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Is It Safe to Drink Mint Tea or Eat Mints During Pregnancy?

Last Updated on December 4, 2021

Mint, and in particular peppermint, can have benefits for common pregnancy complaints, so it’s understandable if you reach for a soothing cup of peppermint tea.

Drinking mint tea or eating mints is safe during pregnancy. It’s a good idea to check if there are other herbs or additional ingredients in mint tea blends.

There are some periods in pregnancy where mint can be particularly helpful, too.

Covered in this Article:

Is Mint Tea Safe to Drink When Pregnant?

Generally speaking, it is safe to drink mint tea when pregnant, as mint is not on the list of herbs that are considered unsafe to consume while pregnant (Source: UTEP).

When choosing herbal teas, check the label to make sure the ingredients are all safe to consume. Many herbal teas have blends of more than one herb. Also, choose organic where possible, as you can avoid the pesticides that have been used in growing the tea plants.

Here are some specific types of mint tea that you are likely to come across, along with specific recommendations.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is one of the most popular herbal teas for expecting mothers as it is safe to drink when pregnant.

Peppermint leaf can be helpful for morning sickness and for problems with flatulence (Source: APO).

It’s the most common type of mint made into tea, but it’s also safe to drink spearmint or water mint too.

Jade Citrus Mint Tea

Popular at Starbucks, this tea contains green tea, lemon verbena, lemongrass and spearmint.

Lemon verbena is classified as having insufficient evidence to know for sure whether it is safe to consume during pregnancy (Source: IJPR).

Lemongrass didn’t show any toxic properties when administered to pregnant rats in one study, but there is not enough evidence on human subjects to say for sure if it is safe to consume or not (Source: ScienceDirect).

In the absence of any further information, it’s probably fine to drink Jade Citrus Mint in moderation.

Mint Majesty

Another popular Starbucks tea, Mint Majesty has spearmint, peppermint, and lemon verbena.

As with the Jade Citrus tea above, you may want to stick to small amounts of this tea, as there is not enough evidence to know for sure if lemon verbena is safe when pregnant (Source: IJPR).

Honey Citrus Mint Tea

Honey Citrus Mint Tea contains Jade Citrus Mint Tea along with a touch of honey and Peach Tranquility herbal tea. Because of the Jade Citrus, the same caution applies because of the lemon verbena.

Moroccan Mint Tea

This tea is made by steeping fresh mint leaves in hot water, and is safe to drink when pregnant.

Mint is the umbrella term for peppermint, spearmint, orange mint and more, and peppermint has been shown to be safe to drink while pregnant (Source: FP).

The mint leaves should be washed thoroughly before steeping, to remove traces of bacteria.

Can I Eat Mints or Mint Leaves During Pregnancy?

Mint comes in several forms besides tea, most of which are fine to consume while pregnant.

• Eating mint leaves. Eating fresh mint leaves is fine provided you are not eating excessive amounts. Small amounts of mint sprinkled on salads or put into drinks is fine – just make sure they’re thoroughly washed!

• Mint sauce. Mint sauce is fine to eat during pregnancy, but be aware of sugar levels and other additives. Check the label before consuming.

• Eating mints. Mints are considered safe to eat during pregnancy, but as with mint sauce, consider the sugar levels and any other additives.

• Packets of Mints: Popular brands are Polo mints, Life Savers, Mentos, Altoids and Tic Tacs, all of which are fine when pregnant.

• Peppermint candy. Peppermint candy is safe to eat when pregnant, but be aware that any candy is likely to be high in sugar.

• Mint chocolate, including mint hot chocolate. Mint chocolate is also safe to eat in pregnancy, so you can enjoy your chocolate treats guilt-free!

  Once again, anything high in sugar, though, is best consumed in moderation. You should also check the caffeine content of chocolate as it might count towards your daily total.

Is It OK to Have Mint Gum When Pregnant?

Mint gum is fine to chew when pregnant, but be aware of the sweeteners and additives used. Do check the label before purchasing.

Sweeteners that are considered safe to consume in pregnancy are aspartame, stevia, xylitol, mannitol, and sorbitol (Source: AP).

There are no studies that show any particular benefits of chewing mint gum while pregnant, although gum chewing has been shown to potentially reduce stress (Source: Hindawi).

We have a dedicated article on gum during pregnancy, as well as information on accidentally swallowing it.

Is Mint Good for Morning Sickness or Nausea?

The smell of peppermint – such as smelling the essential oil – has been shown to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (Source: JFMPC).

You may want to give this a go to see if it helps you. In the study, women smelled four drops of peppermint oil on a piece of cotton wool twice a day for seven days.

The cotton was placed in a glass vial (you could use a jar) and women breathed in the aroma for 20 minutes. Definitely worth a try!

The only contraindications were if women noticed anything unusual, such as a runny nose, headache, burning eyes or a skin rash. This is rare, but if you experience any unusual symptoms, then ask your healthcare provider.

If you’re suffering from nausea often, you should check out our article on foods that can fight pregnancy nausea, too.

