5 Wonderful Ways, Mint Keeps You Fit and Healthy

5 Wonderful Ways, Mint Keeps You Fit and Healthy 

- By Dr. Manjula Gupta 

Botanical name of mint is Menthe piperita, belongs to lamiaceae family. It is known as Pudina in Hindi. It is used very commonly in Indian kitchens to flavor the dishes or make chutneys.

Mint is perennial bushy plant that grows up to 1.2 M in tropical climate. Mint is an aromatic plant with pungent taste. Leaves are the part used which are green to yellow with serrated margin.

Actions - Adaptogens, Analgesic, Antifungal, Antioxidant, Antispasmodic, Aromatic, Astringent, Carminative, Cordial, Diaphoretic/Sudorific, Expectorant, Febrifuge, Hepatic, Insect Repellents, Nervine, Refrigerant, Skin Tonic, Stimulant etc.

Chemical constituents - Volatile oils (composed mainly of menthol, menthone, menthylacetate), Flavonoids, Tocopherols, Carotenoids, Betaine, Choline, Azulenes, Rosmarinic Acid.

Here are the Health Benefits of Mint/Pudina

1 - Rosmarinic acid, an active constituent of mint acts as a great anti-oxidant that blocks the allergy producing leukotrienes. Therefore proved beneficial in allergy and asthmatic conditions. Strong aroma of mint is very helpful in respiratory tract problems like congestion, cough and blockage in the nose, throat and lungs. It provides soothing effects and therefore relieves the irritation in respiratory tract.

Either you can make mint tea to sip hot or can put few leaves over hot water to inhale steam.

2 - Yes, mint is a great appetizer and helps to improve digestion effectively. Menthol oil derived from the mint provides soothing effects and deal with indigestion, bloating of gas, anorexia etc.

You can make Pudina chutney along with Anardana (dry pomegranate seeds) powder which will aid to the taste. I am sure you will love this!

3 - Mint leaves have got antispasmodic properties therefore can be very helpful in menstrual cramps in women. It prevent the nausea feeling which is very common during periods.

Just drink sip by sip a cup of mint tea to relax the uterus and smell them to get rid of nausea.

4 - Mint can effectively beat stress and mental fatigue. Mint extract is used to deal with stress and anxiety in aromatherapy. Inhaling mint fumes helps to relax the mind and body. It releases serotonin in the brain and beats mental fatigue.

One can use mint extract in bathing tub to feel fresh throughout the day.

5 - Due to its cooling and soothing effects mint is very useful to relax the muscles. It is packed with analgesic properties therefore used in many natural remedies apply externally like balm. It fights pains and aches.

Simply mint leaves paste can be applied on affected area to get rid of pains.