Peppermint Tea for Bloating and Gas: Benefits, Side Effects and How Many Cups Per Day?

The effects of peppermint tea are lighter and gentler than taking the essential oil capsules. The tea is very refreshing, doesn’t need to be sweetened and has a real ‘pick me up’ effect whenever you have it.

More importantly, drinking tea made from peppermint leaves is beneficial for your digestive system and helps alleviate intestinal gas, bloating and flatulence.

Peppermint has relaxant and antispasmodic properties that relieve cramps and spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, bile duct and gallbladder. This improves the passage of both food and swallowed air through the digestive system, allowing them to pass without pain or discomfort.

Personally, I find drinking a cup of the warm tea before eating really helps to prevent digestion problems later on, particularly if I’m having a large or less healthy meal.

How Many Cups of Peppermint Tea a Day?

A cup or 2 a day is enough to get the digestive benefits of peppermint tea without going overboard. Ideally have it just before a main meal.

Excessive consumption beyond 3 or 4 cups won’t improve results and increases the chance of negative side effects.

As with most herbs and supplements, be aware of how they are making you feel, particularly around an hour or two after taking them. It’s also a good idea to take a week off any natural remedy from time to time.

Side Effects and Precautions

Peppermint has an effect on digestion and other physiological processes. For most people this effect is positive, but, as with any herbal supplement, it makes sense to be aware of how you respond to it personally.

Peppermint tea taken around the same time as certain prescriptions may interfere with their absorption, so be conscious of this, drink it away from any you take and consult a GP if you have concerns.

Some research suggests high doses may also interfere with iron absorption if taken at the same time as iron-containing foods or supplements. If you are worried about not getting enough iron in your diet then take the tea or peppermint oil before a meal rather than with it.

Strong peppermint tea or oil is not generally recommended for pregnant women, very young children or people with circulatory conditions, ulcers or problems with acid reflux and heartburn. Again talk to your GP if in doubt.

There have been a few studies, mainly on rats, that suggest drinking large amounts of this herb may lower testosterone levels. The amounts would need to be relatively excessive, but it still makes sense for men concerned about this to enjoy the tea in moderation.

How to Choose Peppermint Tea

When looking for a good peppermint tea you want to find one with thickly cut leaves. This avoids losing too many of the important volatile oils in processing.

Ideally it should be grown organically and available loose leaf or in unbleached and chlorine-free teabags for the healthiest option.

Searching different brands I kept coming across recommendations for Heather’s Tummy Teas. Their peppermint tea is specifically grown for high volatile oil content and is considered medicinal strength.

It works really well for bloating, gas and stomach cramps, and is even popular with people suffering from IBS. Customer feedback includes with quotes like: “only thing that I have found that works”, “best remedy for IBS pain” and “a complete life saver for me”.

The Natural Digestive Aid

The beneficial effects of peppermint tea are enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It’s a delicious, caffeine-free pick me up that aids digestion, helps relieve stomach cramps and belly bloat and reduces flatulence.

Have you tried drinking it to stop gassiness before? If so I’d be interested to hear how it worked for you personally.

If you’ve never tried peppermint tea I’d really recommend giving it a go, not just for the digestive benefits but for the refreshing taste as well.