10 Unexpected Side Effects Of Peppermint Tea

If you are fond of experimenting with various herbal teas, you must have had peppermint tea as well. While you might be familiar with its many health benefits, are you aware that there could be possible side effects of peppermint tea as well? This tea is prepared from dried peppermint leaves and helps boost your immune system, lower your stress levels and fatigue.

Peppermint tea is caffeine-free and helps relieve cold and congestion amongst its many benefits. However, overdoing it could prove to be harmful. If you are unaware of the possible concerns of having peppermint tea, we have summed it up for you in this article! Read on to know more about what you need to keep in mind before reaching for that cup of refreshing peppermint tea.

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

Individuals suffering from indigestion problem should consult their doctor before consuming peppermint tea. It might interfere with the indigestion medication and cause further side effects.

2. Lowers Sugar Level

Peppermint tea also lowers the blood sugar level in the body. This tea might also interact with your diabetic drugs. So, individuals who are diabetic should avoid this tea or take it after consulting their doctor.

3. Allergic Reactions

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 Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) should avoid peppermint tea. While some people get relief from GERD symptoms, others report worsening of their symptoms with the use of peppermint tea (3). Peppermint relaxes the sphincter, but it also allows the stomach acids to return back 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

Peppermint tea is considered to be very strong for small children and babies. It might cause breathing difficulties and 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, 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

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

10. Stomach Ulcers

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

Sources

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Tanya Choudhary

Tanya is an ISSA certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition. She specializes in writing articles on ingredients that benefit skin,... more