Can You Drink Peppermint Tea When Pregnant?
Written by Jordan Morley · Reviewed against NHS foods-to-avoid guidance · Last updated 28 October 2026
Peppermint tea is considered one of the safer herbal teas in pregnancy and is fine in moderation — keep total herbal tea to 4 cups a day.
Why is peppermint tea a concern in pregnancy?
There is limited research on the effects of many herbal ingredients in pregnancy, so the NHS takes a precautionary approach: herbal and green teas are fine in moderation, but you should drink no more than 4 cups a day, and herbal teas containing liquorice root should be avoided. If you're unsure about a specific herbal ingredient, check with your midwife or pharmacist.
You can also check the calorie content of peppermint tea alongside its safety information. Also check medication safety during pregnancy if you're managing any conditions.
The exception
Avoid teas marketed for inducing labour (and only use raspberry leaf tea from late pregnancy, after discussing it with your midwife). Green tea also contains caffeine, which counts towards your 200mg daily limit.
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Check Price →Peppermint Tea: the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| While breastfeeding | Fine in moderation |
Common questions
Can I eat peppermint tea in the first trimester?
Yes — up to 4 cups a day of peppermint tea is considered fine throughout pregnancy, including the first trimester.
Is a small amount of peppermint tea OK during pregnancy?
Yes — a cup or two of peppermint tea a day is well within the NHS guidance of 4 cups maximum.
I accidentally ate peppermint tea while pregnant — what should I do?
The NHS gives its limit as no more than 4 cups of herbal tea a day and does not say what to do about a day above it. If you are worried about a particular ingredient, ask your midwife or pharmacist.
Is cooked peppermint tea safe in pregnancy?
The NHS counts cups of herbal tea a day; we found nothing in its wording about how the tea is brewed. Count every cup toward the 4.
Related answers
Primary source: NHS foods-to-avoid guidance.
General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.