The peppermint plant, or Mentha piperita, is a member of the Lamiaceae family of more than 25 species of mint plants. The perennial peppermint plant is easy-to-grow, making it a good choice for backyard gardeners who want to harvest its aromatic leaves for herbal tea. According to the "Gale Encyclopedia for Alternative Medicine," the use of peppermint for stomach ailments dates back to ancient Egyptian and Roman cultures. Peppermint tea is widely available, but the FDA does not regulate the sale of this herb as a health remedy. Talk to your doctor if symptoms of an acidic stomach persist.
Acidic Stomach
An acidic stomach, also called a sour stomach, acid indigestion or dyspepsia, may cause burning in the upper abdomen, belching, and a feeling of fullness. It may also produce symptoms of heartburn if stomach acids back up into the esophagus.
Peppermint Properties
The leaves of the peppermint plant contain traces of vitamins and minerals, but the constituents valued for their ability to sooth an acidic stomach are menthol and menthone. When sipped as an herbal tea, these components sooth stomach spasms and produce a mild sedative effect, according to the "PDR for Herbal Medicines."
Peppermint may also increase the flow of bile and thus help digestion of fats.
Making Peppermint Tea
Prepare a cup of peppermint tea by pouring 1 cup of boiling water over an individual tea bag or 2 tsp. of dried peppermint leaves. Let the hot liquid steep for 10 minutes, drain the liquid, and sip. When using fresh peppermint leaves, double the amount of leaves to 4 tsp.
To ease an acidic stomach related to digestion, the "Gale Encyclopedia" suggests drinking a cup of peppermint tea with your meal. Enjoy deep inhalations of the aroma as you sip the tea to decrease nausea that may accompany a sour stomach.
Considerations
Peppermint tea is safe for most individuals, but don't give it to children under the age of five unless directed to do so by a doctor. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should also avoid peppermint tea. Large amounts of peppermint may increase the risk of miscarriage. Do not drink more than 3 cups of peppermint tea daily without first consulting a doctor.
References
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 3"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
- Mayo Clinic: Indigestion Symptoms
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Edition"; Joerg Gruenwald, PhD, 2000
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Peppermint
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