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A simple and nutritious drink taken at night can completely change your overall health and sleep quality. In modern lifestyle, insomnia and stomach related problems have become common due to stress, late night eating and screen time. In such a situation, instead of caffeinated tea or coffee, consuming herbal tea made from fresh or dried peppermint leaves about 30-45 minutes before sleeping brings many positive biological changes in the body. The active compound ‘Menthol’ and anti-oxidants present in mint play an effective role in calming the nerves as well as detoxifying the internal organs.
Relaxes the digestive system and provides instant relief from bloating
After eating heavy or rich food at night, one often complains of heaviness in the stomach, gas and indigestion, which becomes the biggest obstacle in getting a comfortable sleep. Mint tea has natural antispasmodic properties, which relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. Menthol stimulates the flow of bile, which helps in faster and smoother digestion of food at night. Its regular consumption keeps the stomach clean as soon as you wake up in the morning and provides permanent relief from problems like acidity or flatulence.
Reduction in stress hormone ‘cortisol’ and muscle relaxation
The scent of mint and the volatile oils found in it have a sedative effect on the nervous system. When you sip hot mint tea before sleeping, its steam and ingredients help reduce the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone in the brain. It removes stiffness in the tired muscles of the body and takes the body out of ‘fight or flight’ mode and into a state of rest (Rest and Digest mode).
Caffeine-free formula and promotes deep REM sleep
Many herbal teas contain caffeine, albeit in small amounts, which can disrupt the circadian rhythm. Peppermint tea is naturally 100% caffeine-free. It balances body temperature without affecting the melatonin balance in the brain. It works as a safe natural sleep-aid for people who suffer from frequent awakenings at night or have mild insomnia.
Clears the respiratory tract and relieves sore and blocked nose.
Allergies, blocked nose or sore throat due to change in weather cause obstruction in breathing at night, due to which the person starts breathing through the mouth and the problem of snoring increases. Menthol present in mint is a natural decongestant and antibacterial agent. The steam of hot peppermint tea thins the mucus in the respiratory tract and opens the sinus cavities, allowing uninterrupted flow of oxygen to the lungs throughout the night.
Natural relief from tension headaches and migraine pain
Due to mental work throughout the day, screen pressure and fatigue, many people feel heaviness in the forehead and temples in the evening. Mint tea is helpful in improving blood circulation and reducing swelling of blood vessels. Drinking this before sleeping at night provides relief from tension headache without any painkiller, due to which the brain becomes completely calm and ready to sleep.
Oral hygiene and freshness of morning breath
The antibacterial and antimicrobial compounds present in mint slow down the growth of harmful bacteria inside the mouth overnight. Most people experience bad breath and dryness as soon as they wake up in the morning. Drinking mint tea at night keeps the salivary glands of the mouth active and destroys harmful germs, due to which freshness remains when you wake up in the morning.
Who should take precautions?
While peppermint tea is great for most people, people with severe GERD or excessive acid reflux (severe heartburn) should use caution. Menthol may cause the esophageal sphincter (the valve between the stomach and food pipe) to relax more, allowing stomach acid to come up. Such people should consume it in limited quantity or only on the advice of the doctor.
Correct method of making mint tea
Boil one to one and a half cups of water in a pan. Switch off the flame and add 7-8 freshly washed mint leaves (or one teaspoon dry leaves). Cover the pan and allow the essence of the leaves to steam for 5 to 7 minutes. After this, filter it and drink it lukewarm. To increase the taste and benefits, half a teaspoon of honey or a few drops of lemon juice can also be added to it.