Mint or pudina is a very common herb that is known to people since years. It is so common that a lot of us plant it in our backyard so that we can get fresh access to it. We use it in teas, chutneys, gravies and a lot of other preparations. We even use it after a meal or a smoke as a breathe freshener. But little do we know that this so called common herb has some uncommon benefits.
Mint, scientifically known as Mentha, is a garden herb that has known to have originated in the Mediterranean region. It has been known for its curative properties since 2000 years. Even the ancient Greeks and Romans used it as a perfume and a bath scent. They also used it in medicine and in cooking. There are many types of mints like, apple mint, water mint, horsemint, pineapple mint, orange mint, pennyroyal and spearmint. From all of them, peppermint and spearmint are probably the most widely used species of mint. Mint leaves, without a qualifier like peppermint or apple mint, generally refers to spearmint leaves.
Mint is actually a greek name that is named after the Greek goddess Minthe. Story goes that Hades, God of the Underworld, fell in love with Minthe. But when Hades wife, Persephone, found out about this affair, she turned Minthe into a plant, so that everyone would walk all over her and trample her. Hades, not able to undo his wife's spell, gave Minthe a beautiful aroma so that everyone would be careful and not walk over her.
Mint is not only tasty but also very healthy. It has many medicinal properties as well. A few of these are mentioned below:
Good for stomach: Mint is a good appetizer and promotes digestion. Menthol, a volatile substance contained in the essential oil of mint, has a direct antispasmodic effect on the smooth muscle of the digestive tract. The ability to calm cramping stomach muscles makes it a superb treatment for reliving symptoms of indigestion, heartburn, stomachache and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS - an intestinal disorder that causes abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements). It also helps the muscles around the intestines to relax thereby promoting less gas production and better overall digestion.
Fights headaches and other pains: Balms which are based on mint or mint oil, when rubbed on forehead and nose, give quick relief in headache. Because of its antispasmodic and nervine properties (beneficial to the nervous system), it is especially recommended for people with migraines. The strong and refreshing aroma of mint is also a quick remedy for nausea. So if you feel headache or nausea, smell the oil of mint or crushed fresh mint.
Skin care: Mint, because of its ability to act as an anti-pruritic agent (soothes and calms the skin that's itchy or infected), is used in a variety of beauty and skin care products such as skin creams, toners, body lotions and face masks. Mint pastes when applied to the face helps the skin rejuvenate and re-hydrate. It has been also beneficial to cure blackheads, pimples and acne because of the high content of salicylic acid found naturally in mint. This acid loosens up dead skin cells, allowing them to shed easier and thus helps to prevent your pores from clogging up, resulting in fewer pimples and clearer skin. It can be also used to treat insect bites because of its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Mint is a very good cleanser for the blood as well so regular consumption can lead to a very glowing skin.
Dental care: Mint is used for dental care because of its germicidal and freshening properties. It reduces the growth of bacteria in the mouth and keeps your breath, tongue and teeth clean. It also helps keep oral diseases at bay. That is why it is extensively used in dental products like toothpaste, mouthwash, chewing gums etc.
Anti cancer properties: The phytonutrient, called perillyl alcohol, in mint has been shown in studies on animals to prevent the formation of skin, colon and lung cancer. However, further human studies are needed to see if this important benefit extends to the humans.
Beneficial in asthma and cough: Regular use of mint is very beneficial for asthma patients because of its strong aroma which helps in opening up congestion of nose, throat, bronchi and lungs. The soothing and cooling properties helps in the break down of cough. Being an effective expectorant, mint can also help in removing mucus and phlegm from the respiratory tract. Hence it is used widely in inhalers and cough medicines.
Enhances body's immunity: Mint tea acts as an immune system booster, since it is rich in nutrients like phosphorus, calcium, vitamin C, D, E and small amount of vitamin B complex. It also helps in keeping the body safe and protected from many infections and inflammations. Mint reduces the growth of fungus & bacteria in the body as well.
Benefits especially for women: It helps in reducing nausea and morning sickness during pregnancy. It is also beneficial in curing menstrual cramps during periods as it can help in relaxing the smooth muscles.
Precautions: Nursing mothers should stay away from mint as it can decrease your milk flow.
Mint is in fact so widely use that it is added in toothpaste, chocolates, chewing gums, mouthwash, liquor, lipsticks, candies, ice creams, inhalers and mouth fresheners. Mint has a lot of benefits for the body so make sure to incorporate mint in your diet today!
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