Pregnancy is a time of the most random and absurd food cravings, but it is also the time one needs to watch what they eat with utmost caution. If you are going through the common symptom of a metallic taste in your mouth, if you are craving something minty, or if you are looking for healthier alternatives to caffeinated beverages, peppermint tea has got you covered.
All You Need to Know about Peppermint Tea During Pregnancy
What is Peppermint Tea?
Peppermint is an aromatic herb which combines the properties of two plants of the mint geneology: watermint and spearmint. It is used in various mints, candies and beverages for its refreshing property, essential oil content (including methanol) and possesses a minty scent. Peppermint tea is herbal tea where tea leaves are infused with peppermint. It can be obtained readily in teabags or you can use fresh and clean peppermint leaves.
Is Peppermint Tea Safe for Consumption During Pregnancy?
Every out of the ordinary food item consumed during pregnancy should be approved by a medical practitioner. Each pregnancy is unique in its own way and there is no one set of rules applicable for all pregnant women. There is consensus among the medical community that peppermint tea is safe during pregnancy. It is a welcome substitute for caffeinated drinks. Drinking peppermint tea during pregnancy may also have additional benefits of relaxation and cooling of the body. However, the dosage of peppermint tea during pregnancy should be limited to 1-2 cups per day. The University of Maryland Medical Center has researched and fixed this dosage.
Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea While Pregnant
Peppermint is a popular herb that is loaded with benefits.
Improves Digestion
The normal digestive process is hindered during pregnancy but peppermint tea helps with the cooling, removal of gas and reduction of bloating of an irritable bowel system and relaxes your digestive muscles.
Reduces Headache, Nausea and Morning Sickness
Headache, morning sickness and nausea are a common symptom of pregnancy. The aromatic fragrance and the soothing taste of the peppermint tea help the pregnant woman to overcome these common symptoms of pregnancy.
Promotes Better and Healthier Sleep Cycle
Sleeping is a common difficulty during pregnancy. Various discomforts of the changing body that women experience during pregnancy, worries about the unborn child are prone to keep the to-be mothers up at night. Peppermint tea has shown to have improved night time sleep by relaxing the body.
Helps to Overcome Fatigue During Daytime
Fatigue and tiredness during the daytime can also be combated by consuming peppermint tea. In a scientific study published in August 2018 in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health journal Nutrients, it has been observed that peppermint tea improves cognitive abilities and improves the mood.
Energizes the Body
The refreshing and aromatic quality of peppermint lifts the mood during pregnancy and is known to have reviving properties. Consumption of peppermint tea also makes your immune system stronger which leads to less sickness and more healthy and happy days of pregnancy.
Possesses Strong Antibacterial Properties
In a study in the Pharmacognosy Magazine in 2011, it is shown that peppermint tea effectively destroys several types of bacteria that can cause illness in humans, including Staphylococcus and pneumonia-linked bacteria. Peppermint tea also kills many harmful bacteria present in the human mouth during pregnancy. Moreover, the rosmarinic acid present in peppermint tea reduces the chances of seasonal allergies like common cold which can be very harmful during pregnancy.
Helps to Deal with the Metallic Taste in Your Mouth
A common symptom of pregnancy is dyguesia or a peculiar metallic taste in your mouth. This is present especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. This can be treated by the aromatic and flavourful taste of peppermint tea. Peppermint tea during pregnancy is a healthy alternative to other drinks and also helps in dealing with the common symptoms of pregnancy.
Side Effects of Peppermint Tea During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a sensitive time where dietary intake should be strictly controlled. Peppermint tea, when mixed with the components present in certain prenatal vitamins, can cause a harmful effect on the health of the unborn child. If you are allergic to methanol, avoid peppermint tea as that is a major component of it. Overdose on peppermint tea may cause slow heart rate, discomfort and tiredness. Hence it is best to consume peppermint tea in moderation and after consulting your doctor to avoid unwanted side effects.
How to Make Peppermint Tea?
The recipe to make peppermint tea is fairly simple to understand.
The ingredients that you will need are one tablespoon of dried peppermint leaves or peppermint tea bag, one cup of water and some sugar to taste. However the sugar is optional and can be replaced by artificial sweetener or no sugar for people who are more health conscious.
If you are using fresh peppermint leaves, boil one cup of water in a saucepan and then add one tablespoon of dried peppermint leaves in the boiling water. Gradually slow down the flame. You should experience some aromatic properties in 1-2 minutes as the minty smell drifts in the air. Add sugar according to your taste and let it melt. Strain the mixture with a strainer and pour it into a cup. You can add lemon or honey for taste. If you are using a teabag, strain the teabag in hot water in a cup and drink peppermint tea of your desired strength.
A Final Word of Caution
There is no existing scientific research that suggests that drinking peppermint tea during pregnancy is not safe. However consumption of peppermint tea should be moderated and be approved by a certified medical practitioner who is aware of your medical history. This will enable you to enjoy this hassle-free healthy beverage without any worries!
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20931070
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30087294
