Mint – Herb With Top 6 Health Benefits

Mint is Nature’s answer to a number of ailments! According to the science of Ayurveda, the herb of Mint is a reservoir of anti-toxic as well as wellness enhancing virtues. You may easily chew the leaves in your daily salad, make it into chutney (edible paste) or else you could always take the herb as decoction or green tea; you can always make your personal choice. I also love adding the Mint leaves to my lime and honey drink ! 🙂

Natural Properties of Mint

The herb of Mint belongs to the family Labiate and the Latin name of Mint is Mentha spicata. Being hot in potency and also robust by nature, this simple green, leafy salad article bestows health and wellness virtues.

Mint: Health Source

Mint is bitter in taste as well as after taste. It is hot in potency and light, rough and robust in nature. The leaves and oil extracted from mint come to use for medicinal purposes.
The chemical composition of mint consists of the following –

• carbohydrates,
• proteins,
• fats,
• minerals like iron, calcium, phosphorous,
• and vitamins like vitamin A, Nicotinic acid and Riboflavin.
• Also, there is presence of a fragrant, volatile oil which further comprises of some important components like terpene and carbon.

                      Top 6 Health Benefits of Mint

1. Digestive Tonic:

The leaves of mint either in raw form or prepared into a chutney/ edible paste (along with onion and lemon) is extremely beneficial if you are suffering from loss of hunger, indigestion, excessive wind formation, occasional nausea and even worm infestation.

2. Relieves Cold and Cough:

Mint contains a unique property of extracting and decreasing phlegm. It is therefore recommended in the respiratory maladies. As a house remedy you need to extract some juice by crushing fresh mint leaves. Add to this an equal quantity of ginger juice. 5 to 10 ml of the mixture is to be taken twice a day along with honey. The use of mint is also advisable for asthmatic patients.

3. Post Natal Use:

Mint is a possessor of the special property of uterus retraction. An Ayurvedic formulation called as ‘Ark pudina’ is generally prescribed after delivery. Moreover, this also tends to stimulate the milk production in lactating mothers.

4. Fights Bad Breath:

A mouthwash can be prepared by mixing mint juice in water. Gargle after every meal to stay clear of foul breath.

5. Anti-Toxic Effect:

In the case of non-specific diarrhoea and / or vomiting or feeling of nausea which could have been a result of food poisoning, mint again comes of use. This owes to the fact that mint contains anti-toxic properties. A paste can be prepared by pounding together mint leaves and onions. 1 to 2 teaspoons of the same can be taken 3 to 4 times in a day.

6. Boon for Children:

For babies and small children showing digestion problems like flatulence, diminished hunger, recurrent colds, relapsing fevers and occasional nausea, you may try a decoction by boiling mint leaves. 

                    Mint Digestive Chutney: Recipe

Mint Chutney

You can make the herb of Mint is into a wonderful digestive chutney, when it is mixed with other naturally digestive herbs and condiments.

It not only enhances the taste and digestion, but also helps to digest ama (toxins) and as well invigorate the agni (gastric fire). Above all, the simple herb of mint also alleviates gas problems.

Ingredients

• • Fresh Mint leaves

• • Chopped or sliced onion

• • Fresh Coriander leaves

• • Cumin Powder

• • Lemon Juice

• • Mishri (Crystalline Sugar)

• • Ginger- Garlic Paste

• • Black Salt

• • Black Pepper

Method

Take some fresh mint leaves, chopped onion, along with fresh coriander leaves and condiments like black salt, black pepper and cumin seeds. Blend them all together or make into paste by adding little water. Ginger – Garlic paste may be added and also add some lemon juice or tamarind to the same. Finally put in white salt and sugar / Mishri to taste and your Mint Chutney is ready ! 

Article published here

About the Author:

Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in the areas of Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant at Herboveda and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.

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