A Natural Remedy Hiding in Plain Sight
When you live with chronic pain — from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Endometriosis, or any invisible illness — finding relief can feel like chasing smoke. We often turn to medications, only to discover the side effects outweigh the benefits. But what if something as simple and natural as a cup of tea could help?
I didn’t realise it at the time, but my journey to discovering the power of peppermint tea started long before I was diagnosed. For years, I instinctively reached for mint when I felt unwell — whether it was inhaling the menthol in vapour rub, sipping peppermint tea for nausea, or rubbing a cooling balm like 4head across my temples for headaches. Only later did I understand the science behind why these things made me feel better.
Peppermint Tea: A Natural Ally Against Pain
Peppermint contains menthol, a compound with analgesic (pain-relieving), anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and cooling effects. Here’s how it may help with chronic illness symptoms:
Pain relief: Menthol stimulates cold receptors in the skin, triggering a numbing effect that can interrupt pain signals. This is the same principle used in topical products like 4head or VapoRub.
Digestive support: Peppermint tea can calm digestive muscles, which may help with IBS-like symptoms (often misdiagnosed in Endometriosis patients).
Muscle relaxation: Inhaling or soaking in peppermint oil can reduce muscle spasms and tension.
Nausea and bloating: Peppermint has been shown to reduce nausea, especially when sipped as a warm tea.
A study in the 1990s confirmed peppermint oil (10% in an ethanol solution) effectively reduced tension-type headaches. Other research supports its use for symptoms of IBS — though it’s worth noting these studies often use enteric-coated capsules rather than tea.
Beyond Peppermint: Teas That May Help Chronic Illness
While peppermint tea has been a go-to in my journey, other teas have been shown to offer real benefits too:
🍵 Chamomile Tea
Supports the immune system
Calms anxiety and supports sleep
May reduce inflammation
Could lower blood sugar and support diabetes management
Potential anticancer properties (early studies)
🍵 Ginger Tea
Aids digestion and eases nausea
May reduce muscle soreness and inflammation
Supports blood sugar and weight management
Could protect brain cells and support cognitive function
May lower blood pressure (caution if you’re on medication)
🍵 Turmeric Tea
Contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound
May help manage osteoarthritis and reduce cholesterol
Offers antioxidant support and immune boosts
🍵 Green Tea
Rich in catechins, a powerful antioxidant
Linked to fat oxidation and metabolic support
May prevent dental issues and support gut health
Linked in some studies to cancer prevention
Can support blood sugar regulation and heart health
Important Note:
Natural remedies like herbal teas can be powerful, but they are not a substitute for medical treatment. Always consult your GP, consultant, or pharmacist before adding anything new, especially if you’re on medication or managing a complex illness like ME/CFS or Endometriosis.
Tip: Look for organic, high-quality teas. The temperature, steep time, and how often you drink them can all affect their benefits.
The Power of Mint in My Own Life
Looking back, the signs were all there.
As a teenager diagnosed with IBS (which turned out to be Endometriosis), I was prescribed Gaviscon and Buscopan — both mint-based. During pregnancy, I drank peppermint tea and nibbled on gingerbread to calm nausea. When I couldn’t bear the pain of walking up stairs or even getting out of bed, my husband would run me a bath with Epsom salts and peppermint oil.
It wasn’t just the tea. I used:
Peppermint essential oil rollerballs
4head rub for headaches
Vapour rubs for congestion
Karvol drops for my baby daughter’s sniffles
Somehow, mint always helped. But I never put the pieces together.
Now I know: mint has always played a role in easing my pain. And I believe it could help others too.
Healing Through Tradition and Memory
Growing up, tea was more than a drink — it was tradition, comfort, and a coping mechanism.
If you were feeling low, the kettle went on. My Nan would make Cadbury’s hot chocolate before bed when I stayed with her — warm milk, two heaped spoons of cocoa, and her telling me it was too hot to drink just yet. To this day, that smell and memory can bring her back to me.
When my daughter Rebecca was old enough, I passed that tradition down. Now, our hot chocolate is covered in whipped cream, marshmallows, and stirred with a peppermint candy cane at Christmas. That simple tradition has helped carry us through hard times with a little joy and a lot of love.
The History of Healing with Tea
Across history and cultures, tea has been used for healing:
Ancient Egyptians used peppermint for digestive issues.
Medieval monks used it for oral hygiene.
Native Americans brewed wild mint for upset stomachs.
Traditional Persian medicine used peppermint for toothaches.
Biblical references suggest mint was used as currency and for tithing.
This isn’t just folklore — it’s part of our collective history.
Final Thoughts: Could Tea Help You?
If you’re living with chronic illness, herbal teas can be a gentle but powerful part of your toolkit. They’re not miracle cures — but they might offer relief, comfort, and calm in ways that medication alone cannot.
✨ Start with small changes
✨ Test what works for your body
✨ Stay consistent, and don’t give up too soon
Have a favourite tea, tip, or recipe that’s helped you? I’d love for you to share it in the comments. Let’s build a library of real-world advice from people who get it.
Disclaimer: Below are my recommendations for Peppermint Tea – As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no extra cost to you, but it helps support my work. I appreciate your support! 💜
Thank You for Being Here
Your messages, your support, and your encouragement mean more than words can say. I’m finally following my dream of building a supportive YouTube community for people with ME, Endometriosis, and invisible illnesses. This blog — and this movement — is about more than tea. It’s about reclaiming our power, supporting one another, and sharing the things that help.
Even on the worst days, I find joy in the little things — like playing fetch with my beautiful dogs Alfie and Archie from my bed. That’s what life is now — making the most of what we can, and doing it with love.
Thank you for being part of this journey 💜
Love Always,
Alisha 🫶
