MEDICINAL PLANT MINT
Introduction
Mint leaves also known as Pudina are a popular aromatic herb for its
freshness with several health benefits. Since ancient times, people have
used different types of mints all over the world. A variety of mint plants
offer you a lot of anti-oxidant properties and health benefits.
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Mint plant. |
Defferent names of MINT PLANT
- Peppermint
- Supermint
- Pennyroyal
- Wildmint
- Applemint
- Watermint
- Chocolatemint
- Eaude cologne
- Mentha canadensis
- Mentha lonlifolia var Asiatica
- Mentha dahurica
- Mentha requienil
- Mentha cervina
- Mentha haplocalyx
- Mentha nemorosa
- Mentha Australis
- Mentha lonlifolia
- Mentha xrotundifolia
- Diemenica
Chemical and neutritional Properties of MINT LEAVES
High in Nutritional Content
The nutritional facts of spearmint or commonly known as mint, state that it
can provide a healthy dose of balanced nutrition as well. Two tablespoons of
mint 0.4 grams of proteins, 0.9 grams of carbohydrates, 0.8 grams of dietary
fibre, 1.5 mg of Vitamin C, 22.4 mg of Calcium, 6.8 mg of Phosphorous and
51.5 mg of Potassium, among other nutrients.
Mint leaves are packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients, and contains
vitamin A, vitamin C, and B-complex, phosphorous, calcium, and has
anti-bacterial properties
It is one of the rich sources of iron, potassium, and manganese which
improves haemoglobin levels and promotes brain function
Mint leaves are low in calories and contain a minimal amount of protein and
fat so you can add mint leaves in your weight loss diet program
easily.
Health Benefits of Mint Leaves Are:
In my opinion, mint leaves might act as little defenders fighting against
bacteria and fungi. Studies have found that oil, made from mint leaves may
be extremely effective. In fact, it was functional against 22 bacterial
strains and 11 fungal strains!
USES OF MINT LEAVES
1)Healthy Hairs:-
Mint leaves extract is a great source of carotene and antioxidants that
promotes hair growth and prevents hair fall. The potent antimicrobial and
antifungal properties of mint leaves use to ward off dandruff, head lice,
etc.
You can apply mint leaves paste mixed with lemon juice on the hair scalp
and allow it to stay for 30-40 minutes and rinse the hair
well.
2)Help to Ease Morning Sickness:-
Mint is an excellent remedy to treat nausea. It is also effective for
treating nausea that happens in morning sickness.
3)Helps Ease Allergies:-
Recent studies conducted in 2019 have proven that Mint contains 53 separate
compounds that have anti-allergic properties. This means consuming mint can
to some extent help in the treatment of different types of allergies.
4)Helps Reduce Symptoms of Asthma:-
A clinical study on rats conducted in
2019 has proven that the compounds in mint are indeed more effective in the
treatment of asthmatic symptoms than the traditional medicine known as
dexamethasone. This study suggests that mint may have similar effects on
humans as well. Therefore, consuming mint may help to ease symptoms of
asthma to some extent.
5)Dental care:-
After devouring a bowl of garlic soup, what would you do next? Grab a piece
of gum. To get rid of the unpleasant odor, though, try chewing mint leaves
the next time. Having germicidal qualities, mint leaves could assist rapidly
freshen your breath.
Extract from mint leaves can assist in removing plaque buildup from teeth.
Chewing gum, mouthwash, and toothpaste with menthol can stop the growth of
oral bacteria and keep your mouth healthy.
6)Beats Stress & Depression:-
Mint is an essential part of aromatherapy. It’s strong and refreshing smell
could help beat stress and rejuvenate the mind. By breathing in the aroma of
mint, your mind is instantly calmed.
You can add mint to your tea, use mint extract on a vaporizer or take a
mint bath for immediate relief from stress and depression.
7)Help in Breastfeeding Pain:-
Breastfeeding mothers commonly experience sore and cracked nipples, which
can make breastfeeding painful and difficult. Evidence revealed that
applying mint essential oil is valuable in easing pain and heals soreness
and cracked nipples.
8)Helps in Weight Loss:-
Mint leaves play an essential role in losing weight in a healthy way. Mint
leaves promote digestion and boost metabolism to help in losing weight. Mint
tea is a great refreshing calorie-free beverage to promote weight
loss.
9)Skincare:-
Mint is an ancient medicine to treat skin related problems like acne, scar.
The powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties of
mint leaves are effective in treating acne and lowers the inflammation and
redness associated with acne outbursts.
Acne can be treated and prevented with mint leaf extract. Mint leaves'
abundance in menthol and natural
antioxidants make them excellent skin cleanser, toner, astringent, and
moisturizers. Mint leaves soften dry, irritated skin and tone it.
Mint leaves contain high salicylic acid and vitamin A which controls the
secretion of sebum oil in the skin and helps to cure acne.
10)Improve Brain Powerv:-
Mint leaves are brain tonic. According to various studies, consuming mint
may up alertness and cognitive functions. Mint leaves can improve memory
power and mental alertness.
11)Boosts Immunity:-
Mint is full of vitamins and antioxidants to improve your immunity. These
plant-based vitamins help to protect your cells from damage. Also, mint
leaves can prevent tumour formation by inhibiting some enzymes.
I came across a study in which mint leaf extracts were studied for their
effects on allergic rhinitis in mice. These extracts possibly helped to
reduce histamine release from mast cells and relieved nasal symptoms in
rats. This suggests that peppermint extracts might help relieve allergic
rhinitis symptoms.
Side Effects of Mint Leaves:-
Mint leaves are generally safe for consumption, however people with
gastroesophageal reflux disease should minimize the consumption as it may
cause stomach irritation. Menthol oil is contraindicated in children to use
topically as it may cause breathing difficulties.
Uses of MINT OIL
- Mint oil contains a compound called menthol which gives relaxing effects on the muscles of the digestive tract.
- Improve Respiratory Complaints
- Let me reveal about a special ingredient called menthol present in mint oil. Menthol oil may help relieve menstrual cramps in women. It might be like a minty champion for your well-being!
- Mint leaves are highly recommended for asthma patients, as it acts as a good relaxant and relieves chest congestion. Consumption of mint leaves daily can give a soothing effect for asthmatic patients.
- Mint is known to clear a stuffed nose, menthol can make breathing a lot easier. It also relieves the irritation caused by a chronic cough.
Summary
According to science, mint is an amazing herb with a lot of benefits. You
can’t go wrong by adding mint in your diet as it is full of antioxidants,
vitamins, iron, and so on. In simple words, include mint in your diet if you
want to stay healthy and happy.
Disclaimer:
The information included at this site is
for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for
medical treatment by a health care professional. Because of unique
individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the
appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
