromatic blend combines spearmint leaves with green tea, creating a delightful fusion of flavours. Moroccan mint tea is known for its refreshing taste and is often enjoyed with a touch of sweetness. It’s perfect for those seeking a balance between the uplifting qualities of mint and the subtle stimulation of green tea.
Three Mint Tea: As the name suggests, three mint tea is a blend of three different mint varieties—peppermint, spearmint, and field mint. This herbal concoction offers a harmonious combination of flavours, providing a well-rounded mint experience. Three mint tea is cherished for its soothing properties and can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
Fresh Mint Tea: If you have access to fresh mint leaves, making your own fresh mint tea is a breeze. Simply steep a handful of fresh mint leaves in hot water and let the aroma and flavours infuse the beverage. Fresh mint tea offers a vibrant and intense minty taste, delivering the full potency and benefits of the herb.
Iced Mint Tea: When the weather gets warmer, cool down with a refreshing glass of iced mint tea. Brew your favourite mint tea, let it cool, and serve it over ice. You can also add a squeeze of lemon or a hint of honey for added flavour. Iced mint tea is not only a thirst-quenching beverage but also a great way to reap the benefits of mint in a chilled form.
A common question when it comes to tea is caffeine, so does mint tea have caffeine? In its natural basic form, no it doesn’t. But it does depend on the mint tea recipe you go for. People often mix green tea with mint which is a delicious combo and the green tea can add a bit of caffeine to boost your day.
History of Mint Tea
As a plant that thrives across the world, it’s no surprise that mint infused tea is enjoyed by various cultures and people around the globe – and not just Moroccan mint infused tea!
The origins of mint tea can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where it was highly regarded for its medicinal and culinary uses. The Egyptians cultivated and consumed different varieties of mint, including spearmint and peppermint, which were cherished for their invigorating aroma and potential health benefits.
Moving over the Mediterranean towards ancient Rome, mint leaves were often used to flavour both food and drinks, including wine. The Romans believed that mint had a rejuvenating effect and could aid digestion. Mint also found its way to Greece, where it was utilized in herbal remedies and believed to have soothing properties for the stomach.
Moving forward in history, we can’t not discuss vibrant culture of Moroccan mint tea. There mint tea has become an integral part of daily life, which is also known as “Maghrebi mint tea,” holds a special place in Moroccan hospitality and social gatherings.
The traditional preparation involves steeping green tea leaves and fresh spearmint leaves together, creating a delightful and aromatic blend. The tea is then sweetened with sugar and poured from a height to create a frothy texture. Moroccan mint tea is often served in ornate teapots and small glasses, symbolising warmth, friendship, and hospitality.
Our Favourites
Now you have the inspiration to make some mint infused tea, let us share a few of our favourites. Sure – it can be delightful to steep peppermint and spearmint Moroccan mint tea style, but you might not have enough time. Sometimes throwing in a mint teabag might be a little easier. So, here are some of our favourites.
Twinings – Our Mums love Twinings Tea, and especially their mint version. All of them – from loose leaf mint infused tea to their Superblends Digest – are refreshing and can restore you before bed with a delightful cup of calming mint tea (which is best with CBD).
Pukka – Pukka Mint Tea is a delicious offering from the Bristol brand. The tea has flavours from spearmint, peppermint, and fieldmint and tastes perfect before bed with a taste of honey too.
Brew Tea – Brew Tea Company have emerged recently as a tea powerhouse, and their Moroccan Mint Tea is not exception. The tea comes strong with gunpowder green tea which is blended with super-minty peppermint leaves. The great combination of both is really rather delicious.
Fortnum and Mason – Fortnum and Mason are a British luxury staple and they only enhance their reputation with this hot, sweet Moroccan Mint infused Tea. The combination of green tea infused with fresh mint is excellent and one of our favourites (even if it is a little expensive…)
Starbucks – Look, it might be tough to say it, but Honey Citrus Mint Tea by Starbucks is one of our favourites, especially when on the go. The Jade Citrus Mint green tea with some peach and lemonade makes for a delicious combination. Additionally, we can’t deny that their Teavana Jade Citrus Mint infused Tea with green tea, lemongrass and a hint of spearmint makes for a delicious citrusy and minty tea experience too.
