Brain waves and peppermint tea

Brain waves are electrical impulses passed from neuron to neuron. This impulse can be measured in waves using the standard unit Hertz. This is the frequency of a complete wave per second.

There are five different brain waves:

1. Delta waves( 5-30Hz)

2. Thetha waves ( 3-8Hz)

3. Alpha waves (8-12Hz)

4. Beta waves ( 12-38Hz)

5. Gamma waves (38-42Hz)

How does Peppermint tea affect Brain waves?

Peppermint is a herb that has its own chemical formula that gives it its aroma and nutrition value.

It has a chemical formula of C¹⁰H²⁰O

(L- Menthol ).

This tea stimulates extracellular dopamine, prevents dopaminergic neurons against inflammation, and stimulates alpha waves.

Alpha waves is associated with;

1. Feelings of calmness

2. Increases creativity

3. Passive attention

4. Enhances absorption of new information

5. Enhances the benefits of "Rest and digestion" status of the nervous system.

Having a cup ( 250ml) of peppermint tea daily, will help stimulate the alpha brain waves that are important with the "rest and digest" status of the nervous system.

This will mean that, it can stimulate gastrointestinal tract (GIT) extracellular dopamine.

This will enhance digestion and GIT movement thus bowel movement.

Written by; Patricia Kariuki Henry, Nutritionist