Overall, mint is not only safe during pregnancy, but can also help with digestion issues and pregnancy nausea. It’s also a soothing, caffeine-free hot drink to enjoy at any time of day.

This article has been reviewed and approved for publication in line with our editorial policy.

Mint: benefits and harms, nutritional value, how to store

Updated on September 12, 2022, 07:24

Shutterstock

Everyone is familiar with the refreshing effect of mint, but it can offer much more for health. What exactly - asked the doctors.

Mint is a popular herb used in cooking, cosmetics, hygiene products and just as an ornamental plant. She has almost no contraindications, it is easy to store and prepare. Raw or dried mint is a good source of vitamin A and antioxidants, and its derivative, menthol, helps with skin care. We understand what the main benefits of mint are, why it is added to cosmetics and in what cases it is worth being careful with this fragrant herb.

Contents

1. Nutritional value
2. Health
3. Cosmetic
4. Cooking
5. How to choose and store
6. Contraindications

7. Mint nutritional value

   Shutterstock

   Mint is over a dozen herbaceous plants that belong to the genus Mentha. The most common varieties are peppermint and spearmint. Their leaves are used both fresh and dried. Essential oil is obtained from them, which is processed into menthol. The latter, due to its strong and refreshing aroma, is used not only in cooking, but also in cosmetology.

   Even a small serving of mint contains enough nutrients. For example, two tablespoons of fresh leaves account for [1]:

   • 2 kcal;
   • 0.03 g fat;
   • 0.48 g carbohydrate;
   • 0.12 g proteins.

   Victoria Eliseevadietologist, endocrinologist of the Semeynaya clinic network

   “It also contains small amounts of vitamins A and C, iron and calcium. On an industrial scale, mint is grown not only as a seasoning or flavoring agent, but also as a raw material for medicines. In pharmacology, stems, leaves and inflorescences are used. Peppermint essential oil contains limonene, dipentene and menthone, it is also rich in organic acids: malic, citric and succinic.

   Decoctions and tinctures are prepared from mint, and menthol is an excellent antiseptic and a well-proven anti-inflammatory agent. Often in nutrition, mint is used as a natural "burner" of fat. If you want to eat a cake, then it’s enough to drink a cup of mint tea, even if you break loose in the end, eat less than you planned.”

   Mint health benefits

   Peppermint has been used in folk medicine for many years to treat diseases and relieve various symptoms. Today, some of the beneficial properties of mint have been scientifically confirmed. Here are the main ones.

   1. Improves digestion . Peppermint is used as part of the collection for the treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as for antispasmodic and choleretic effects. There are studies on the benefits of peppermint oil in relieving the symptoms of indigestion, relieving abdominal pain and nausea [2]. “Peppermint goes well with lemon and helps increase metabolism, saturates with vitamins, and removes fluid that has stagnated in the body,” says Dr. Eliseeva.
   2. Helps in brain function. One study found that mint extracts may help treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, although more research is needed. The smell of peppermint may improve memory and increase alertness, although it is not known if ingestion has similar effects [3]. According to experts, mint aromatherapy is a great way to relieve stress and irritation.
   3. Relieves colds. Many over-the-counter cold and flu medicines contain menthol, the main ingredient in peppermint oil. It is believed that this is an effective remedy for relieving nasal congestion, although this property of this substance has not yet been fully studied. However, there are studies in which people noted a subjective positive effect in the fight against the common cold with menthol [4].
   4. Supports oral hygiene. Toothpaste and floss, mouthwash, chewing gums and other products that help quickly get rid of bad breath contain menthol. However, mint not only masks the smell, but also reduces the bacteria that cause it. One study found that drinking peppermint tea and chewing the fresh leaves of the plant had an antibacterial effect, reducing harmful bacteria in the mouth [5].
   5. Helps with weight loss. Inhaling peppermint essential oil vapor reduces appetite and suppresses hunger, which helps to maintain a low-calorie diet, says nutritionist Victoria Eliseeva. Since the properties of peppermint include stress relief, the level of cortisol in the body decreases, which means that the rate of metabolic processes increases, which contributes to weight loss. “Peppermint goes well with lemon and increases metabolism, saturates the body with vitamins and removes stagnant fluid in the body,” the nutritionist summarizes.

   Mint in cosmetics

   Shutterstock

   Due to its cooling properties and aroma, menthol is most often added to cosmetic skin care products. This natural ingredient relieves pain and improves the smell and taste of the product. Most often, it can be found in various cleansing gels and mousses for washing, lipsticks, creams, as well as preparations for the treatment of acne and other skin diseases. According to the dermatologist, this is due to the ability of menthol to create a sensation of cooling.

   Margarita Gekhtvrach-dermatologist, expert of the Children-Butterflies Foundation

   “Instead of lowering skin temperature, menthol has a cooling effect. This is a complex process, the essence of which boils down to the fact that in the end an impulse is formed, which is either blocked or dulled in the dermis and then the epidermis, which are responsible for determining the temperature. Nerve endings send a message to the brain that the skin is cooling.

