Mint Leaves – A Refreshing Medicinal Herb

By : MaherBan | 0 Comments | On : November 5, 2015 | Category : Health Benefits, Healthy Food

Mint Leaves – A Refreshing Medicinal Herb

Mint or Pudina is a medicinal herb that is synonymous to freshness. Green, refreshing and aromatic are the three words that come to our mind when we think of mint. It is one of the oldest and most popular herb that is grown around the world. Mint, scientifically known as Mentha is a type of plant with small green leaves that has been used since long for its different health benefits.

Mint is actually a genus or group of around 15-20 types of plants including Peppermint and Spearmint. Mint oil is often used in toothpaste, gum, candy and beauty products while the leaves are used either fresh or dried for teas and food.

Mint is an essential ingredient in many Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Mint grown in Asia is much more strongly flavoured than most European mints, with a sweet, cool aftertaste. Drinks and foods containing mint cool you off in the summer and it is often included in summer cocktails for a refreshing burst of flavour. It is also a good relaxant.

Drink a cup of pudina tea after every meal by either boiling the leaves along with a few green tea leaves or on their own for maximum benefits.

Health Benefits of Mint Leaves

Helps to Prevent Allergies and Asthma

Mint plants contain an antioxidant known as Rosmarinic Acid, which helps in the treatment of seasonal allergies due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Regular use of mint is very beneficial for asthma patients, as it is a good relaxant and relieves congestion.

Helps to Treat Indigestion

Mint leaves are widely used as a digestive aid. When you feel sick to your stomach, drinking a cup of mint tea can give you relief. Peppermint leaf oil relaxes the muscular lining of the digestive tract and relieving cramps, gas and indigestion. The menthol present in pudina helps to relax the smooth muscles of the stomach, reducing the chances of indigestion and spasms. It is also very beneficial for patients suffering from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

Helps to Prevent Cancer

Current research shows that certain enzymes that can be found in mint may help to prevent and treat Cancer. Mint may offer anticancer benefits by virtue of its peryllyl alcohol, one of its constituent compounds that can prevent various types of cancers like Skin Cancer, Colon Cancer and Lung Cancer.

Beats Morning Sickness in Pregnant Women

It helps to relieve the nausea related to morning sickness by activating the enzymes necessary for digestion. Eating a few leaves or smelling the crushed leaves of mint every morning is a great way for mothers-to-be to overcome this difficult period.

Improves Oral Health

Mint leaves has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, so it fights against tooth decay and bad breath and is widely used in mouth fresheners. Just chew a few mint leaves regularly to keep dental diseases at bay.

Good for your Skin

Mint acts as a cooling sensation to the skin and helps in dealing with skin irritations. Mint juice is an excellent skin cleanser. It soothes skin and helps to cure infections and itchiness. Mint has a high content of salicylic acid which helps to prevent pimples, blemishes and even helps to get rid of blackheads.

Boosts Immunity

Mint leaves are packed with nutrients such as calcium, phosphorous, vitamin C, D, E and vitamin B complex which together improves the body’s immune system.

Helps to Loss Weight

Mint stimulates the digestive enzymes that absorb nutrients from food and consume fat and turn it into usable energy. Thus fat is being consumed and put to use, rather than being stored and contributing to your weight gain.

Relieves Respiratory Problems

Peppermint oil acts as an expectorant and decongestant, and may help to clear your respiratory tract. Use peppermint essential oil as a cold rub on your chest or inhale it through a vapourizer to clear nasal congestion and relieve cough and cold symptoms. As mint cools and soothes the throat, nose and other respiratory channels, it relieves the irritation which causes chronic coughing. rent a car This is the main reason why so many balms are based on mint.

Good for Breast Feeding Women

Studies have shown that mint oil can reduce the nipple cracks and nipple pain that so often accompany breastfeeding.

Relieves  Headache

Balms with a mint base or basic mint oil, when rubbed on the forehead and nose gives quick relief in case of headache.

Good for Hair

Mint leaves are laden with menthol, which makes it a nourishing and caring hair-rinse for your tress. It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that can help to remove dandruff (and lice) from your scalp.

Helps to Relieve Menstrual Cramps and Pain

It is a great remedy to relieve the menstrual cramps and associated nausea. Just brew a hot cup of mint tea and sip it several times through out the day. It will make you feel calmer and soother your uterus too.

Good for Liver

Peppermint supports liver function by improving the flow of bile from the liver to the gallbladder. If your liver is sluggish, peppermint may provide a boost.