Mint and lemon tea's best-known benefit is how it settles the stomach after a meal; the menthol in mint can ease the heavy feeling that follows a big dinner, and lemon's tartness rounds out that effect. That is why mint and lemon tea is often reached for right after a rich meal.
How should the tea be brewed?
Fresh mint leaves need 5 to 7 minutes steeping in boiling water; steeped any longer, the tea can turn overly sharp. Lemon juice should go in after the tea has brewed and cooled slightly, since adding it straight to boiling water can strip away some of its vitamin C.
If dried mint is used instead, the steeping time can be shortened a little; dried mint carries a stronger aroma than fresh, so 3-4 minutes is usually enough.
What can be added alongside it?
Honey is the most common way to sweeten mint and lemon tea; its mild sweetness balances mint's cooling character and lemon's tartness. It is best stirred in once the tea has cooled a little, since honey added to very hot tea can lose some of its aroma.
Ginger is another option for anyone who wants it; thin slices of fresh ginger added alongside mint and lemon bring extra warmth and sharpness to the cup, a combination favoured especially in winter.
How does it help digestion?
Mint's soothing effect can relax the muscles around the stomach, easing the sense of bloating; that is why a cup of mint and lemon tea after a meal is a common choice for anyone feeling uncomfortably full. Lemon's acidity also boosts saliva production, indirectly supporting digestion.
Anyone with reflux should drink mint tea with a little more caution, though; mint can make it easier for stomach acid to travel up into the oesophagus in some people, so those with symptoms may want to cut back or check with their doctor.
How is it served cold?
Mint and lemon tea can also be served cold in summer; once brewed and cooled to room temperature, it is chilled in the fridge for a few hours and served over ice. For the cold version, using a little extra lemon instead of honey strengthens the refreshing effect.
Adding fresh cucumber slices is another common touch for the cold version; cucumber's mild flavour makes the mint and lemon feel even more refreshing.
When should it be drunk with more care?
Opinions differ on drinking mint tea during pregnancy; some sources suggest limiting large amounts, so anyone pregnant or breastfeeding may want to keep servings modest and check with a doctor if unsure. For healthy adults, a few cups a day is generally not an issue.
Covering the cup while it steeps is a useful habit too; mint's volatile oils can escape with the rising steam, so tea brewed with a lid on turns out both more aromatic and more intensely flavoured. Brewing it in a glass cup also lets you keep that steam in while watching the colour develop.
Attention Reader
This content is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your doctor before making any decision about your health.
Comments (2)
Elimde taze nane olmadığı için kuru naneyle denedim, siz de öyle önerdiğiniz gibi süreyi 3-4 dakikaya indirdim ve gayet güzel oldu. Bal yerine bir tatlı kaşığı pekmez ekledim, farklı ama hoş bir tat verdi.
Naneyi demledikten sonra limonu hemen mi eklemeliyim, yoksa biraz ılımasını mı beklemeliyim? Limonun C vitaminini kaybetmemesi için doğru zamanlamayı hep merak etmişimdir, yazınızı okuyunca da emin olamadım.
Nane demlendikten hemen sonra değil, çay biraz ılıdıktan sonra eklemeniz daha doğru olur; kaynar suya eklenen limon C vitamininin bir kısmını kaybedebiliyor. Demlemeyi 5-7 dakikada bırakıp öyle eklemenizi öneririm.