Green, refreshing and aromatic are the three words that come to our mind when we think of Mint. But this “super herb” is not just restricted to these three words, once you will finish reading this article you will find some other amazing words to describe it.
Since ages mint has been used in cooking and for making refreshing drinks. It has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, which is evident from the Egyptian pyramids radiocarbon dating. From Asia to Europe, mint takes place as the key ingredients in many soups, salads, curries and juices.
What’s so sensational about this herb is that once you put a fresh leaf in your mouth it will leave a refreshing aftertaste, for a long time. This is one of the reasons why it is used in products like toothpaste, chewing gums, mouthwash and breath fresheners.
It is also believed that the mint found in Asian countries has a far much stronger taste than the ones grown in Europe. Mint is abundantly available in all parts of the world, all year round.
Let’s take a look at its nutritional facts. Its leaves are blessed with some powerful antioxidants in the form of some essential vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin B-6, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, beta carotene, folate and riboflavin. The beneficial minerals contained in it are calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and manganese.
Besides being the power source of these essential nutrients this is what its magical leaves can do:
1. Promotes Digestion:
One of the most important functions mint leaves can perform is that it supports the digestive system by activating the salivary glands and digestive enzymes. For best results, use mint tea. Moreover, the leaves are also beneficial for soothing colic pain and for gastrointestinal problems.
2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome:
Studies reveal that it can effectively treat problem of irritable bowel syndrome, in both children and adults and also it is helpful in relieving pain caused by this problem.
3. Asthma and other Respiratory Disorders:
Mint leaves have decongestant properties, the aroma of these wonderful leaves is helpful in relieving congestion of the respiratory tract. For asthma patients mint works as a medicine and provides relaxed breathing; this is one of the reasons why it is used extensively for making inhalers. Some studies have also revealed its benefits for the tuberculosis patients.
For an instant relief from congestion, add 4 to 5 mint leaves to the boiling water and inhale the steam.
4. Lower Blood Pressure:
The potassium contents present in the mint leaves help to lower down blood pressure and also regulate the pulse rate.
There are many ways mint has proven beneficial for the skin. Number 1 on the list is its effectiveness for treating acne. It also soothes the itching and irritation caused by insect bites. Mint juice also serves as a perfect cleanser for the skin. To make that dull skin look fresh, pour some rose water in a spray bottle and add a few mint leaves to it, spray this mixture on your face to freshen up!
5. Promote Oral Health:
Mint not only cures bad breath but it also fights bacteria responsible for causing cavities. This is the reason why it is used in products like toothpaste, mouthwash and tongue spray. The dried, powdered mint leaves have been used as a teeth whitener since middle ages.
6. Relieve Pain:
The magical mint leaves can soothe all kinds of pain such as muscular pain, headache and even stomachache.
To relax the muscles of your legs take a cup of sea salt, add olive oil about 1/3 cup and 6 to 8 drops of peppermint essential oil, now massage your feet with this mixture for 5 to 10 minutes and rinse off. This mixture is very effective for relieving muscular pain.
7. Treat Nausea:
Feeling nausea? Just smell the aroma of peppermint essential oil or fresh mint leaves, it can also work well for people having nausea because of chemotherapy. If you usually feel nausea while traveling you can keep some fresh mint leaves with you to avoid this problem.
8. Effective for Depression:
A cup of tea prepared with fresh green leaves of mint is all you need to keep the stress away. In fact, it is an effective cure for depression.
9. Improve Memory:
You can enhance your memory by just sniffing mint leaves. Yes! It is true; studies reveal that the aroma of fresh mint can help increase alertness and improve memory.
10. Prevent Cancer:
The compound called menthol present in mint leaves has the power to treat various types of cancer, especially prostate cancer.
How to Make Mint Tea?
We have already told you the amazing benefits of the mint tea. You can easily prepare it at your home. All you need is a cup of water, add 5 to 6 mint leaves to it and boil it for 5 minutes. Enjoy your refreshing cup of mint tea and get rid of harmful toxins that can cause you health problems. This tea is also beneficial for purifying the blood.
Source: humannhealth.com
Image credit: celebfitness.blogspot.com
