Banaras Hindu University
Question
Asked 9 January 2015
What are the health benefits of mint?
Some excerpts from a recent article in Medical News Today (2014):
"Mint has one of the highest antioxidant capacities of any food. Learning how to use fresh herbs and spices like mint when cooking can also help to cut down on sodium intake.
Mint, also known as mentha, is actually a genus or group of around 15-20 types of plants including peppermint and spearmint. Mint oil is often used in toothpaste, gum, candy and beauty products while the leaves are used either fresh or dried for teas and food."
Allergies: Mint plants contain an antioxidant known as rosmarinic acid, which has been studied for its effectiveness in relieving seasonal allergy symptoms. Because of rosmarinic acid's anti-inflammatory properties, rosmarinic acid has been shown to be a promising treatment.
Common cold: Mint contains menthol, which is a natural decongestant that helps to break up phlegm and mucus. Mint can also be effective, especially when combined with tea for relieving sore throats.
Indigestion: Mint is a calming and soothing herb that has been used for thousands of years to aid with upset stomach or indigestion. Mint is thought to improve the flow of bile through the stomach, which helps to speed and ease digestion.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): The use peppermint oil has been found to be an effective and safe treatment for those suffering from abdominal pain or discomfort associated with IBS
Skin: When applied topically in oil, ointment or lotion, mint has the effect of calming and cooling skin affected by insect bites, rash or other reactions."
Also, mint tea is very popular in Algeria, Tunisia, USA/Canada and Europe.
In India, mint leaves are used in many recipes and people are aware of some health benefits of mint in India.
Most recent answer
Please see this useful RG link.
6 Recommendations
Popular answers (1)
From my own experience with my patients, peppermint oil is very effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome which is widely spread.
Mints is used frequently in the Jordanian food menu and we also added it to our traditional tea drink
9 Recommendations
All Answers (22)
From my own experience with my patients, peppermint oil is very effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome which is widely spread.
Mints is used frequently in the Jordanian food menu and we also added it to our traditional tea drink
9 Recommendations
United Arab Emirates University
Dear @Sundar, In addition to the contributions of dears @Kamal and @Cecilia, the following article entitled: "What are the health benefits of mint?" mentioned some of these benefits;
Mint has one of the highest antioxidant capacities of any food. Learning how to use fresh herbs and spices like mint when cooking can also help to cut down on sodium intake.
Mint, also known as mentha, is actually a genus or group of around 15-20 types of plants including peppermint and spearmint. Mint oil is often used in toothpaste, gum, candy and beauty products while the leaves are used either fresh or dried for teas and food.
This MNT Knowledge Center feature is part of a collection of articles on the health benefits of popular foods. It provides a nutritional breakdown of mint and an in-depth look at its possible health benefits, how to incorporate more mint into your diet and any potential health risks associated with consuming mint. See the details at the link:
7 Recommendations
Yes dear Cecilia,
In Jordan we also use mint in our salads, and even we put fresh mint over the rice
6 Recommendations
University of Patras
All these information is useful! There is however a danger: to be "a manic" about the food supplements, and finally consume a lot of them, producing some bad aftereffects. So the issue to fix a balanced diet which you change carefully.
5 Recommendations
WRW Services LLP
Mint has many positive properties that can treat a host of issues in the human body. People have become very creative in harvesting its leaves and finding many ways to use this helpful herb. Whether a sprig of mint is added to a drink, the leaves are chewed, or its used in other forms, it should be a standard in any kitchen.
5 Recommendations
Applied Science Private University
There are many health benefits for eating mint. Some of these benefits are:
Respiratory Disorders and Coughs: The strong aroma of mint is very effective in clearing up congestion of the nose, throat, bronchi and lungs, which gives relief for respiratory disorders that often result from asthma and the common cold. As mint cools and soothes the throat, nose and other respiratory channels, it relieves the irritation which causes chronic coughing. This is the main reason why so many balms are based on mint. Unlike the inhalers that are based on aerosols, those with mint as the fundamental component tend to be more effective and eco-friendly as well.
Asthma: Regular use of mint is very beneficial for asthma patients, as it is a good relaxant and relieves congestion. That being said, using too much mint in this way can also irritate the nose and throat.
Breast Feeding: For many women, breastfeeding is a beautiful part of raising a child, but it can seriously damage your breasts and nipples. Studies have shown that mint oil can reduce the nipple cracks and nipple pain that so often accompany breastfeeding.
Depression and Fatigue: Mint is a natural stimulant, and the smell alone can be enough to charge your batteries and get your brain functioning on a high level again. If you are feeling sluggish, anxious, depressed, or simply exhausted, mint and its derivative essential oils can help. It can be ingested, applied topically in a salve form, or inhaled as a vapor, and all of those techniques can give you a much-needed boost! A popular way to get good results in an easy manner is to put a few drops of mint essential oil or menthol oil on your pillow at night and let it work on your body and mind while you sleep.
6 Recommendations
All India Institute of Medical Sciences
Mint juice along with mango juice is used to prevent heat stroke. In India the preparation is popularly called ''Panna".
4 Recommendations
Modern College of Bussiness and Science
Dear Dr. Sundarapandian Vaidyanathan,
Mint is blessed with antioxidants and phytonurients. Hence, helps in cramping stomach and lowering acidity. It is used for many purposes. Such as:
- Skin infections
- Skin cleanser
- Mouth freshener
- Its strong aroma helps in stimulating brain functioning
6 Recommendations
Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology
In Asian countries, mint is used a lot in cooking!