   Menthol also increases the effectiveness of some drugs applied topically to the skin by dilating the blood vessels. In cosmetology, this feature made it possible to release a whole line of products, including for the temporary effect of increasing the volume of the lips. These include balms and glosses that color the lips while creating a well-defined "pout" lip.

   Do not apply menthol directly to the skin without dilution. Any cosmetic products with it should be used as directed. OTC products tend to have low levels of menthol and are well tolerated by most people.”

   Cooking mint

   Unsplash

   Mint is widely used in cooking to add flavor to food and drink. It goes equally well with both sweet desserts and hot dishes, including meat dishes. It gives a fresh taste to chocolate ice cream, alcoholic mojitos, soups, vegetable salads and lamb dishes. Cooks advise adding raw mint leaves to food, and only at the end of cooking.

   Here are some ideas for cooking with mint.

   • Mint Lemonade. Combine lime juice, sugar and crushed mint leaves in a glass or decanter. Pour the mixture with non-carbonated water, let it brew. Additionally, the drink can be cooled with ice cubes.
   • Fruit salad. Cut fruits and berries to taste - apples, pears, peaches... Dress the dish with one spoonful of honey and mint leaves. The salad can be served cold or baked.
   • Mint tea. Pour boiling water over several bunches of fresh or dried mint, previously placed in a teapot. Let it brew for 3-5 minutes.
   • Mint pastry . Add a few chopped mint leaves to your cookie, pie, muffin, or muffin batter. Mint aroma is especially well combined with chocolate and citrus fruits.

   How to choose and store mint

   Shutterstock

   When buying mint, look for bright, even and dense leaves. Store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to one week. Mint can be frozen if desired. To do this, use both whole bunches of grass, and pre-finely chopped plant. Mint is relatively easy to grow at home, but in a summer cottage without proper control, it can quickly "seize" the space like a weed.

   For whom mint is contraindicated

   Shutterstock

   Peppermint is safe for most people and does not usually cause side effects, and allergies to it are rare. However, according to the advice of the endocrinologist Eliseeva, mint should be carefully introduced into the diet for low blood pressure, it can also aggravate varicose veins.

   In addition, mint oil is contraindicated in children under two years of age, as menthol can cause respiratory arrest (apnea). Peppermint oil should also not be used during pregnancy without medical advice due to lack of evidence of its safety during this period [6].

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   Nadezhda Gurina

   Is it possible for pregnant women to have mint tea

   Medicinal mint is one of the most famous natural remedies that has been used for the treatment of various ailments for centuries. It consists of various essential oils, trace elements and vitamins that really have an effect on the human body. Moreover, their influence may not always be positive.

   Particular attention should be paid to various herbal preparations during pregnancy. During this period, the body of a woman undergoes tremendous changes. Therefore, it is important to understand whether mint tea is possible for pregnant women and how it affects the body of the future mother.

   Normal mint decoction:

   • is an anti-inflammatory agent;
   • relieves nausea;
   • relieves spasm;
   • promotes vasodilation;
   • reduces blood pressure, so it is recommended to drink it in case of hypertension;
   • has a calming effect;
   • helps to cope with colds.

   Impact of mint during pregnancy

   During pregnancy, the expectant mother's immunity decreases. To prevent the development of colds, mint tea is recommended. In addition, in the early stages, it helps to cope with toxicosis and heartburn. It is an effective remedy for constipation and flatulence. Relieves headaches and muscle pain. Also, tea helps to normalize sleep and reduces nervousness. Another property of mint infusion that not everyone knows about is an increase in libido, which is reduced in some pregnant women.

   Many argue that mint tea has no contraindications. However, this is not quite true. Therefore, before using it on a regular basis, it is better to consult a doctor in order to exclude possible risks for yourself and your unborn child.

   The negative effect of crushed tea on pregnant women

   The substances contained in the plant can not only help, but also harm the body of a woman during pregnancy. So estrogens, which are part of mint, in rare cases lead to premature birth. However, to avoid this, a pregnant woman can drink no more than one cup of tea a day and take breaks in taking it for 1-2 days every 3-4 days.

   In addition, the use of a flavored mint drink in the last stages can reduce lactation. To provide the baby with enough milk a month before birth, mint tea should be abandoned.

   Also, people with low blood pressure and chronic diseases of the liver and kidneys should not use mint drinks. Varicose veins are a contraindication. Often there are allergic reactions to mint, which are highly undesirable during pregnancy.

   How to use mint for pregnant women?

   In order to please yourself with a fragrant, refreshing drink, mint is brewed and a weak infusion is drunk. The recommended proportions are 1 teaspoon of dry collection in a glass of hot water. Mint can be combined with other plants - raspberries, lemon balm, currant leaves.

   To reduce the unpleasant symptoms of toxicosis, it is advised to pour a glass of dry mint collection with a liter of boiling water and insist for an hour.

   ---

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