We live in a time where we find ourselves constantly in a hurry to get things done. Deadlines, and the “faster faster” culture are not helping us in any way. Sure, you may be getting more done everyday, and you may be advancing in your career, but to which extent?
Are you happy? Are you satisfied? Or do you feel like you’re constantly under pressure, and your stress levels are increasing by the second?
Generally, people are becoming more and more depressed, the expectations in most countries are high, and with that sentiments of misery and dissatisfaction are rising. So what’s the solution?
Obviously therapy is the most important solution, when you’re feeling like it is becoming too much for you to handle, but there are other things you can do on a daily basis to lower your stress levels, meditation, taking a break from your responsibilities… but today, we’re talking about one particular thing, that has shown positive results when it comes to helping with stress, and that is : Peppermint.
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But What Is Peppermint?
Not to bore you with the details, but peppermint is a hybrid between watermint and spearmint, mainly used as an aromatic or to add flavor to food and drinks. However, its benefits go far beyond smell and taste, and it has been proven to have many medical benefits.
What Are These Benefits?
Well for starters, it has been proven to have antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, having helped fight off certain infections, most notably throat infections, and bacterial respiratory infections.
Peppermint also has an analgesic effect, as ingesting it would help relieve you of any pain you may be suffering from. And if you’re feeling any cramps, the antispaspmodic propeeties of the peppermint help immensely.
What About Stress?
It helps with that as well. Menthol, a main component of peppermint tea, is responsible for the antispasmodic effect we’ve mentioned before. This effect works on all of your muscles, which tend to be tensed up when you are stressed. The menthol relaxes them, thus relaxing you and helping you become less and less stressed.
This also has a huge effect on your sleep pattern. If you are constantly stressed, falling asleep is almost impossible, which means that you’ll only be more on edge, which means more sleepless nights, thus entering a vicious cycle, which can be difficult to leave.
A simple cup of peppermint tea before bed can vastly improve the quality of your sleep, thus breaking the cycle of stress and insomnia.
Stress can have effects on not only your nocturnal habits, but nutrition as well. Most stressed out people suffer from what is called “Irritable Bowels Syndrome”; which is not only annoying to have but also painful. Your intestines are not absorbing enough nutrients, which can have serious repercussions.
There are many things to do to ease your pain, and peppermint is definitely one of them, as it relaxes your intestinal muscles, which allows for a healthy absorption.
How Do I Use Peppermint Best To Benefit From It?
There are all kinds of ways you can use peppermint, you can cook with it, or drink it, and you can even find oils infused with it, which you can use in masks and body lotions.
Peppermint Tea Recipes
There are many ways to make a healthy and delicious peppermint tea, here are a few :
Wild Peppermint Tea
With this recipe, you’ll have a delicious tea in less than 10 minutes, and you can use both fresh and dry leaves, though the latter kind tends to have a strong menthol flavor.
This recipe yields 4 servings, and you can pack this tea with you, take it on a trip, and take a sip whenever you’re feeling car sick, since peppermint tea helps reduce the nausea.
Ice Cold Peppermint Tea
This peppermint tea recipe is for those hot summers when you want some cold tea to cool you down and relax you. Easy to make, this tea will become part of your daily ritual every summer.
Kai Chai
This one might require some interesting ingredients, but once you try it, you’ll be making daily trips to that hipster tea shop, to gather all that is necessary to make it. Delicious and easy to make, you’ll find yourself often making it.
Peppermint Tea Lemonade
This recipe is perfect for a party, or for when your kids want to set a lemonade stand, and need a product that’ll set them apart from competition. You can all join in the fun and make it, try it, and share it with the world.
White Chocolate Peppermint Tea
Yes, you heard it right. As if peppermint couldn’t be more delicious, now add the richness of white chocolate, and you have yourself a tasty delicious tea, that is also good for you.
Peppermint tea can be enjoyed in many forms, even in essential oils, what matters is how it affects you. So please comment below, and let us know about any other tips on how to use peppermint, if there are any other benefits to it, and if you have any other ways to help reduce stress.
