Pregnancy is a very happy phase for a woman and her family. One has to take care of every small thing to ensure the mother and the baby gets the best of everything. A healthy diet and good nutrition during pregnancy is a must for the mother’s health as well as to give your baby the best start possible. A good diet is a balanced diet that provides ample amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy types of fat, fibers, vitamins and minerals. Herbal foods and drinks are considered best for the body. Peppermint is one such powerful herb that has immense benefits during pregnancy. Like for all food items one need to question, is peppermint tea safe during pregnancy? With all the warnings about consuming caffeinated drinks during pregnancy, are you hesitant to drink their favorite tea?
Peppermint Tea:
Peppermint tea is made from the dried leaves of the peppermint plant. Commonly known as mint tea, the peppermint Mentha piperita is infused into this herbal tea. It is free of caffeine. When a blend of peppermint and spearmint leaves is used to prepare the tea, it is known as double mint tea.
Benefits of Peppermint Tea During Pregnancy:
On comparison with caffeinated beverages, herbal tea are more advisable. Caffeinated drinks are known to have a diuretic effect. Consumption of caffeine reduces the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and causes depletion of adrenal glands. Meanwhile, herbal teas are instrumental in hydrating the body, assimilate the nutrients and feed the body while you are pregnant. Being naturally herbal, peppermint tea during pregnancy doesn’t cause the adverse effects of caffeine. Peppermint tea in pregnancy boosts your health and refreshes you during the stressful period of pregnancy. It improves digestion, reduces inflammation and pain, can cure bad breath, relieves you of stress and improves immunity of the body.
Improving Digestive Health:
Peppermint tea while pregnant can help calm your stomach muscles. It is highly beneficial for the digestive and gastrointestinal system and gently cures stomach problems. Peppermint tea is considered to be a carminative which means that it doesn’t let the gas accumulate and cause discomfort in the stomach. The analgesic nature keeps away problems like cramps, bloating and indigestion, causing a calming and soothing effect on the muscles of the intestine and stomach. Ailments like irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea and constipation can be cured by consuming peppermint tea during pregnancy, as it optimizes the activity of the whole body. It stimulates the production and flow of the bile juices, which are instrumental in improving the efficiency of the digestive system and improve bowel movements. Peppermint is replete with antioxidants and Vitamin C, which are really amazing stress relievers and can easily lower your anxiety. Apart from these, peppermint tea during pregnancy can also be used to treat the symptoms of morning sickness.
1. Curing Nausea and Vomiting:
Nausea is a common discomfort of an expecting mother. Peppermint tea can help relieve flatulence and nausea that can occur during early pregnancy. The herbal peppermint tea works as antispasmodic. The peppermint tea helps to control the feeling of vomiting cures nausea which means morning sickness during pregnancy time.
2. Relieving Fever:
Fever is a frequent health problem while being pregnant. The menthol present in peppermint tea causes external sweating and helps cool down the body from inside. This technique can be used to reduce fever, hereby reducing the inflammation and discomfort associated with it.
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3. Improving Immune System:
The antibacterial properties of peppermint tea can cure diseases which include fevers, common cold and coughs. It not just treats the symptoms, it prevents them from returning as well. There are also traces of vitamin B, potassium, antioxidants and calcium, which can help your body take up nutrients to fight off illnesses and perform necessary functions to keep the body working in a healthy way.
4. Curing Respiratory Problems:
Being an antispasmodic, having peppermint tea while pregnant relieves you of the tendency to cough by soothing the irritating sensation in your throat, thereby improving your respiratory condition. It provides relaxation to the muscles in the throat and chest, which helps you get rid of the symptoms of flu and cold very easily.
5. Reducing Anxiety Levels:
With the onset of pregnancy, most women feel anxious, nervous or stressed. With its sedative nature, it relieves mental stress. Due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing nature, it reduce body temperature and maintains blood pressure. Peppermint tea is also used to relax the muscles, providing a sense of tranquility and serenity.
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Side Effects:
1. There is chance to relax of uterus while you are in pregnant by taking peppermint tea. It may leads to miscarriage.
2. Peppermint tea has some negative chemical reaction when it meets with medicines, which are mandatory during pregnancy.
3. Peppermint tea may have various allergic reactions. If you suffer from respiratory disorders like asthma, you need to avoid drinking the herbal tea altogether.
4. Consumption of excess peppermint tea during pregnancy might be the cause of muscle pain, tremors, reduced heart rate and drowsiness.
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When consumed in small amounts, herbal teas are safe to drink; but excess of it can cause trouble for both the mother and the baby. In some cases, drinking them might be more harmful than eating them. If you don’t exceed the dose, then herbal teas are perfectly safe during pregnancy.
