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Mint is a popular herb that can be used fresh or dried in many beverages, salves, and meals. Mint adds a zing to tea and makes a beautiful garnish for salads and eclectic dishes. Hundreds of varieties make it possible for the plant to survive in countries throughout the world. As a result, the number of benefits of mint have been passed down through generations. We love that mint is so versatile and offers so many natural applications. Below are 15 benefits of using mint in your life we think you will find useful.
15 Health Benefits of Mint
1. Eases stomach cramps
Mint reduces stomach cramps by fighting against stomach acid and helping with digestion. Holistic practitioners recognize its value in relieving Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Some tablets developed to help patients with that condition are coated with mint extract. Maximize the benefits by preparing and drinking a cup of mint tea after every meal. We love the Traditional Medicinals Organic Spearmint herbal tea, you can find it at most grocery stores or here on Amazon.
2. Fights acne and encourages healthy skin
Mint contains powerful antioxidants that leave your skin glowing after a gentle scrub. It re-hydrates dry, dull skin and causes the dried skin to shed faster. This results in fewer clogged pores and skin irritations.This homemade mint facial scrub is lovely.
One property contained in mint relieves infected, itchy skin while it promotes healing. The high content of salicylic acid in mint prevents blemishes and pimples. There is less chance of developing blackheads. The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are especially beneficial for acne prone skin. Mint is a popular component of toners and cleansers as well.
3. Relieves indigestion
The same phytonutrients that help protect the mint plant protect the human body as well. Along with the antioxidants found in mint, the menthol of this plant helps your digestive enzymes work more effectively.
Spasms and indigestion are reduced because mint causes the stomach’s smooth muscles to relax while they perform their tasks in the digestive process. Do not use mint to relieve digestive issues related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as it can worsen symptoms.
4. Reduces the feeling of nausea
Quickly ease the feeling of nausea by breathing the refreshing, crisp mint fragrance. Whether you crush some fresh leaves or open a vial of mint oil, the pleasantly refreshing aroma acts quickly to relieve the churning of your stomach. Even a whiff of a product containing mint flavor, such as lotion or lip balm, has been known to reduce an upset stomach.
5. Certain properties possibly fight cancer in humans
One of the properties in mint has demonstrated the ability to prevent lung cancer, colon cancer and skins cancer in studies done on animals. It is a strong phytochemical known as perillyl alcohol, which appears to prevent a variety of different types of cancer. There are no definitive results on humans yet, but it makes a strong case for use.
6. Mint is a pleasant way to reduce stress and depression
Mint extract is a popular request in aromatherapy sessions. It’s used to rejuvenate the mind and greatly reduce stress. The simple act of breathing in mint fumes calms the senses, lowers stress, and eases the thinking processes that continue to flow.
The benefits of mint aroma helps eliminate depression because it causes the release of a small amount of serotonin in the brain. Add a bit of mint extract to your aromatherapy diffuser and breathe in the gentle mist to perk up your mood. You can also add mint extract or leaves to the bath water to experience the same benefit.
7. Salivary glands are activated by mint
The enticing aroma of mint activates our salivary glands and cases other glands to secrete digestive enzymes. It’s one of the reasons mint is used so much in the field of culinary arts, particularly in the western world.
You’ll find sprigs of mint included with appetizers. A leaf is frequently offered to cleanse the palate before serving the next course. Once the mint reaches the stomach, the digestive process begins so the main course will digest with few or no problems.
8. Fight fatigue with a bit of mint
The brisk, pleasant smell of mint is a natural stimulant. Just a whiff kick starts your brain to a high level of activity and recharges your energy levels so you have the desire to start moving again. Mint and essential oils derived from the plant help relieve anxiety, depression, sluggishness, and exhaustion. There are several ways to enjoy this benefit:
- Inhale it as a vapor.
- Apply salve to the skin.
- Chew and swallow a bit of fresh mint.
