Dear Oliver,
Piggybacking on my last note, I want to expand into the lovely realm of Peppermint Tea
as we continue the blustery winter season. I will highlight both of your tins this month:
Colonial Remedies No. 3, which comes in a tin of 20 sugarcane-derived, heat-sealed
Teabags; and your Loose Leaf 1.75 ounce of pure Peppermint Leaves, which is packaged in a lovely tin featuring a Paul Revere silver teapot.
Classified as an herbal tea, Oliver Pluff data states, “Peppermint was first classified in
1753, and was grown in colonial American gardens.” In addition, the herb has been
known for centuries around the world.
“Peppermint was carried to the New World by European immigrants, where it escaped
and grew in the wild. Colonists steeped peppermint to drink as a tea, or sugared the
leaves to eat as candy.”
In North America it became popular as an alternative to caffeinated beverages, but
colonists and others also praised it for its herbal properties, “Quickens the Occasional
Absent Minde,” it was said at the time. “A good posie to oft smell. It quickend the brain,” states Herbs and Herb Lore of Colonial America.
Today, Peppermint is still praised as a good alternative to a caffeinated drink. But, it is
wise to note that its stimulating effects may not be the best before-bed option.
However, Prevention states, “When it comes to peppermint, perhaps the most
commonly known and science-backed benefit is digestive support.”
The National Institute of Medicine in a PubMed publication state, “Peppermint oil and
its constituents exert smooth muscle relaxant and anti-spasmodic effects on the lower
esophageal sphincter, stomach, duodenum, and large bowel. Moreover, peppermint oil
can modulate visceral and central nervous system sensitivity. Taken together, these
effects suggest using peppermint oil both for improved endoscopic performance and for treating functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. Importantly, peppermint oil has an attractive safety profile compared to classical pharmacological treatments.”
Other well-known uses for Peppermint include toothpaste, “There is a reason why
peppermint is a common flavor for toothpaste, chewing gum, and candies specifically
targeting halitosis. This ingredient has long been prized for its freshening effects,”
reports Prevention. “Peppermint actually has antimicrobial qualities which can get rid
of the germs in your mouth causing bad breath in the first place,” reports Prevention.
Bezzy Migraine states, “Peppermint is known to suppress muscle spasms and reduce
inflammation. The active ingredient in peppermint leaves is menthol.” Although
rigorous studies have not been done specifically on Peppermint Tea, many studies have shown promising results for peppermint in general for headache intensity reduction.
Another common use is wide-spread body inflammation reduction, including for the
sinuses, and overall immunity support. Both traditional and alternative medicine
support many of these claims, but people should always do their own research.
Finally, Peppermint Tea is a delicious beverage overall and the benefits can be as simple as increasing hydration by drinking 1-3 cups per day. Enjoy the perks of a cup this winter!
