Make Mint Tea a Part of your Daily Routine and Your Gut will Thank you

While chai is a more recent drink historically (don't forget the British brought tea production to India only a couple of hundred years ago!), mint tea has been consumed around the world for a lot longer (think of the Morrocan mint tea tradition). Why is mint tea such a staple? The leaves of this aromatic plant were used for culinary and medicinal purposes and continue to be used today all over the world. This blog will guide you through mint chai, the general benefits of mint tea, the perfect recipe for a delicious way to drink mint tea, and the best way to include this refreshing drink in your daily routine. 

While the idea of mint chai isn't as mainstream as traditional masala chai, the act of adding mint to chai is rather popular due to the soothing benefits and refreshing flavor of mint, and its ability to counter balance the slight acidity of black tea. But before we dive in too far, here is a brief intro to the mint family.

The Mint Family

‘Mint’ is an umbrella term for more than 7000 species of plants from the ‘Lamiaceae’ family (wow, that is a lot). It includes peppermint, spearmint, apple mint, orange mint, basil, oregano, rosemary, and many more. Mint tea is generally prepared with peppermint, spearmint, or orange mint, or with a combination of peppermint and spearmint. A fun fact - technically, mint tea is a tisane and not a true tea. Tisane refers to an herbal drink and tea technically means the plant comes from Camellia Sinensis (the tea plant).

Benefits of Mint Tea

As we mentioned, the tradition of mint tea spans various countries and cultures. The English afternoon tea tradition involves meeting over mint tea, accompanied by light nibbles. In the Middle East, mint tea is seen as a symbol of hospitality and friendship. Part of this is because mint is chock full of good stuff and has benefits that go beyond its ability to make any beverage more refreshing!

Good for the Gut

Peppermint in mint tea can provide relief from indigestion. The Indigenous people of America in the early years made tea with wild mint leaves for issues related to digestion. Mint tea is one of the traditional ways to treat issues related to bloating, constipation, and stomach aches. The menthol found in peppermint has a relaxing effect on the muscles of the digestive tract, which helps to reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort.

Aids with Stress and Anxiety

Mint tea has a relaxing and soothing aroma that helps alleviate stress and anxiety. Mint tea is often consumed to reduce tension and promote relaxation as it has a calming effect on the mind and body. The best time to have mint tea to relax is before bedtime.

Powers the Immune System

Mint is loaded with nutrients like vitamins B, C, and E that help boost the immune system. These nutrients help energize the body's defense mechanism and provide protection against infections and diseases.

Good for Diabetics

Mint tea helps regulate blood sugar levels and therefore is considered one of the perfect drinks for people with diabetes. It is known to reduce insulin resistance and improvise glucose intake in the body.

Fights Bad Breath

All of us have used toothpaste, mouthwash, or chewed gum with mint to maintain our oral hygiene and keep our breath fresh. This is because mint has menthol which instantly freshens up breath. Mint also has antibacterial and germicidal properties that prevent the growth of oral bacteria and keeps your mouth cavity, and plaque-free.

Relieves Respiratory Issues

Mint can relax the body and relieve chest congestion which is why it is sometimes advised for relief for very minor respiratory problems. Peppermint can also help clear a stuffy nose and ease breathing problems. Consuming mint tea is a great way to get relief from cough, cold, and asthma. I mean, who else doesn't love a good hot mint tea when you're feeling a cold coming on?!

How to Include Mint Tea in Your Daily Routine

Mint tea can be consumed either in the early morning, as an evening tea, or at bedtime to get all the benefits it has to offer. You can have it hot or cold, as per your liking, but consuming it hot can be extra relieving when you are feeling a cold coming on. Mint in chai can be a great way to add this amazing plant to your daily ritual too!

Mint Mahal - Mint Chai Blend from One Stripe Chai

We've made adding mint to your chai super easy with out Mint Mahal - Mint Chai Blend. This flavorful, aromatic, and wholesome tea comes with the benefits of mint and ginger along with a perfect balance of orthodox and CTC black tea. It is great hot and amazing iced for the hotter seasons!

The Perfect Recipe for Mint Tea

To brew a hot cup of mint tea, 

• Add three teaspoons of Mint Mahal to a teapot with half a cup of water and half a cup of milk.
• Let it boil, then simmer on low for 5 minutes.
• Strain and add sweetener as per your liking.
• Find a perfect spot in your home and sip your cup of health. 

Curious how to use mint tea in unique recipes? Try out this ICED MINT TEA WITH VANILLA COLD FOAM AND COCOA POWDER recipe created by recipe developer and author Noreen Wasti!