SUMMER SPEARMINT TEA – A HEALTHY TREAT ON A HOT DAY

A HEALTHY WAY TO KEEP YOUR COOL

Hello everyone and welcome to another WHAT’S ON THE MENU MONDAY. And, because we’re also in the midst of another Summer, last week’s Blog was all about the SUMMER HEAT and 8 GREAT WAYS TO BEAT IT.

Now, one of our HACKS for staying COOL is to keep hydrated all day long. But, drinking water is not the only way we can hydrate our body and lower our internal thermostat. Drinking tea is another great way to keep cool, especially when that tea contains a substance known as mentha or menthol. And this, of course, brings us to spearmint and the healthy benefits it offers.

Spearmint comes from a plant called Mentha Spicata, which originated in the Mediterranean regions of the world. For centuries, this herb has been consumed by humans and recognized for its refreshing taste and medicinal properties. It’s often referred to as the “younger brother” of peppermint because it’s not quite as pungent or strong as peppermint, yet it’s packed with the same healthy benefits we find in peppermint and numerous other herbs and spices.

Happily, spearmint grows in a variety of temperate climates and is easily sourced. It grows up to three feet in height with a thick stalk and sharply pointed leaves, which can be used in several different ways. And, of course, one of the most popular ways to use spearmint is in tea – HOT OR COLD – it’s a drink that’s as healthy as it is tasty.

So, in addition to its COOLING PROPERTIES, let’s discuss 8 MORE HEALTHY BENEFITS OF DRINKING SPEARMINT TEA.

• This tea has wonderful antibacterial properties, which can help fight infections and boost our immune system. Specifically, it can help prevent our mouths and throats from bacterial infections and help our bodies fight cold and flu bugs. The pungent menthol scent also relieves congestion and coughs while clearing our sinus passages.
• The mentha or menthol in spearmint tea is one of the most natural ways to calm an irritable bowel and aid digestion. It’s much better than over-the-counter antacids, which can cause stomach upset in and of themselves. Spearmint tea can treat occasional gas, nausea, cramping, bloating and diarrhea while counteracting the effects of many gas-causing foods such as cabbage and broccoli.
• Spearmint contains a large amount of iron, which does wonders for our circulatory system. The potassium in spearmint also helps maintain a healthy blood pressure. On top of this, potassium is a vasodilator, which helps our blood vessels and arteries to stay healthy and function normally. As a result, drinking spearmint tea can help prevent strokes, heart attacks and atherosclerosis.
• If you need a natural stress reliever, look no further. In addition to the health effects spearmint tea has on the body, it also has a soothing and calming effect on the mind. Acting like a mild sedative, the menthol in spearmint helps relieve depression and lowers the level of our stress hormone cortisol. Not only does this menthol provide a natural stress relief, but it also helps reverse the damage that stress can create in our body.
• Spearmint contains many chemical compounds, including cineole, pinene and limonene that fight cancer-causing free radicals. This herb also is a rich source of natural vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin as well as vitamins A and C, all of which are powerful antioxidants that help protect us from several different cancers.
• The limonene in spearmint also is a wonderful compound for improving our cognitive function and boosting our memory. Limonene counteracts the negative effects that free radicals can cause to our brain’s neurotransmitters. Accordingly, our problem-solving capabilities, memory, focus and concentration all are improved, which results in more positive thinking and effective action.
• Spearmint contains several anti-inflammatory compounds that have a cumulative effect over time. Many diseases and illnesses are attributed to inflammation, including skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. By fighting inflammation, spearmint not only can improve these conditions, it also can reduce the discomfort of a headache, soothe aches and body pains, and ease sore joints.
• Of course, one of the most recognized benefits of spearmint is its ability to prevent bad breath and gum disease. Menthol is used in many toothpastes and mouthwashes. So, simply drinking spearmint tea also keeps your breath fresh while it fights and controls the bacteria that can lead to mouth sores and gum disease.

And, in case you’re wondering HOW TO BREW SPEARMINT TEA to make sure you get the full benefit of its medicinal properties, try this:

• Remove spearmint leaves from the stalk, rinse under running water and let dry.
• Place leaves on a cookie sheet and bake at 170 degrees for about two hours.
• Once dry, store leaves in an airtight container.
• For one cup of tea, add one teaspoon of tea leaves to your cup,
• Add hot water and let steep for ten minutes.
• After steeping, the leaves will be soft and completely digestible. Eating the leaves will help ensure you get the full benefit of the spearmint and the menthol – whether you enjoy your tea hot OR cold.

It’s as easy as that!

Staying cool in the summer is an art! And, when we add lots of health benefits for mind and body as well, we have the perfect recipe for a wonderful, comfortable and easy breezy summer.

So, brew up a cup – or a pitcher – of spearmint tea today. Sit back, relax, stay cool and do something great for your health – all at the same time in one delicious drink. 😊

Thanks again for joining me everyone. Until next time, stay in GOOD HEALTH and . . .

TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!