Can we drink mint water daily? Benefits, Risks, and How to Prepare It

October 18, 2025 •

4 min read

Millions of people worldwide use herbal infusions for their perceived health benefits, and mint water is a popular choice for refreshment. But can we drink mint water daily? The short answer is yes, for most healthy individuals, but understanding the nuances is key to reaping the rewards without risks.

Quick Summary

Daily mint water consumption is generally safe and offers benefits like enhanced hydration and improved digestion. Moderation is important, especially for those with specific health conditions like GERD.

Key Points

Daily consumption is generally safe: For most healthy people, drinking mint water daily is a safe and low-risk way to enhance hydration.
Aids in digestion: The menthol in mint leaves can help relax digestive muscles, providing relief from indigestion, gas, and bloating.
Watch for potential side effects: People with GERD should avoid mint water, as it can worsen heartburn. Those with allergies or kidney issues should also exercise caution.
Offers healthy hydration: It serves as a flavorful, calorie-free alternative to sugary drinks, encouraging increased water intake.
Simple to prepare: Fresh mint leaves, cold water, and a few hours of infusion time are all that's needed to make this refreshing beverage at home.
Supports skin health: The hydrating effects and small amounts of antioxidants in mint can contribute to clearer and healthier skin.

Drinking plain water is essential for health, but many find its neutral taste unappealing. Infusing water with fresh herbs like mint can make hydration more enjoyable and may even offer additional wellness benefits. A simple blend of mint leaves and water has been used for centuries, both as a refreshing beverage and for its medicinal properties.

The Hydration and Digestive Power of Mint Water

Mint water is a low-calorie, sugar-free alternative to sweetened drinks, providing flavor without the added sugars and calories. Its refreshing taste encourages increased fluid intake, which is vital for maintaining metabolism, regulating body temperature, and supporting circulation. Beyond simple hydration, mint infusions are particularly noted for their positive effects on the digestive system.

Benefits of Daily Mint Water Consumption

Regularly drinking mint water can offer several potential health advantages. These benefits come from the plant compounds found in mint, such as menthol and antioxidants.

Aids Digestion: Mint is well-regarded for its ability to soothe the digestive tract. The menthol in mint can relax the muscles of the gut, which can help alleviate symptoms of indigestion, gas, and bloating. This makes it a popular remedy for an upset stomach.
Hydrates Effectively: For those who dislike plain water, mint adds a fresh, appealing taste that encourages more frequent drinking throughout the day. This is crucial for overall health and well-being.
Freshens Breath: As a natural mouth and breath freshener, mint water can help combat bad breath. It can help wash away bacteria that cause odor, providing a clean, refreshed feeling.
Supports Skin Health: Proper hydration is a key factor in maintaining healthy skin. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of mint may also assist in managing certain skin conditions like acne, though direct evidence for mint water is less established than for topical applications.
Boosts Immunity: Mint leaves contain vitamins and antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. While the amount of nutrients infused into water is small, it contributes to overall health.
Potential Weight Management Aid: Replacing high-calorie, sugary beverages like soda or juice with mint water can significantly reduce overall calorie intake. By promoting hydration and making you feel fuller, it can be a supportive tool for weight management.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

While mint water is safe for most people in moderate amounts, some individuals should exercise caution or avoid it entirely. Excessive consumption of mint or its more concentrated forms, like essential oils, can be problematic.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): One of the most significant contraindications is for those with GERD. Mint can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, potentially allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus and worsen symptoms like heartburn.
Kidney Issues: People with severe kidney problems or diabetic kidney disease should consult a doctor before adding mint water to their daily routine.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: While some studies show mint may help with pregnancy-related nausea, it's best for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals to consult a healthcare provider, especially regarding dosage, as some evidence suggests it might reduce milk supply.
Allergies: Though rare, some individuals may have a mint allergy, which could cause side effects like hives or swelling. If you experience any allergic reaction, stop consumption immediately.

Mint Water vs. Other Infused Waters: A Comparison


Aspect	Mint Water	Cucumber Water	Lemon Water
Primary Benefit	Digestive aid, breath freshener, cooling effect.	Hydrating, anti-inflammatory, vitamin K boost.	Vitamin C, detoxifying properties.
Flavor Profile	Bright, cool, and clean.	Crisp, fresh, and mild.	Tart and citrusy.
Digestive Impact	Relaxes digestive muscles; can worsen GERD.	Gentle on the stomach.	Can be acidic and irritating for some.
Preparation Notes	Infuse crushed leaves; can be made with hot or cold water.	Add thinly sliced cucumber; typically served cold.	Add freshly squeezed juice or slices; best consumed fresh.

How to Prepare Mint Water Safely at Home

Making mint water is simple and allows you to control the ingredients. Here is a basic recipe:

Wash and prepare: Rinse a handful of fresh mint leaves thoroughly. Gently crush or tear the leaves to help release their oils and flavor.
Combine ingredients: Place the bruised mint leaves into a pitcher or jar. Add cold, filtered water.
Infuse: For a light flavor, let it infuse for at least one hour in the refrigerator. For a stronger taste, leave it overnight.
Strain and serve: You can strain the leaves before serving or leave them in. Enjoy chilled, with or without ice.
Optional additions: To enhance the flavor, consider adding slices of lemon, lime, or cucumber.

It is generally recommended to use fresh batches and to discard the infused water and leaves after 1-2 days to ensure freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

Conclusion: Is Daily Mint Water Right for You?

For most healthy individuals, drinking mint water daily is a safe and beneficial practice. It can be a delicious, low-calorie way to stay hydrated and can offer relief from common digestive issues. However, moderation is key, as with any herbal remedy. Pay attention to your body's signals, especially if you have a pre-existing condition like GERD or a mint allergy. The most prudent approach is to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any new daily habit, including drinking mint water, especially if you have health concerns or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

For more detailed nutritional information, you can consult reliable resources such as Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mint water is a beverage made by infusing fresh or dried mint leaves in water. The leaves release their natural oils and flavor into the water, creating a refreshing and aromatic drink.

Yes, mint water is well-known for its digestive benefits. The menthol in mint has a soothing effect on the stomach and can help relieve symptoms of gas, bloating, and general indigestion.

For most people, drinking mint water daily in moderation has no adverse side effects. However, excessive consumption might lead to stomach upset. Individuals with GERD should avoid it.

People with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) should avoid mint water, as it can aggravate symptoms. Those with severe kidney disease and individuals with a rare mint allergy should also be cautious or avoid it.

To prepare mint water, simply wash and gently crush fresh mint leaves. Submerge the leaves in a pitcher of water and refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavor to infuse. It can be served cold or at room temperature.

Pregnant women should consult their doctor before consuming mint water regularly. While some use it for nausea relief, high intake or certain mint types may not be recommended, and safety research is limited.

While not a magical weight-loss cure, mint water can support weight loss efforts. By replacing sugary, high-calorie drinks with a flavorful, calorie-free alternative, it can help reduce overall calorie intake.

Homemade mint water is best consumed fresh. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 to 2 days. The flavor is most vibrant within the first 24 hours.