A good memory is something you can easily take for granted until you begin to lose it. Forgetting people’s names, where you put your keys and the title of the movie you just saw are all considered “normal” as you age. But if that’s the case, who wants to be normal? Some everyday memory losses don’t necessarily mean you’re on the fast track to a serious cognitive disease like Alzheimer’s, but why resign yourself to having a mediocre memory if you don’t have to?
Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to save your memory. One simple trick to maintaining the memory of your youth resides in your tea cup. You’ve probably been drinking green tea for years because of the well-publicized brain-boosting benefits. However, you shouldn’t overlook another lesser-praised tea that offers equally impressive memory-saving advantages: peppermint tea.
Peppermint Tea and Memory
Researchers from Northumbria University discovered that people who drank peppermint tea had improved long-term memory, working memory, and alertness. They compared the effects of peppermint tea, chamomile tea, and plain hot water. Not surprisingly, the chamomile tea slowed memory and attention speed, which seems about right considering it’s often used to ease anxiety and promote sleep.
Dr. Mark Moss, one of the researchers who presented the study at the British Psychological Society’s Annual Conference, explained the results by saying, “It’s interesting to see the contrasting effects on mood and cognition of the two different herbal teas. The enhancing and arousing effects of peppermint tea and the calming/sedative effects of chamomile observed in this study are in keeping with the claimed properties of these herbs and suggest beneficial effects can be drawn from their use.”
So, scientists are finally catching on to what the natural health community has known about these herbs for years. Chamomile has long been used for relaxation and sleep, while peppermint has long been used to boost mental performance. Some teachers even hand out peppermints to students before they start standardized testing for a little extra brain stimulation.
How Does Peppermint Help Memory?
Think about those peppermint candy commercials for a moment — the one where the peppermint taste gives you an arctic blast of refreshing coolness. This happens because peppermint increases the amount of oxygen in your blood. Since blood carries oxygen to your brain, peppermint similarly gives your brain a blast of oxygen that keeps it functioning at optimal levels.
Not a tea drinker? Just smelling peppermint can give you the same benefits. Investing in some peppermint oil can give you something portable to take with you on the go. You can also use peppermint oil to alleviate headaches, boost your energy, and reduce nausea, so it’s a handy thing to have around.
Other Health Benefits of Peppermint
Including peppermint in your daily routine isn’t just useful for memory and alertness; it also has many other health benefits. Some known benefits of peppermint include:
- Alleviating digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, and IBS.
- Easing muscle pain and relaxing muscles.
- Boosting the immune system to help fight infections and common colds.
- Helping with weight management by suppressing appetite and reducing cravings.
- Improving oral health and freshening breath.
- Enhancing focus and concentration.
How to Enjoy Peppermint
There are many ways to incorporate peppermint into your daily routine to optimize its benefits. Here are some ideas:
- Brew a cup of peppermint tea. Enjoy it hot or iced.
- Add fresh peppermint leaves to a glass of water, smoothie, or green juice.
- Use peppermint essential oil in a diffuser to improve focus and clarity throughout the day.
- Sprinkle a few drops of peppermint oil on a tissue and inhale deeply when you need a moment of mental clarity or alertness.
- Apply diluted peppermint essential oil to your temples to help alleviate headaches.
Remember to always use essential oils safely and follow proper dilution guidelines when using them topically. If you’re pregnant, nursing, or have any specific health issues, consult with your healthcare provider before using any essential oils.
In summary, peppermint tea is a simple yet effective way to boost your memory and overall mental well-being. Not only does it support cognitive function, but it also offers numerous other health benefits that can help address various issues and improve your overall quality of life. Don’t hesitate to find ways to incorporate this versatile herb into your daily routine and enjoy the benefits it has to offer.
