The infusion recommended by naturopaths to relieve stress-related swelling

Chronic stress not only impacts emotional state but can also trigger metabolic disorders that directly affect the digestive system. One of its most visible consequences is abdominal bloating , a common discomfort that, according to experts, is closely linked to elevated cortisol levels .

Dr. Laura Llacuna , a specialist in Biomedicine and psychoneuroimmunology, explains on the Superlativa TikTok channel how stress can alter metabolism: “Elevated cortisol levels can prevent the body from burning fat. And this cortisol also causes the liver to release sugar into the blood […]. Insulin is an anabolic hormone. What it does is store these sugars that are in the blood.” This phenomenon activates a vicious hormonal cycle that intensifies inflammation and promotes fat storage, worsening abdominal bloating: “In the end, the fat also ends up being inflammatory.”

A natural remedy to combat inflammation

Faced with this situation, naturopathic practitioners propose a simple, effective, and scientifically supported solution: drinking a cup of peppermint tea after meals. This habit can help improve fat digestion, reduce gas, and relieve abdominal discomfort associated with stress. The recommendation focuses on the use of peppermint, both dried and fresh, whose therapeutic action has been widely documented. This natural remedy not only improves intestinal transit but also acts on the hepatobiliary system, promoting overall digestive function.

A report by the General Council of Pharmaceutical Colleges reports that several experimental studies with spearmint extracts have demonstrated its multiple properties: from antispasmodic and relaxing effects on the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, to choleretic and carminative activities. These effects help reduce bloating and promote smoother digestion .

In animal studies, mint leaf infusion has been observed to significantly increase bile production . This increase facilitates the breakdown of fats, which directly results in less waste and gas accumulation in the intestine . Furthermore, the essential oil and its main component, menthol, induce increased bile secretion, reinforcing the digestive effect.

The benefits of peppermint are not limited to experimental models. Clinical trials with patients with irritable bowel syndrome have confirmed the effectiveness of peppermint essential oil administered in enteric-coated capsules. This treatment has significantly reduced abdominal pain, borborygmi, bloating, and flatulence episodes, improving quality of life after a couple of months of regular use.

Thanks to its active ingredients, such as flavonoids and phenolic components, mint also has antioxidant, antimicrobial, expectorant, and mild analgesic effects . These qualities reinforce its traditional use in various cultures to treat gastrointestinal and respiratory ailments.

The use of natural products or supplements to improve our health and well-being is always dependent on our physical condition and any medical conditions we may have at the time of use. Aside from these general expert recommendations to the general public, we should always consult a specialist beforehand to use them correctly.