10 Unexpected Side Effects Of Peppermint Tea

Peppermint—the word conjures up images of bubble gum, right? But, peppermint is also used to provide flavor to various other products. Some of them are toothpaste and tea. It is an active ingredient in various medicinal and cosmetic products. Peppermint plants are generally found in Europe and Asia. Some species also grow in Australia, South Africa and South America. The plant blooms from July till August. The leaves of this flavorful plant are dark green in color.

Peppermint tea is an amazing way to enjoy the medicinal properties of peppermint. It is caffeine- free and is known for its healing properties. The tea is prepared from dried leaves of the peppermint plant. It supports the immune system and can help lower stress and fatigue. But, there are some surprising peppermint tea effects that can be harmful.

10 Side Effects Of Peppermint Tea

Here are some of the peppermint tea side effects that can make you swear off this flavorful drink:

1. Not Advisable For Individuals With Indigestion Problem

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Individuals suffering from indigestion should consult their doctor before consuming peppermint tea. It might interfere with their indigestion medication, causing adverse side effects.

2. Lowers Sugar Level

Peppermint tea can lower the blood sugar levels in the body. As a result, this tea might interact with your diabetic drugs. So, individuals who are diabetic should avoid this tea or only take it after consulting their doctor.

3. Allergic Reactions

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Side effects of peppermint tea can also result in developing allergic reactions (1), (2). Headache, unsteady feet and mouth sores are some of the symptoms of peppermint allergy. When you notice such symptoms, avoid taking the tea or consult a doctor.

4. Not Advisable For Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease

Those with Hiatal Hernia or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) should avoid peppermint tea. While some people get relief from GERD symptoms by drinking peppermint tea, others report worsening their symptoms. Peppermint relaxes the esophageal sphincter, which can result in stomach acids leaking into the esophagus.

5. Emmenagogue Effects

Peppermint oil has emmenagogue effects, which means that it might stimulate uterine blood flow and put pregnancy at risk (4). Though peppermint tea contains less amount of peppermint, it is better to avoid peppermint tea or consult your doctor before consuming a cup. Pregnant and lactating women should stay away from peppermint in all its forms to be safe.

6. Strong For Infants

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Peppermint tea is considered to be very strong for small children and babies. It might cause breathing difficulties and a burning sensation in the mouth. It is better to consult your doctor before giving it to your infants and children. No matter the temptation, avoid giving even small doses of peppermint tea to your child.

7. Drug Interactions

Peppermint tea also interferes with some specific medications. Drugs taken for stomach acid, blood pressure, cyclosporine and diabetes, interact with peppermint tea and cause side effects (5). So, if you are on medication for any of these health issues, rather say no to peppermint tea.

8. Contamination

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not give license for the production of herbal supplements and tea. So there is no guarantee that the peppermint tea you are consuming is free from contamination.

9. Stomach Disorders

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One of the major side effects of peppermint tea include serious stomach disorders. Diarrhea, muscle pain, cramping, drowsiness, tremors and a drop in heart rate are some of the side effects of the over consumption of peppermint tea.

10. Stomach Ulcers

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Here comes a serious side effect of peppermint tea! Many doctors advise that people with stomach ulcers should avoid peppermint tea. It is important to avoid it especially because it contains menthol, which can aggravate the ulcer and cause further damage.

Peppermint tea is considered to be effective and safe, when you use it with care. It is better however to consult your doctor if you are concerned, before drinking peppermint tea.

Infographic: Major Side Effects Of Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is a refreshing herbal tea with a multitude of benefits. However, excess consumption of this tea may lead to several side effects. While we have covered all the negative effects of peppermint tea in the article, there are a few serious side effects of this herbal concoction that you must be aware of. Click on the infographic below to learn about the unexpected side effects of drinking peppermint tea.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it OK to drink peppermint tea every day?

Yes, it is OK to drink peppermint tea every day. It has several antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties and offers many health benefits.

Does peppermint raise blood pressure?

No, peppermint lowers systolic pressure (6).

Is peppermint tea good for kidneys?

Peppermint tea may help promote kidney health. However, it is not recommended for people with kidney stones.

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Tracy Tredoux

(DipION, mBANT, CNHC, AFMCP)
   

Tracy is a fully qualified nutritional therapist with 10 years of experience specializing in gut and immune health. She is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and uses her knowledge to address the root causes of illness rather than merely manage the symptoms. She motivates and supports her clients along their journey to achieve peak health and wellness through personalized dietary...View Profile ›

Tanya Choudhary

(Health & Wellness Writer)
 

Tanya is an ISSA certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition. She specializes in writing articles on ingredients that benefit skin, hair, and health. She believes in the right health and lifestyle practices and strives to promote the same to everyone around her. She finds purpose in creating authentic and useful content that can impact people's health in better ways. In...View Profile ›