Peppermint Tea: Recipe, Detox Claims and Safety

Peppermint tea is an infusion of peppermint leaves in water that takes 2 hours 5 minutes to make and yields about 4 cups (960 mL).

What is peppermint tea?

Peppermint tea is an herbal infusion made by steeping peppermint leaves in water. This recipe uses fresh leaves and a refrigerated steep; you can drink the finished tea cold or warm a portion before serving.

Like other herbal detox tea recipes, peppermint tea can be a way to drink more water. Its refreshing flavor does not mean it removes toxins from the body.

How do you make peppermint tea?

This cold-infused recipe makes a mild, unsweetened peppermint tea. Use clean, fresh peppermint leaves and a covered pitcher that fits in your refrigerator.

Active prep: 5 minutes
Refrigerated steep: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Yield: About 4 cups (960 mL), or 4 servings

Ingredients

960 mL water, about 4 US cups
5 g fresh peppermint leaves, about 1/4 cup loosely packed, or roughly 8–12 leaves

Steps

Wash the peppermint leaves under running water.
Add the leaves and water to a clean pitcher, then cover it.
Refrigerate for 2 hours; leave it for up to 4 hours if you prefer a stronger flavor.
Strain the peppermint tea and serve it cold, or gently warm a portion if you prefer it hot.

For another infusion idea, use the AI detox recipe generator.

Keep the strained peppermint tea refrigerated and drink it within 24 hours for the best flavor. Discard it after 2–3 days, or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling. If you warm a serving, heat only what you plan to drink and let it cool enough to avoid scalding your mouth.

What does peppermint tea do for detox?

Peppermint tea supports hydration, but it has not been shown to detoxify the body. The liver and kidneys do most of the body’s detoxification; the lungs and gut also help eliminate waste, while sweat removes only trace amounts.

Peppermint oil has been studied for digestive symptoms, but peppermint oil and peppermint tea are different preparations. Results for the oil do not establish that peppermint tea has the same effect. Learn more about the evidence and limitations in peppermint tea benefits.

Unsweetened, steeped peppermint tea is a low-calorie drink. It should not be counted as a significant source of the nutrients in whole peppermint leaves, because the leaves are strained out rather than eaten.

How much peppermint tea should you drink, and when?

A serving from this recipe is about 1 cup (240 mL). There is no established amount or schedule of peppermint tea needed for detox, so choose an amount that suits your thirst and how you feel. It can contribute to your usual fluid intake; it does not need to replace all your other drinks.

You can have peppermint tea with a meal or between meals. There is no proven best time for detox, and if it seems to trigger heartburn, avoid drinking it at a time that makes your symptoms worse.

For more on serving choices, see how much peppermint tea per day, can you drink peppermint tea every day and the best time to drink peppermint tea.

What are the side effects of peppermint tea?

Peppermint tea may worsen heartburn or reflux in some people. Stop drinking it if it seems to cause discomfort, and speak with a clinician if heartburn is persistent, severe or interfering with daily life.

People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, giving herbal drinks to children, or taking medication can ask a healthcare professional about their individual situation. Peppermint tea is not a substitute for prescribed treatment. For more detail, see peppermint tea side effects.

Peppermint tea FAQs

Leaf size and strength vary, so you can adjust the amount of peppermint in a future batch to suit your taste. The answers below cover a few other practical questions about the drink.