Mint or Mentha is one of the oldest herbs widely used in global cuisines and it is highly prized for its innumerable therapeutic properties and uses. Mint leaves go by the vernacular name Pudina in all Indian languages. In Sanskrit, it is known as pudina, putiha, podinaka, phudino and podina. The divine flavour of pudina leaves renders a distinct taste and aroma to the dishes and it is used to make chutney, raita and refreshing drink. Mint leaves are also valued as a mouth freshener since times immemorial for its amazing healing properties.
Mint the aromatic herb also known as Mentha, belongs to the plant family Lamiaceae, there are more than 13-24 species of mint exists due to hybridization and overlapping of many species. Spearmint and peppermint are the other two common varieties of mint. Mint species is extensively distributed and grows in wet moist land across India, Europe, Africa, Australia and other Asian countries. The perennial herb grows to 1-2 feet tall, spread underground and overground with vertical branches. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, oblong with a serrated margin. Pudina grows all-round the year, near moist places and in extreme climatic conditions. It is a fast-growing herb which needs minimal care and can be easily grown in your kitchen garden.
* Pudina/Mint Leaves Uses :
Pudina leaves can be used fresh or dried in a spectrum of culinary dishes. The leaves render a warm, fresh, aromatic, sweet flavour and deliver a cool aftertaste which is used in making tea, beverages, jellies, syrups, ice creams and candies. Mint flavored tea is quite popular in India and also widely relished in the Arabian and African countries. Mint julep or mojito is an alcohol flavored cocktail drink.
Mint essential oil and menthol are used as a flavouring agent in mouth fresheners, drinks, bantiseptic mouthwashes, toothpaste, chewing gum etc., Menthol, the compound present in mint renders the characteristic aroma and flavors to all mint based products. Menthol is the key element in mint essential oil which is an ingredient in many cosmetics, perfumes and also used as an aromatherapy oil to calm the digestive system.
☆ Ayurvedic Uses :-
The aromatic ayurvedic herb is a natural coolant, with a sweet and a pungent aftertaste. Mint has the quality to pacify all the three doshas and chiefly manages the Pitta dosha. Pudina leaves owing to its carminative properties helps in digestion and assimilation of food and treats colic pain. The extract of pudina leaves is used to treat intestinal worms. Pudina or Pudina Oil has properties which can pacify the pitta and kapha dosha in the body and aggravate vata dosha.
* MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF PUDINA:
• A natural carminative, which soothes the digestive system, relives indigestion problems, motion sickness, colic pain, flatulence, food poisoning, nausea, intestinal peristalsis and other stomach disorders.
• It is also used in treating intestinal and stomach ulcers.
• Helps reduce intestinal inflammation
• It has properties which can clear all sorts of stagnation in the body which might be the cause for sickness.
• Pudina is used in treating respiratory problems like asthma, cold, bronchitis, nasal congestion, sinus and congestion in the lungs.
• It also relieves sore throat, headache, chest congestion and runny nose.
• Pudina is used to reduce fever and neuralgia.
• Pudina Oil is an excellent medicine for menstrual pain and blocked menstruation.
• It nurtures the skin, reduces pain and inflammation.
• Its fresh aroma can rejuvenate the body and mind when used as a beverage.
* Nutritional Profile :
Mint leaves are low on calorie and contain a minimal amount of protein and fat. It is heaped with Vitamins A, C and B -complex which enhances healthy skin and bolsters the immunity. Pudina leaves are one of the foods rich in iron, potassium, and manganese which promote brain function and improves the haemoglobin profile. The aromatic essential oils are piled with antioxidants which scavenges the cells from free radical damage and support overall health.
☆ Health Benefits Of Pudina/Mint leaves :
• Improves Digestion :
Mint leaves are valued as a wonderful appetizer, the aromatic herb helps to activate the salivary glands in the mouth which stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes and promotes the digestion process. Mint oil possesses strong antiseptic and antibacterial and calming nature that helps in soothing stomach woes and ease indigestion, inflammation and irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, evidence reveals that goodness of menthol oil in mint leaves treats diarrhoea and relieves nausea caused due to motion sickness.
• Promotes Respiratory Health :
Regular intake of pudina leaves is highly recommended for asthmatic patients, as it acts as a good relaxant and eases chest congestion. The potent anti-inflammatory properties of mint leaves are well-known to alleviate congestion of the throat, bronchi and lungs and provides relief from respiratory problems like asthma and cold. The cooling properties of mint leaves helps to soothe irritated nose, throat and provides relief from sore throat and cough.
Rhinitis and allergies are quite common among most of the people. Pudina leaves extracts to prevent releasing of irritating chemicals which worsen nasal symptoms caused due to hay fever and other seasonal allergies. However, it is not good to overdo this as it may irritate the throat and nasal cavity.
• Relieves Headache :
Pudina leaves act as a powerful adaptogenic herb which can regulate and stimulate stress response. It is valued as a healing herb in Ayurvedic medicine which provides relief from headache. The powerful and refreshing aromatic properties of mint leaves are used in making soothing balms and essential oils which assists in alleviating headache and nausea.
• Dental Care :
The goodness of chlorophyll and antibacterial property of mint leaves helps to ward off bacteria causing bad breath. Pudina leaves extract are beneficial in clearing plaque deposited in the teeth. Menthol the active compound present in mint leaves is the key element used in most of the toothpaste, mouthwashes and mouth freshener and chewing gums to combat dental problems. To instantly refresh the breath, chew a few mint leaves.
• Promotes Weight Loss :
The aromatic sweet herb plays a vital role in losing weight in a healthy way. Mint leaves promote the secretion of a digestive enzyme like bile acids and increase the bile flow which fastens and ease the digestion process and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Moreover, mint leaves also promote digestion and assimilation of nutrients, boosts metabolism and helps in losing weight. Mint tea is a great refreshing calorie-free beverage which can be added in your regular regimen to promote weight loss.