Wake up feeling relaxed and refreshed by putting a few drops of mint essential oil on your pillow before going to bed. The fragrant aroma will ease your mind and body while you sleep.
9. Relieves aches and pains
It’s amazing how many pain balms use mint extracts as the main ingredient. Mint is a significant reliever of aches and pains because of its ability to partially numb an affected area with its quick cooling effect.
Mint pain salve can lessens the pain quickly once it is applied. Inhaling mint extract fumes calms the body and soothes nerves. It is also recognized for its ability to ease nausea caused by headaches.
10. Takes the edge off coughs and colds
The strong smell of mint allows relaxed breathing when a person is suffering from a cold by opening up nasal passages and airways.
Mint is also a natural expectorant. It works to expel phlegm and reduce coughing and relieves respiratory tract inflammation through its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
If you are bothered by a cough, inhale the fumes of a cup of warm water treated with a drop of mint extract. Exhale the steam through your nose. The extract relieves the irritation in your nose and throat.
The cool, soothing action of the steam relieves irritation of other respiratory channels and eases chronic coughing caused by the irritation.
11. Eases morning sickness caused by pregnancy
Expectant mothers find mint helpful because it relieves the daily instances of morning sickness. Nausea is reduced when the mint activates digestive enzymes.
Simply smell crushed mint leaves or eat a couple of leaves to start the digestive process. What a wonderful, natural way to get through the unpleasantness of nausea during the early stages of pregnancy.
12. Reduces infections in the mouth
The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of mint leaves are quite intense. They help maintain oral health because they kill bacteria in the mouth. You’ll have less tooth decay and better breath.
Chew a few leaves of mint daily to benefit from this natural way to keep your teeth and tongue clean.
13. Reduces allergies and asthma
Rosmarinic acid is a powerful antioxidant found in mint. Allergy-producing leukotrienes are blocked by this compound.
It may also reduce the discomfort caused by hay fever or asthma. It is important to remember that using an excess of mint can irritate the nose and throat so always check with your allergist before giving this a try.
14. Aids in the relief of menstrual cramps and pain
Mint leaves provide an anti-spasmodic effect on muscles, making them a welcome pain remedy for menstrual cramps.
It also relieves nausea associated with the condition. Brew a cup of mint tea and sip it throughout the day to calm your body and your mind.
15. Builds immunity
Packed with nutrients, mint leaves include:
- Calcium
- Phosphorous
- Vitamin B complex
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
The result is a compound that improves the immune system and protects the body from inflammation and infections.
A twist to mint’s soothing, cooling effect is its ability to induce sweating if a person is suffering from a fever. That property causes the fever to break and hastens recovery.
Buying Mint
There are two main types of mint sold in the grocery store. Spearmint and peppermint are the two most common and widely available of the many mint species. Spearmint is mostly prevalent in the markets.
When buying mint, look for bright, un-bruised leaves. If the mint leaves are wilted or turning dark, then don’t purchase. You can store the mint a plastic bag or loose plastic wrap with a wet paper towel for moisture in the refrigerator for up to one week or wilted. You can also place in a container of water for easy access.
Growing Mint
Mint is a perennial that grows freely, starting when the soil begins to warm up in late March or April. Mint is pretty easy to grow and hard to kill which makes it one of the best plants for a beginning gardener!
You can start by buying a plant at the store or grow your own from cuttings of a plant. Since mint is a very fast-growing plant, it’s a good idea to keep it in a pot or garden box so it doesn’t take over your yard.
To grow mint, cut the stem just below the area where a leaf grows on the plant. Remove all but the top leaves. Stick a few cuttings into a small pot with soil and water lightly. Keep out of direct sunlight for about a week to allow the root to grow and adjust to its new environment. As the mint matures, replant in a larger pot or in the ground.
Although a mint leaf is very small and economical, it benefits of mint provides an amazing number of ways to make the mind and body happier and healthier.
