Mint is said to have originated in the Mediterranean region. In ancient Greece, mint was used as a symbol of hospitality and even today guests are served mint tea as a sign of welcome in the Middle East. Mint has long since been used as an ingredient in perfumes and in cosmetics and beauty products. Mint leaves are also used in cooking - either dried or fresh.
The leaves of the mint plant contain a variety of health essential vitamins and minerals. Fresh mint contains vitamins A, B12, and C along with folic acid, riboflavin, and thiamine. It also has minerals such as zinc, copper, iron, potassium, calcium, and selenium. All these make mint a powerhouse of antioxidant and healing properties. The use of mint for medicinal purposes is ages old. From ancient times, mint has been used to treat digestive and stomach problems. Mint can increase the appetite and work as a soothing agent in cases of indigestion, flatulence, and bloating. The sharp aroma of mint activates the salivary glands in the mouth. This in turn encourages the production of enzymes in the stomach and aids proper digestion. Mint relaxes the muscles of the stomach thus making it an ideal cure for heartburn and stomach aches.
Chest infections and respiratory conditions are lessened due to the presence of the menthol in mint. It lessens congestion of the nose, lungs and throat. Since mint is cooling, persistent coughs and throat infections are effectively treated with it. Balms and inhalers using mint as an ingredient can be used to provide relief for conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.
The aroma of mint refreshes and rejuvenates. If you feel nauseas or ill, inhaling the smell of a few fresh mint leaves can reduce your discomfort. Mints and peppermints can be chewed or sucked to reduce travel sickness as well. Studies show that using a balm with mint or inhaling mint essential oil can reduce headache symptoms.
Mint is an excellent antiseptic and anti-pruritic. Crushing fresh mint leaves and applying the juice on the face can soothe any rashes, infections or acne. Insect bites and stings can be treated with mint juice as well. Mint juice when applied directly to cuts and burns assists in the healing and recovery.
Mint not only smells good. It tastes good as well. The strong fresh taste of mint makes it an ideal addition to oral health care products. Toothpastes, rinses, and breath fresheners all use mint as a primary ingredient. Mint can combat bad breath and reduce the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
The latest research indicates that mint might be useful in treating certain cancers due to the presence of certain enzymes. These enzymes could prevent the growth of abnormal or cancerous cells and in this way help fight cancer.
The folic acid in mint may help treat sterility in women. However, there are mixed opinions on this point, as several experts believe that mint can in fact cause sterility. They point out the menthol cigarettes have been known to result in impotency in males, though the verdict is still out on whether this is due to the menthol or the combination of mint and tobacco.
Mint is an herb that can be grown easily even in your kitchen garden. If flourishes quite rapidly and can grow anywhere. As long as there is moderate sunshine and moist soil, your mint plant is sure to grow. In case fresh mint is not an option, you can always buy leaves from the grocery store or supermarket. Dried mint is also available but the taste and aroma is not as potent as the fresh version.
There are many ways to enjoy mint in your daily diet. You can start the day with a cup of mint tea. Just heat up a cup of water and immerse fresh mint leaves. Let it steep for a few minutes before draining and enjoy. You can also add fresh mint leaves to your regular cup of tea. This in fact reduces the caffeine in regular tea and makes it more palatable.
You can have some fun experimenting with mint leaves in your cooking. Add chopped mint to soufflés, soups, omelets, salads and fresh fruit for a refreshing change. Just make sure you add the mint at the end of the cooking process as overcooking can cause mint to turn bitter. Mint leaves are great additions to sauces - both savory and sweet as well as roasted vegetables and rice dishes.
Being so easy to grow and buy and so full of health and nutritional benefits, mint is a necessary addition to any household.
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.