It’s a question that has been asked again and again. Can you drink peppermint tea while pregnant? The answer is yes, but with some restrictions. A small dose of peppermint tea is good for the mother as well as the fetus. However, in excess it can have adverse effects on both of you. Read on to know more about drinking peppermint while pregnant, its benefits and side effects.
What’s good about Peppermint Tea?
Let us start with what peppermint does for you. Peppermint contains certain compounds that are known to be good for the digestive system. It is a mild laxative and soothes the stomach. It can be used to treat indigestion and heartburn. Peppermint Oil is often applied topically to treat muscle aches and pains. It is very effective for headaches, migraines, and headaches. It is also very useful to treat menstrual cramps, insomnia, and anxiety. Some people even use it to treat irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive issues.
How much peppermint tea can you drink while pregnant?
All the benefits of drinking peppermint tea while pregnant can be had by consuming it in small quantities. While the occasional cup of peppermint tea is a good way to relax after a long day, drinking it too often can have adverse effects. Peppermint has quite a lot of caffeine in it, and too much caffeine is not good for you or the baby. You should limit your peppermint tea intake to 1 or 2 cups a week. If you are sensitive to caffeine, you should avoid peppermint tea altogether while pregnant.
Are there any side effects of drinking peppermint tea while pregnant?
As discussed above, drinking too much peppermint tea can lead to adverse effects. Caffeine is a known stimulant, and therefore can be bad for your baby. It is also excreted into the breast milk, and can be harmful to the baby if he is breastfed. Peppermint can also cause uterine contractions that can result in early labour and even miscarriage. So be careful about the amount of peppermint you consume.
How to make peppermint tea while pregnant?
It is very easy to make peppermint tea. You can use fresh peppermint leaves or dried ones. It is best to use fresh leaves, since they will have more of the compounds that are good for you. If you are using dried leaves, use 1 tsp of dried leaves per cup of water. It is best to make fresh tea, since dried peppermint loses its flavour over time. If you are using dried peppermint leaves, add a few fresh leaves to the mix to get the maximum peppermint flavour. Store the tea in an airtight container and refrigerate it to make it last longer.
Benefits of peppermint tea while pregnant
As discussed above, peppermint tea is a good source of certain vitamins and minerals. It is also a rich source of antioxidants that help fight diseases and reduce the risk of certain types of cancers. It contains polyphenol, a substance that is known to reduce inflammation and protect against certain cancers. If you are looking for an alternative to caffeine, peppermint tea is a good choice. It is caffeine free and is a good way to relax after a long hectic day.
Is it safe to drink peppermint and ginger tea while pregnant?
Yes, ginger tea is safe to drink while pregnant. It helps in lowering the blood pressure and can be used to treat morning sickness as well as indigestion. It also has antioxidant properties that can help prevent certain cancers. However, it is best to make it using boiled water instead of hot water so that the ginger does not lose its medicinal properties. Make sure you do not add milk or any other additives. This will reduce the effectiveness of drinking ginger tea.
Should you drink chamomile tea while pregnant?
Chamomile is a very popular herbal tea for all kinds of ailments. It is also very effective for women who are pregnant. It is used to treat insomnia and other stress-related problems. It also helps in reducing cramps and spasms caused by menstrual cycles. The essential oils found in chamomile are a known anti-inflammatory agent. They are also known to promote sleep and calm the nerves. The best thing about chamomile is that it can be taken by both the mother and the baby.
Conclusion
Peppermint tea is a good source of many vitamins and minerals. It is also a rich source of antioxidants that help keep diseases and cancers at bay. While it is safe to drink peppermint tea while pregnant, do not overdo it. Keep the caffeine intake low, and avoid using it if you are sensitive to caffeine. Avoid adding too many additives to your tea, and enjoy the benefits of drinking peppermint tea. And if you are looking for an alternative herbal tea, you can also try ginger tea.