How To Dry Peppermint Leaves For Tea [Full Guide]

Peppermint is an herb that’s native to the Mediterranean region. It’s been used for thousands of years for its medicinal properties. Today, people still recognize the health benefits that mint can provide. People that drink peppermint tea may feel some relief from digestive upset and headaches. It can also boost immune health and provide you with more energy. Not only that, but it tastes great! Want to make your own? Below, I cover why peppermint tea is great, exactly how to dry peppermint leaves for tea, how to store your dried peppermint leaves and then how to use them for the perfect tea.

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Why Make Peppermint Tea?

Its heath-based properties come from the beneficial compounds it contains including menthol, limonene, and menthone. These compounds are what makes peppermint an antioxidant and an antimicrobial. Here are some benefits you can get from peppermint tea:

Peppermint Tea Helps With Digestion

Studies have shown that peppermint helps provide fewer muscle contractions. This lessons any pressure on your digestive tract, relieving any discomfort and upset. Peppermint has been known to help relieve gas, bloating, and indigestion.

The antioxidants in peppermint also increase bile production. Bile helps break down food to lessen painful cramps.

Pregnant women suffering from morning sickness have also noted relief from nausea.

Peppermint has even been found to work for irritable bowel syndrome due to the menthol found within. It helps block calcium channels in the muscles found in the gastrointestinal tract which reduces pain.

If you’re having trouble with your digestive system, try drinking peppermint tea during or directly after your meal.

Peppermint Tea Helps Relieve Headaches

As we said previously, peppermint is able to help alleviate pain and relax muscles. This comes in handy for headaches and migraines, too. According to researchers, those that inhale the scent of peppermint tea have a 40% chance of feeling relief from their headache.

Peppermint Tea can be Anti-Parasitic

Researchers have performed studies on peppermint that show it can act as an anti-parasitic. It’s been known to help stave off infections like giardia.

Peppermint Tea Can Boost Energy & Concentration

The scents associated with peppermint have been found to increase energy in those who use it. Drinking peppermint tea may increase energy by reducing fatigue.

Because it helps you feel more awake and alert, it can also aid in concentration. When you feel more alert, you’re also going to have better clarity of mind, better concentration, and better memory.

It’s even thought that drinking peppermint tea can help prevent Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Peppermint Freshens Breath

We all know that peppermint makes our breath smell good, but why? Peppermint is a natural antibacterial agent that kills nasty germs that cause gum disease and plaque.

Drying peppermint leaves for yummy tea
Drying peppermint leaves for yummy tea

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How To Dry Peppermint For Tea

Of course, you can always buy peppermint tea at the store, but you can easily make it at home. If you grow peppermint at home, the leaves can be dried and used for up to a year to make your own tea.

Dry Peppermint for Tea in the Microwave

This is by far the quickest method, although it’s also the least recommended. Because microwaves get so hot so fast, it can be easy to overcook your leaves.

Here are some step-by-step instructions for using the Microwave to dry Peppermint for tea:

  1. Harvest your Peppermint
  2. Wash and dry
  3. Remove stems from leaves
  4. Lay a piece of paper inside your microwave
  5. Spread the leaves evenly on the paper without any touching
  6. Microwave on full power for 30-60 seconds
  7. You’ll know your herbs are done when they’re crisp and crumble at the touch

Air Dry Peppermint for Tea

This is the easiest method because it doesn’t require any supplies other than some string. The downside is that it can take between 2 days and 2 weeks for a full dry. Also, this method can only be used in warm, dry climates or the leaves may become moldy.

Hanging oregano to dry
Hanging oregano to dry – it works the same way with mint

Here are step-by-step instructions to air dry Peppermint for tea:

  1. Harvest your peppermint
  2. Rinse and dry
  3. Leave both leaves and stem intact
  4. Gather the herbs into a bunched bouquet
  5. Tie the bouquet together with some string – Do this at the base of the stems
  6. Hang the bouquet for drying using some string, a hanger, or an herb drying rack
  7. Allow your herbs to dry for 2 days to 2 weeks

Dry Peppermint for Tea In The Oven

This is one of the most preferred methods because it’s easy and quick. It’s similar to using a dehydrator, but you don’t have to spend money on extra equipment. You just need to be cautious not to overcook your tea leaves.

Here are step-by-step instructions on using the oven to dry Peppermint for tea:

  1. Harvest your peppermint
  2. Rinse and dry
  3. Layer a baking sheet with parchment paper
  4. Lay the leaves on the parchment paper in a single layer with no leaves touching
  5. Put the leaves in the oven
  6. The temperature should be below 200 degrees Fahrenheit and drying can take between 1-4 hours
  7. Prop the oven door open with a fireproof utensil or potholder
  8. Flip leaves every hour

Click here to read my full guide to drying mint leaves in the oven.

oven dry mint leaves
Getting ready to dry mint in the oven

Dry Peppermint for Tea In A Dehydrator

This is likely the best method for drying leaves if you have the money (my favorite dehydrator comes in at less than US$200 – it’s here ) to purchase extra equipment. Dehydrators act quickly under very low temperatures so that your leaves should never overcook.

