Drinking Peppermint Tea for Nausea
Relieving Nausea Naturally
Nausea can be an incredibly uncomfortable feeling. The uneasiness can last for hours, making it difficult to focus on everyday activities. Nausea can also effect your eating habits, either because the feeling makes it difficult to enjoy food or because food-related digestive issues
are triggering the nausea and possibly an upset stomach.
When this sensation occurs, finding relief is probably a priority. Drinking peppermint tea for nausea is one way to find relief naturally. A cup of tea is also helpful for preventing digestive discomfort. How does this herb work? When is it appropriate?
Peppermint Relief
There are several reasons that drinking peppermint tea can bring relief. This herb has carminative, anti-spasmodic, anti-emetic, nervine and analgesic properties, all of which are beneficial for problems with nausea. It supports the digestive process by stimulating the flow of bile and digestive juices and increasing stomach acidity. This is why peppermint is helpful for many mild digestive issues such as gas, poor appetite and an upset stomach.
The volatile oils in this herb act as a mild anesthetic, somewhat numbing the mucous membranes of the stomach. This helps to ease the nausea and curb the feeling of having to vomit.
Peppermint tea is also relaxing for the nerves and the gastrointestinal tract. It can help ease tension and anxiety, which can aggravate nausea.
When to Use
Peppermint tea can be helpful for pregnancy-related nausea. It is one of three herbs that are listed as likely safe by the American Pregnancy Association. Peppermint leaf is recommended for the relief of nausea and gas.
It is also helpful in cases of nausea and an upset stomach due to emotional distress. Drinking a cup of herbal tea can ease both the body and the mind. Peppermint can also be helpful with motion sickness.
In cases of nausea that are due to an upset stomach, peppermint can be used as well. While peppermint can ease indigestion, for those with acid reflux this herb can have a slightly negative effect as it can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, which is exactly what reflux sufferers do not want to happen.
In cases of persistent, unexplained nausea it is important to see your doctor to determine the cause. Particularly if there is unexplained vomiting as well. There are many possible reasons for these symptoms. While many causes are minor and transient, there are some that are serious.
Tea Preparation
Making a cup of peppermint herbal tea for nausea is very easy. There are many excellent mint tea products available at health food stores and
even grocery stores. You can also make a cup with the dried or fresh leaves.
Steep 1 heaping teaspoonful of dried peppermint leaves with 1 cup of boiling water for ten minutes, covered. Strain. If using fresh leaves use a large handful or about one ounce with 1 cup of boiling water. Sweeten with honey if desired.
References
Hoffmann, David. “The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal: A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies.” (Element Books, 1996).
Balch, Phyllis, CNC. “Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition.” (The Penguin Group, 2006).
American Pregnancy Association. https://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/herbaltea.html
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