Peppermint Tea and Pregnancy

The most overwhelming moment in a women’s life is when she steps on the journey of motherhood. Before holding her bundle of joy in her hands, a women has to endure a period of immense pain. Many women refrain from taking caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and prescription drugs to ensure that the fetus is safe from harm. “Is peppermint tea safe during pregnancy?” is a frequent asked question by pregnant women. It’s time to put an end to all your stress during this fragile phase for this article will answer all your queries in a satisfactory manner.

Can you drink peppermint tea while pregnant?

The most shocking information is that herbal teas, unlike the prescribed drugs, are not approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Despite this fact various studies have been conducted in studying the effect of herbal teas, such as peppermint tea, during pregnancy. This has given us the insight that herbs such as peppermint tea are safe during pregnancy if taken in small amounts.

What are the benefits of peppermint tea during pregnancy?

Peppermint tea is a natural healing herb that is known to have many benefits for pregnant women. The main benefits associated with drinking peppermint tea while pregnant are listed as follows:

1. The most essential benefit is to drink peppermint tea for morning sickness and nausea.
2. It helps to relieve the irritable bowel syndrome.
3. It also alleviates the discomfort of indigestion.
4. Peppermint tea helps to relieve stress and depression.
5. It calms the stomach muscles thus relieving flatulence and vomit.

It is these benefits which makes peppermint tea and pregnancy an ideal and safe combination, making sure that it is taken occasionally and in small amounts.

What are the disadvantages of peppermint tea during pregnancy?

Consuming large amounts of peppermint tea while pregnant may result in the development of few complications. Peppermint tea has a relaxing effect on your stomach muscles which automatically relaxes the sphincter, a muscle connecting your stomach with the esophagus. This triggers acid reflux resulting in heart burn making drinking peppermint tea during pregnancy an unfavorable experience. If you find yourself experiencing severe heart burn or acid reflux after the consumption of peppermint tea, then discontinue its intake immediately. It is also advisable to consult your doctor to be sure that drinking peppermint tea while pregnant is suitable for you.

What is the safest way to drink peppermint tea during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant then it best to opt for natural herbal teas. Stay away from packaged and artificially manufactured herbal teas for it may be harmful for the development of your baby. You can even make your own herbal tea at home by adding honey, lemon and peppermint leaves to boiling water.

So the next time you find yourself wondering, ” Can pregnant women drink peppermint tea?” you are aware of all the benefits and side effects associated with it. However, before indulging into the benefits of peppermint tea make sure that you take advice from your doctor.

References:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/705.html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0003601/