Is Peppermint Tea Safe During Pregnancy? Key Facts
Short answer: Peppermint tea made from the leaf is generally considered safe in normal food amounts during pregnancy, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Research in pregnancy is limited, and peppermint can make heartburn worse for some people. Check the label for true peppermint, and ask your doctor or midwife before adding any herbal tea.
By the Secrets of Tea team. Last updated October 6, 2026.
Key takeaways
- Peppermint in food amounts, like a tea, is likely safe in pregnancy, says NCCIH. Medicinal amounts, like oil capsules, are less studied.
- Peppermint can relax the valve at the top of the stomach, so it may worsen heartburn, which is common later in pregnancy.
- The real warning is pennyroyal, a look alike mint that is dangerous. Buy clearly labeled, true peppermint.
- Ginger is the usual gentler pick for queasy mornings, and it does not carry the heartburn catch.
- Ask your doctor or midwife how much herbal tea is right for you. We do not give amounts.
Is peppermint tea safe during pregnancy?
For most people, yes, in the amounts found in a normal tea. NCCIH states that oral peppermint in amounts commonly found in food is likely safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, while little is known about medicinal amounts. That is the line between a tea and a concentrated oil or supplement, which is a separate conversation with your provider.
The honest limit: studies of herbs in pregnancy are small, which is why advice varies. Peppermint tea is widely seen as low risk, not as proven for everyone.
Can you drink peppermint tea in the first trimester?
Many people do without trouble. Because mint has traditionally been described as an herb that stimulates menstrual flow, some practitioners suggest extra caution in the first weeks. There is no strong evidence that ordinary peppermint tea is harmful early on. If you would rather wait, or want a pregnancy blend instead, that is a reasonable choice. Ask your doctor or midwife what they prefer.
Does peppermint make pregnancy heartburn worse?
It can. Peppermint may relax the muscle valve at the top of the stomach, and NCCIH lists heartburn among the possible side effects of oral peppermint oil. Heartburn is already common in later pregnancy, so peppermint may feel soothing to one person and uncomfortable to another. If you get reflux, notice how you feel after a serving, and tell your provider.
Ginger vs peppermint: which is gentler for queasy mornings?
| Peppermint | Ginger | |
|---|---|---|
| Traditionally used for | Settling the stomach, gas | Queasiness, nausea |
| Reflux watch | May worsen heartburn | No valve effect noted |
| Caffeine | None | None |
If peppermint gives you reflux, ginger is the usual gentler route. Our USDA Organic Lemon Ginger Pregnancy Comfort Tea is caffeine free and blends lemon, ginger and rose hip, and the Peach Ginger Pregnancy Comfort Tea is a fruitier option. They support comfort as part of a routine and are not a substitute for medical care.
What is the one peppermint warning that matters?
Pennyroyal. This look alike plant in the mint family contains pulegone, which Poison Control describes as highly toxic to the liver, and it says people have been made seriously ill by pennyroyal tea mistaken for mint tea. True peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a different plant. Choose a tea that names its herbs clearly, and never swap in a plant you cannot identify.
What should you check on the label?
The NHS says there is not enough research on herbal teas in pregnancy, and advises keeping them modest and avoiding liquorice root. A short checklist:
- Read every herb on the label, not just the front of the pouch.
- Look for the plant name, such as Mentha piperita, from a brand you trust.
- Skip blends with liquorice root.
- Check that it is caffeine free if you are limiting caffeine.
- Ask your doctor or midwife before any new herbal tea.
Is peppermint tea safe while breastfeeding?
NCCIH says oral peppermint in food amounts is likely safe while breastfeeding. A long held belief is that large amounts of peppermint or sage may lower milk supply for some people, so keep it occasional if protecting your supply matters to you.
When should you ask your doctor or midwife?
Before adding any herbal tea in pregnancy, and especially with a high risk pregnancy, a history of miscarriage, hard to manage reflux, or regular medicines. Get prompt care if nausea and vomiting are severe or you cannot keep fluids down, because that can be a condition that needs medical support.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink peppermint tea in the first trimester?
There is no strong evidence that ordinary peppermint tea is harmful early on, but research in pregnancy is limited. Some people prefer to wait or choose a ginger blend in the first weeks. Ask your doctor or midwife what they prefer for you.
Does peppermint tea help pregnancy nausea?
Peppermint is traditionally used to settle the stomach, and many people find a warm serving soothing. Evidence in pregnancy is limited, and severe nausea needs a doctor, not a tea.
Can peppermint tea cause heartburn in pregnancy?
It can for some people. Peppermint may relax the muscle valve at the top of the stomach, and NCCIH lists heartburn as a possible side effect of oral peppermint oil. If you have reflux, try ginger instead and tell your provider.
Is peppermint tea safe while breastfeeding?
NCCIH says oral peppermint in food amounts is likely safe while breastfeeding. Some people keep peppermint and sage occasional because of a long held belief that large amounts may lower milk supply. Watch how your body responds.
How much peppermint tea is safe in pregnancy?
There is no single agreed amount, so we do not give one. The NHS says there is not enough research on herbal teas in pregnancy and advises keeping them modest and avoiding liquorice root. Your doctor or midwife can set an amount for you.
What is pennyroyal and why does it matter?
Pennyroyal is a mint family plant whose oil contains pulegone, which is highly toxic to the liver. Poison Control describes people made seriously ill by pennyroyal tea mistaken for mint. Buy tea that names true peppermint, Mentha piperita, from a brand you trust.
Related reading
- Morning sickness at every hour: what helps pregnancy nausea
- When to start raspberry leaf tea in pregnancy
- Are pregnancy teas safe?
- Peppermint tea in pregnancy: does it help digestion?
Sources: NCCIH, Peppermint Oil, NHS, Foods to avoid in pregnancy, Poison Control, Pennyroyal Oil. General information, not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and our products are not intended to diagnose or address any disease. Ask your doctor or midwife before using any herbal tea in pregnancy.
