Drink Peppermint Tea To Improve Memory

Peppermint tea can improve both long-term and working memory in healthy adults, reports the British Psychological Society.

Researchers at Northumbria University randomly allocated 180 participants to receive a cup of peppermint tea, chamomile tea or hot water.

Before they drank up, they completed questionnaires relating to their mood.

After a twenty minute rest the participants completed tests that assessed their memory and a range of other cognitive functions. Following the tests participants completed another mood questionnaire.

Analysis of the results showed that peppermint tea significantly improved long term memory, working memory and alertness compared to both chamomile and hot water.

Chamomile tea significantly slowed memory and attention speed compared to both peppermint and hot water.

“It’s interesting to see the contrasting effects on mood and cognition of the two different herbal teas,” said Northumbria professor Mark Ross.

“The enhancing and arousing effects of peppermint and the calming/sedative effects of chamomile observed in this study are in keeping with the claimed properties of these herbs and suggest beneficial effects can be drawn from their use.”

The research finding was presented this week at the British Psychological Society’s Annual Conference in Nottingham.