Tea preferences have sparked debates from social media to embassies in London. But it's not just about whether you add cream, honey, sugar, or as suggested by chemistry professor Michelle Francl in her book “Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea” - even salt to combat bitterness. One thing we may all agree on is: drinking tea is a truly personal experience. And if peppermint tea is your cup of tea, we've unraveled multiple health benefits for you to savor with each sip.

It's no secret that tea, in general, has health benefits. As an excellent source of hydration, it is also loaded with antioxidants. As registered dietitian Danielle Crumble Smith has mentioned before, tea contains polyphenol compounds known for their antioxidant properties. These may help in the prevention and treatment of diseases including cardiovascular disease and have anti-aging and anti-diabetic effects. Every variety of tea, however, offers its own unique health benefits.

Peppermint tea, in particular, has the ability to soothe the stomach and promote regular bowel movements," says Crumble Smith. A study conducted in 2021, published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine, found that peppermint oil reduced the incidence and intensity of nausea and vomiting for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Additionally, peppermint tea may be able to relax gastrointestinal tissues, as per the results of certain animal studies. According to Mount Sinai Health Systems, this calming effect on stomach muscles and improved bile flow is due to peppermint.

In a 2019 study on aromatherapy, it was noted that the aroma of peppermint can also help to reduce anxiety. Further research has shown that peppermint tea can aid in relieving migraines, headache, muscle spasms, and menstrual cramps. However, Mount Sinai highly recommends that individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or a hiatal hernia refrain from consuming peppermint tea. Because peppermint relaxes the muscles between the stomach and esophagus, it could exacerbate heartburn and indigestion, as stomach acids could flow back up into the esophagus.

Unlike most teas, peppermint tea doesn't carry any caffeine. But if you're after a boost of energy, you might want to opt for black tea, which contains roughly half the caffeine found in a cup of coffee, or green tea, with 28 milligrams of caffeine in an 8-ounce serving. Despite its lack of caffeine, Crumble Smith piqued our interest when she mentioned a study where college students reported increased alertness and memory skills after consuming peppermint tea before a cognitive assessment. So, here's to raising your mug for your health, in a personally-preferable way-the tea way.