• Boost Memory :
Pudina leaves are valuable to boost brainpower. Several pieces of evidence strongly support that consuming mint leaves can promote attentiveness and cognitive functions. The active ingredients in mint leaves can better the memory power and mental alertness. Moreover, the stimulant qualities of mint leaves are used in chewing gums which is beneficial to trigger the brain health
• Combat Stress And Depression :
Pudina leaves is a key element in aromatherapy. The rich and distinct flavour and smell of this essential oil can ease stress and refresh the body and mind. The powerful adaptogenic properties of mint leaves can control the action of cortisol and triggers the body’s natural response to beat stress. The essential oil is used extensively in aromatherapy and inhaling mint essential oil can soothe the mind promptly as it secretes serotonin in the brain which helps to combat depression. Add a few mint leaves while making tea or mint essential oil in your vaporizer or water bath for instant relief.
• Assists Breastfeeding :
Nipple sores and cracked nipples are common among lactating mothers which make breastfeeding more painful and hard. Evidence revealed that applying mint essential oil is valuable in easing pain and heals soreness and cracked nipple. Mint essential oil can be used in several ways in preventing and treating cracked nipples and pain linked with breastfeeding.
• Mint Leaves For Skin Health :
Mint or pudina leaves is a key ingredient used extensively in a spectrum of skincare and beauty products owing to its potent antibacterial and cooling properties. The richness of menthol and natural antioxidants and flavonoids in pudina leaves are used as an amazing cleanser, toner, astringent and moisturizer in skincare products.
• Cures Acne :
The goodness of salicylic acid and vitamin A in mint leaves control the secretion of sebum oil in the skin and help in curing acne or bacne. 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 outburst. To heal acne, apply mint leaves extract on the affected regions, allow it to stay for 5-10 minutes, the extract quickly dries up acne, clears the scars and cleanses the pores from deep within.
• Improves Skin Tone And Complexion :
The cooling and refreshing properties of pudina leaves retain the moisture in the skin and tightens the pores. The astringent property of mint leaves tones the skin, softens dry and itchy skin. Mint is a natural cleanser helps to ward off dead skin cells, dirt from the pores, lessens blemishes, improves the skin complexion and makes the skin look supple, radiant and well-toned.
• Slow Down Ageing :
The richness of antioxidants and other vital vitamins in mint leaves shield the skin cells from free radical damage and revitalize the skin thus slowing down the ageing process. Furthermore, the essence of rosmarinic acid in mint leaves is valuable in enhancing the blood circulation, hydrated the skin and fades away wrinkles and fine lines. Pudina leaves extract are great to keep your skin look radiant and glow from inside out.
• Treats Dark Circles :
Pudina leaves extract is heaped with essential vitamins C and A which promotes the blood circulation, lessen dark circle and makes the skin look healthy. Apply a pack of mint leaves extract with tomato juice and allow it to stay for 20-30 minutes and rinse well with cold water, this lightness the skin tone and diminishes dark circles under the eyes.
• Removes Dark Spots :
The presence of salicylic acid and soothing properties of mint leaves is beneficial in repairing and soften the skin cells. Pudina leaves extract helps in brightening the skin tone, clear off dark spot and makes the skin look healthy and glow.
• Uses Of Mint Leaves For Hair Health :
Pudina leaves extract are a great source of carotene and antioxidants that promotes hair growth and prevents hair fall. The potent antimicrobial and antifungal properties of mint leaves aids to ward off dandruff, head lice and treat other scalp issues. 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. Furthermore, menthol based hair oil improves the blood circulation to the hair follicles and renews new hair cells, prevent hair loss and makes the mane grow stronger and voluminous.
☆ Menthol Crystals :
* The organic compound Menthol occurs naturally within the Mentha arvensis botanical, which is the main Mint variety that is used to obtain Menthol Crystals as well as natural Menthol flakes.
* In their natural state at room temperature, Menthol Crystals appear to be colorless or white, solid but small, brittle, satiny crystalline matter with a waxy texture.
* Used in aromatherapy, Menthol Crystals promote easier breathing, temporarily relieve nasal congestion, soothe sore throats, alleviate fever symptoms, coughs, headaches, and sinus discomforts, support immunity, and stabilize the emotions.
* Used cosmetically, Menthol Crystals contribute a cooling sensation to the skin, calm irritation, itching, and burning, eliminate blackheads and whiteheads, diminish the appearance of dark spots and age spots, and promote clearer skin. They also cleanse and moisturize the skin, leaving it looking radiant, firmer, and smoother.
* Used in hair, Menthol Crystals regulate oil production, remove dandruff buildup, eliminate or reduce the number of lice and nits, repair damage, remove pollutants and excess sebum, alleviate inflammation and irritation, stimulate circulation, purify the strands, promote the hair’s natural luster, and encourage the growth of longer, stronger, and more lush hair.
* Used medicinally, their cooling sensation makes Menthol Crystals ideal for addressing aches, pain, cramps, sprains, and irritation. They help relax muscles while easing tension headaches, nausea, dizziness, and they can be used as decongestant agents for their ability to promote the feeling of airways opening up.
☆ Side Effects :-
The aromatic herb is generally safe for consumption, however people with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) should minimize the consumption as it may not soothe the tummy and may act as an irritant. Menthol oil is not recommended for internal consumption and avoid applying mint oil directly to the face of the infant or child as it may cause breathing difficulties.
☆ Mint leaves can be used fresh, dried, as essential oils or in the form of supplements to derive its benefits.
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