How to Make Mint Tea

A herb that is widely used for its refreshing flavor and taste, mint is also much valued for its health benefits. It is used as a remedy for stomach related problems, like indigestion, flatulence, bloating, cramps, nausea, etc. This herb is also said to be effective for alleviating menstrual cramps and for stimulating appetite. Mint is one of those herbs, that is commonly used for culinary purposes. It is often used to make herbal teas, especially the iced versions.

This herbal tea can be made with both fresh and dried mint leaves. Mint tea is different from mint tisane, which is a drink prepared by infusing mint in boiling water. Mint tea is the tea brewed and blended with mint leaves, but in some regions, tisane is also referred to as mint tea. Usually, peppermint and spearmint are used for making herbal tea.

In order to prepare this tea, you need a few sprigs of fresh mint, a teapot, some water for brewing tea, a bag of green tea (or black tea), and sweetener (optional) of your choice. Pour some hot water to a teapot.

After some time, discard the water, and add the mint leaves along with the tea bag and sugar. Pour the remaining hot water, and let the tea steep for a few minutes. Once the tea acquires a fresh mint taste, remove the leaves and the teabag. Serve it hot.

You may also make mint tea without tea. In order to prepare this plain mint tea, add boiling water to fresh mint leaves. You may crush the leaves slightly for extra flavor. Steep for 15 minutes. Strain the leaves and add required amount of sugar (or honey).

Serve hot in tea cups with fresh mint leaves. Another method is to boil water, along with mint leaves. You may replace fresh leaves with the dried ones too. For making a single cup of this mint tea, you have to use a spoonful of dried mint leaves. You may dry mint leaves at home, and store them for further use.

In order to prepare this tea, you need a lemon, some fresh mint leaves, water, and sugar. Boil water in a saucepan. Add mint leaves and lemon zest into the boiling water. Let the water boil for two more minutes, before you remove the saucepan from heat. Strain and use the tea with sweeteners, like sugar or honey. Addition of sweetener is optional.

You can try different mint tea variations that can be prepared with ingredients, like orange juice, pineapple juice, etc. For example, French mint tea can be prepared by adding lemon juice and orange juice to plain mint tea. Mint tea is claimed to boost the immune system, and is also used as a remedy for a wide range of bowel problems.

It is also claimed to be effective in providing stress relief. However, there are speculations that excess or long-term consumption of mint tea may affect metabolism, liver functioning, etc. Reports of side effects like, aggravation of GERD symptoms, are also not uncommon. So moderate use of mint tea is advisable.