Amazing Mint Benefits

Mint –  Awesome Useful Herb

We always love talking about the health benefits of fruits and vegetables. But often ignore herbs. These herbs also provide lot of health benefits. Mint is one herb that is renowned all over the world as a natural mouth  and breadth freshener. This herb is used in lot of products ranging from toothpaste, candy, gum, beauty products etc. In food dishes fresh green leaves or dried leaves are used for making salads, curries, yogurts, tea, soups etc.Mentha is scientific name for Mint. It is a generic name for a group of  species which are around 25 in number. Pepermint and spearmint are included in these species. It has one of the highest antioxidant content.

Nutrition Content In Mint

Mint is a rich vitamin content. Good source of Vitamin A and vitamin C . Other vitamins  Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B-6. Low calorie herb containing 2 calorie per 2 tablespoon. Protein content is 0.12 grams, 0.3 grams of dietary fibre and 0.03 grams of lipid fat per 2 tablespoon. Minerals  present in mint are Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese, Phosphorous and potassium.

How to Grow Mint

 Health Benefits of Mint

1. Aids Digestion : Mint is good for digestive tract. It enhances the functioning of digestive enzymes and activates salivary glands. Menthol in mint promotes bile secretion thus leading to good digestion. Eating mint products after heavy meals are sure way to ensure good digestion.

2. Cures Stomach cramps  : Drinking freshly prepared warm mint tea will cure stomach cramps

3. Relieves Bloating : Mint ensures the trapped gas in digestive tract to move up and down. Thus one gets relief from bloating issues

4. Cures Indigestion : Mint’s antispasmodic properties calms stomach muscles and intestinal area. It cures cramps and bloating associated with indigestion.

5. Cures and prevents Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) : Those suffering from IBS get relief from eating enteric-coated peppermint oil . It reduces muscular pain , cramps, relieves gas associated with IBS. Eating enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules before the dinner prevents IBS symptoms.

6. Relief from Nausea : The aroma and strong flavor associated with mint is effective in curing nausea. Eating fresh crushed mint leaves /drinking mint tea or mint oil have the ability to treat stomach disorders.

7. Headache cure: To cure headache you can  use mint in following ways – a) Apply mint oil directly or in some lotion on the forehead and temples. Message it gently to get relief from headache. b) drinking mint tea is another way for this cure. c) Apply the juice of freshly crushed mint on the forehead and temples. Even severe migraines are cured by using mint.

8. Remedy for Cold and Cough: Inhaling steam of warm water and a drop of mint extract gives relief from cough. Drinking mint tea also helps in fighting cold and cough. Mint’s strong aroma clears congestion. Keep a mint candy with you and chew it when you have cough problems.

9. Relief to Asthma Patients : Again inhaling steam of warm water and drop of mint reduces swelling in throat and bronchioli tubes. Drinking mint tea  strengthens body immunity and gives relief from asthma symptoms.

10. Treats Depression : Inhaling the aroma of mint extract in boiled water relaxes and calms you. Drinking mint tea is another way to treat depression. Adding few drops of mint oil in for bathing will provide you relief from lethargy caused by depression. Or use mint oil for message. The aroma of mint especially peppermint has the ability to uplift your mood and make you feel energetic.

11. Relief from anxiety : Drinking peppermint tea , dab few drops of mint oil on temples or inhaling mint aromas will have a calming and soothing effect. You will relaxed and free from anxiety.

12. Cognitive Benefits : Inhaling mint aroma will increase your concentration at times of mental fatigue and stress. Having a bath with few drops of mint will make you feel energetic. Mint is a good stimulant to our body. Pop a mint candy to achieve mental alertness and good memory retention.

13. Skin Tonic : a)Use mint oil to treat sunburns and inflammation. b)Mint is anti-pruritic in nature , so when you use mint juice it soothes and calms skin that is itchy/infected. Use it to treat mosquito bites, bee bites or any other insect. c) rubbing mint oil on face prevents pimples. d) mint works as astringent as it removes dirt and dead cells.

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14. Oral Care : Use mint to improve mouth breath and  prevents harmful bacterial growth around teeth and in mouth. Mint is good for oral care. Chew pieces of mint leaves or use in as mint paste to achieve these benefits.

15. Anti-Cancer Benefits : Perillyl alcohol  is phytonutrient found in good quantity in peppermint oil . It stops the growth of tumors – pancreatic, liver and mammary. Mint protects you against skin , colon and lung cancer.

DISCLAIMER

The information provided in this article is for educative purpose only. Consult you doctor or professional medical advice before using any information in this article for any health program.