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to dry peppermint for tea in a dehydrator

  1. Harvest your peppermint
  2. Rinse and dry
  3. Remove the stems
  4. Layer the leaves on the tray in a single layer ensuring that no leaves touch
  5. Dry for 2-5 hours checking on your leaves after the first 2 hours
  6. Continue to check on them every 15-20 minutes

If you plan on drying lots of herbs, fruits and vegetables then a specific dehydrator is a really good investment. They’re more efficient and effective than ovens and microwaves, designed specifically for the job. They’re energy efficient too! Here are my picks of the top dehydrators to use.

How To Store Your Dried Peppermint Leaves For Tea

The most important thing to remember when storing your dried leaves is to make sure they’re thoroughly dried. If you store your leaves while they’re still wet, they can develop mold.

When you first store your leaves, keep an eye on them for the first few days. If you notice any condensation, then the leaves need to be dried more.

It’s also best to choose a glass container for storage. Avoid plastics and similar products. They tend to have porous properties that will absorb the oil in the leaves.

Leaves can be stored whole, crumbled, or as powders. You can store these for up to 12 months in a cool, dark area before they begin to lose their flavor.

How To Make Tea With Your Dried Peppermint Leaves

Peppermint is a mix between watermint and spearmint which gives it its cool and refreshing flavor. This is why peppermint is one of the most popular kinds of mints used for flavor. As we’re sure you know, peppermint is commonly used in toothpaste, ice cream, and candy, to name a few.

It makes sense then that it makes a delicious tea.

Fortunately, it’s really easy to make peppermint tea. Mint goes with so many other flavors, so you easily blend it with with hints of chocolate, mocha, or vanilla, to name a few.

If you need some ideas, here are a few recipes:

Standard Mint Tea Recipe

Here’s What You’ll Need:

  • 2 teaspoons dried peppermint leaves
  • 2 cups hot water (not boiling)
  • Sweetener (optional)
  • Milk (optional)

Here’s How To Make Standard Mint Tea:

  1. Prepare your water. You’re going to want hot water, but not boiling hot. The flavor of peppermint leaves comes out better when the water is hot but not boiling. The best way to achieve this is to boil the water first and simply let it cool down for a few minutes.
  2. Steep the leaves. Pour the hot water into a teacup and place the leaves into the cup. For more efficient use, keep your leaves in a tea infuser. You should also place a lid over your cup to prevent moisture and flavor from escaping. You’re going to steep your dried leaves for 5 minutes. You can steep for longer if you like, just remember that tea gets stronger the longer you steep it.
  3. Remove the tea leaves. This is the final step, unless you’d like to add sweeteners and milk.

Iced Peppermint Tea Recipe

Here’s What You’ll Need:

  • 4 teaspoons dried peppermint leaves
  • 4 cups hot water
  • A splash of lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons honey

Here’s How To Make Iced Peppermint Tea

  1. Crush the leaves. If you haven’t already, you’re going to want to crush your dried leaves for this recipe. Crushing them really brings out the flavor.
  2. Prepare your water. As we suggested above, use hot water, but not boiling water. Boil your water first and let it cool for a few minutes before use.
  3. Steep the leaves. Pour the prepared water into a pitcher. You’re going to want a bit more flavor for this recipe, so leaves should be steeped for 5-10 minutes. Again, you can place the leaves in a tea infuser, or you can place them in the cup as is. Remove them after the steeping process is finished.
  4. Add the sweeteners. If you want to sweeten your tea, do so now. Sweeteners dissolve better in hot water than in cold. You’ll also want to add the honey and the lemon juice at this stage.
  5. Let the tea cool. Leave the pitcher on the counter until it cools to room temperature. At this point, you should move the tea to the refrigerator. It will completely cool after 3-4 hours.
  6. Add the ice. Your tea is now down. You simply need to add your desired amount of ice to your cup and pour in the fresh tea. Some people like to garnish their tea with a slice of lemon or lime. Enjoy!

Final Words on Drying Peppermint for Tea

Not only does peppermint tea taste great, but it has plenty of health benefits. It can help ease digestive pain after a meal, or it can help relieve headaches. It can help wake you up, improve your memory, and keep you focused throughout the day. It will even freshen your breath!

Mint tea is very yummy and there are so many recipes out there to try. We included two of the most popular peppermint tea recipes here, but there is a whole world of peppermint tea to explore. If you’ve never tried peppermint tea before, give it a try. You won’t regret it.

Want to learn more? Click here for specifically how to dry peppermint leaves and here for how to dry spearmint leaves. You can also find all my guides to mint here.

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