Do you deal with headaches? If so, bring it in for a hug because I totally feel you on the pain.
I have battled with terrible headaches over the years which left me seeing a bunch of doctors which led to tests which led to needles which led to MRI machines which led to expensive pills which led me to cry in bed with a pain throbbing in my head so bad it felt like it was going to shoot through my eye.
I still get these headaches. Although I try to battle headaches with diet, limiting my stress (terrible at this), acupuncture (I can do it from home now with this mat!) and headache medication (I take Maxalt, it’s the best headache medicine ever prescribed to me), I still get them. Just this week I had a horrible 36 hour headache that made working, or even walking down the street, difficult. The worst is when you are finally able to sleep, and think that when you wake up the next day will be great…. and then you open your eyes in the morning and that headache is still throbbing.
As much as I want that caffeinated Aged Earl Grey tea in the morning I found a simple and herbal solution to my headaches, mint tea. This tea isn’t guaranteed to erase your headaches, but it does a fantastic job at limiting the side effects I get from them, while helping me cope with the pain. Whenever I feel one of my headaches starting I immediately make a cup of this Mint Herbal Tea. The way that it works is that the mint opens up the brain’s constricted blood vessels, bringing relief to your headache. Pain killers act in the same way by relaxing the blood vessels (although, usually with caffeine with leads to caffeine withdraw… a brutal cycle!). I try to limit my prescribed headache medicine for the times when I think I’m a goner and instead reach for a few fresh mint leaves.
Mint tea has some other amazing health benefits:
It relaxes you as it’s 100% caffeine free. This is a great before bed tea or a afternoon “I need to destress myself” tea.
If you suffer from stomach aches or menstrual cramps, this will help settle and sooth them.
Mint helps you keep a healthy weight as mint leaves help break down fat cells in the body.
So next time when you have a headache, I hope this little easy cup of tea makes you feel better and your headache is gone quickly! Because I know how bad they feel, I’m sending you a virtual pillow to go relax on the couch with too!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint
- hot water
Instructions
- Fill your tea infuser with fresh mint and add to mug.
- Pour hot water into mug.
- Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Remove infuser, flavor with sweetener if desired and stir.
Rachel says
I should tried it!
aurora says
Wow! I’m so grateful to know that also mint can be a tea. Thank you for sharing your ideas and I will also share this to my friends.
Natalie johnson says
Hi! I just read the blogs and all the comments and I’ve got so many ideas, this is a big help. Thank you!
Blair says
LOVE this recipe. I have been battling headaches a lot lately, but haven’t been able to nail down the cause. I would love to try this recipe. Sounds so delicious, especially in the evening! (When my headaches are the worst!) Thanks for sharing.
xo,
b
blairblogs.com
Michelle says
I try to limit my meds, too. Especially since I am allotted only 9 in a month. I tend to hoard them, which means I let my headaches get too bad before I take anything. I will definitely try this the next time I feel one coming on. It’s even more of an incentive to start that herb garden!
Pamela says
Totally, think of it as a herb medicine garden! 🙂 I hate that insurance only allows us to get a specific number of pills, especially for something that ruins our days so much! Don’t get me started on how much those pills cost too…. I can’t imagine not having insurance, I’d never be able to afford them! I’m allotted 15 pills a month but I like you, hoard them. Even if I don’t need them that month, I’ll still fill that prescription so I can get my full yearly max saved up! Good luck and here’s to hoping you have no headaches in the near future!
DarkSideRunner says
I sometimes get headaches when I transition in and out of low carb eating – I love mint and never thought to give this a try! And also have two cats – who knew the solution was right there purring at my feet? 🙂
Pamela says
Cats, they’re purrfect! Couldn’t resist. 😉
Ali A says
I’ve been a migraine sufferer practically my whole life and I’ve never heard of this remedy! I often get serious headaches that require meds, but always like to hear about more natural and holistic remedies to soothe symptoms. Speaking of, this weather has me feeling that similar tightness in my head right now 🙁
Thanks for the tip!
Pamela says
Hope you feel better soon Ali! Hug to you!
Kari says
I love that you make it with fresh mint! That’s the best!
Lucy says
I love this idea! I’m one of those people who has a hard time drinking plain water. This sounds like an awesome way to stay hydrated in the winter.
Anna @ shenANNAgans says
My mint is exploding at the moment, so I thank you for the idea to use it in tea, even better that it helps with headaches too. Sorry you have been feeling poorly, sending you truck loads of healing energy. Feel better stat you hear.
Emma @ Bake Then Eat says
I am always looking for natural ways to deal with my headaches and this sounds fab I’m definitely going to try it.
Abbe @ This is How I Cook says
Headaches are no fun! I drink mint teat to settle my tummy! Maybe it is just the sitting, but it sure does help!
Cecile@My Yellow Farmhouse says
Hi There – I’ve been ‘out of touch’ with the blogs I follow for a while – but that stops NOW!! I’m so sorry to hear about those terrible headaches. I used to have absolutely horrible headaches but, it seems our body changes as we get older, and I don’t seem to have them anymore. Sadly, I’ve passed them on to my twin sons, which breaks my heart. They’re 42 now (older than you!) and they’re headaches do seem to be getting somewhat better, thank God. I’m going to pass this info. on to them. Thanks for posting it!
Debbie from MountainMama says
Ok I am absolutely going to have to try this! I have had a headache behind my eyes for over a week now – I know it’s connected to my sinuses, but nothing seems to make it disappear. Mint tea, here I come!!
John/Kitchen Riffs says
Poor you! Those headaches must be awful. Love the idea of mint tea — made without tea. Decades ago I lived in Morocco for a bit, and mint tea was (and I’m sure still is) all the rage there. But made with actual tea, as well as mint. This would be a perfect evening drink for me — too much caffeine and I can’t sleep. Plus it’s a great way to use all the mint that grows in our garden — it really has become almost a weed! Good post — thanks.
Mary Frances says
Oh Pamela, this is perfect!!
Suzanne says
Herbal teas can really be great for what ails you. I love mint tea, always add fresh mint to my regular tea when steeping. Glad it helped the headaches for you.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
I LOVE mint tea and I always have some when I am having stomach pains and it really helps.
Jessica @ Jessica in the Kitchen says
I actually do have a condition that produces pretty horrendous headaches. Having one right now (that hasn’t gone away since…August 2015?). I’m going to try this tomorrow. Thanks Pamela!