Peppermint tea (Mentha piperita) is the most commonly drunk herbal tea, if you exclude true tea which comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. Peppermint tea is rich in phytochemical nutrients that have been shown to be bioavailable in humans. For example, the leaves of peppermint contain rosmarinic acid, a polyphenol that may have antioxidant effects in humans and animals. The leaves also contain flavonoids, which include particularly eriocitrin, luteolin and hesperidin, all of which have been researched in humans and animals for their health effects, something that likely stems from their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. Peppermint is perhaps best known for its calming effect on digestion, something that results from its ability to cause the relaxation of smooth muscle. This relaxing effect may come from the essential oils that are contained within peppermint. In the gastrointestinal tract, peppermint tea may also have antibacterial activity and may reduce food intolerances, perhaps because of its ability to improve digestion. Because peppermint does not contain caffeine, it is also suitable as a tea for hydrating, and in this regard can be drunk into the evening and prior to bed, as it may aid sleep due to its relaxing properties on smooth muscle.
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