In Algeria and Tunisia, mint leaves are added to black tea for flavour.
2 Recommendations
Forest Research Institute Dehradun
Mint, well known for cool burst of flavor is an herb used since antiquity for its culinary, medicinal and aromatic properties. There are about 25 different species of mints; peppermint is actually a natural hybrid cross between Mentha aquatica (water mint) and Mentha spicata (spearmint). Peppermint is a good source of manganese, copper and vitamin C. Vitamin C is the main water-soluble antioxidant in the body is needed to decrease levels of free radicals that can cause damage to cells. Modern scientific investigations have revealed the potential health benefits associated with the use of different components of the peppermint plant, including aromatherapeutic, topical and internal applications. Research indicated that this plant has great value in treating gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome colonic spasm gastric emptying disorders functional dyspepsia infantile colic. it is reported to be beneficial in tuberculosis allergic rhinitis (hay fever), shingles associated pain (post-herpetic neuralgia, memory problems, chemotherapy-induced nausea, prostate cancer, radiation damage, herpes simplex virus type 1, dental caries/bad breath. Some studies have shown a link between increased vitamin C intake and a decreased risk for colon cancer, possibly by as much as 40%, while other studies have shown that vitamin C intake can help to decrease the incidence of colon tumors.
6 Recommendations
Modern College of Bussiness and Science
Dear Prof. Satya Das,
In "Panna" one more important ingredient is there and that is "green (unripe) mango". Mint is also added in Panna.
5 Recommendations
Forest Research Institute Dehradun
Mint is an important ingredient in Indian cooking due to its flavour and health benefits. It is widely used in chutneys, relishes, salads, sauces, teas and North Indian refreshing drink during summer..Mint is also perfect as a garnish for desserts, and goes well with fruits, iced tea, lemonade and yogurts as well as a variety of cocktails. Fresh mint combines well with many vegetables such as new potatoes, tomatoes, carrots and peas. A few chopped leaves give refreshment to green salads and salad dressings. In Indian during Summer Mint chutney prepared with raw mango and chillies is part of daily menu. Mint is also combined in popular snack ‘Panipuri’
5 Recommendations
All India Institute of Medical Sciences
Dabur India, an indian pharmaceutical company is selling Mint syrup called 'Pudin Hara' for stomach ailments.
3 Recommendations
Forest Research Institute Dehradun
Yes Dear Satya, Dabur India produced "Pudin Hara' is a popular medicine for stomach problems. One can find this OTC medicine in almost every household in India.
2 Recommendations
Modern College of Bussiness and Science
Dear ALL,
We can learn more about Mint via the link pasted below:
6 Recommendations
National Institute of Technology, Warangal
I think it is like something: many problem one solution--- that is have some mint in your diet.
1 Recommendation
University of Peshawar
We have two types of mint
One is good for digestion (enalay)
The other is taste enhancer (podina)
Similar questions and discussions
Book project-A Handbook of Research on Plant-Based Natural Products and Herbal Medicine
Dear Researchers:
I hope this message finds you well! Currently, I am in the process of editing a forthcoming publication entitled A Handbook of Research on Plant-Based Natural Products and Herbal Medicine to be published by Apple Academic Press/CRC Press (Taylor and Francis Group), an international publisher of progressive academic research. I would like to take this opportunity to cordially invite you to submit your work for consideration in this publication. Researcher interests and expertise should be in botany, medicinal plants, plants-based natural products, herbal medicine, herbo-nanoceuticals, etc., and I am certain that your contribution on this topic and/or other related research areas would make an excellent addition to this publication. We are in a need of only few informative chapters. If anyone want to contribute, please contact me on my email. This book will be published soon.
Chapter proposals can be submitted to: akash.saklani777@gmail.com
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you very much for your consideration of this invitation, and I hope to hear from you.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Herbal medicine is the use of plants for prevention and curing of different ailments/diseases. In general, widespread use in a traditional medicinal system may indicate safety but not efficacy of treatment, especially in herbal medicine, where tradition is almost completely based on remedies containing active principles at very low and ultra-low concentrations. Natural products are obtained from different parts of plants, and their chemical composition varies on different factor; therefore, the effect also varies from person to person. Herbal extracts are prepared on the basis of the information obtained from traditional medical healers. Herbal medicine and natural products have benefited a large number of people in past and have been found to have great benefits in addressing different diseases. So, there is huge potential for future discoveries from plants-based products and other natural products, which, thus, offer great potential in deriving important information about new chemical structures and their new types of action against pathogens.
Keeping in mind of above point of view, this book is looking for research outcomes and strategies from academicians, researchers, and workers for better and fruitful outcomes.
Objectives/Recommended Topics
1. Herbal medicine and natural products: people, health, and environment
2. Renaissance of traditional herbal medicine
3. Natural products and herbal medicine from medicinal plants
4. Phytochemistry and pharmacology of natural products
5. Herbal medicine in folk tradition
6. The therapeutic potentials of herbal medicine in treatment of different diseases
7. Therapeutic potential of natural products for drug discovery
8. Therapist and patient perspectives of herbal medicine in the treatment for substance dependence
9. Herbal remedies and natural products in pharmaceutical science as nano drug delivery systems
10. Influence of nanotechnology on herbal drugs
11. Nanotechnology in herbal medicines
12. Impact of nanotechnology on global trade of herbal drugs
13. Drug delivery system in Nano greens influence nano-based drug delivery systems: recent developments and future prospects
14. The traditional and modern medicine from natural products
15. Comparison of medicinally important natural products versus synthetic drugs
16. Herbal medicine and natural products: today and tomorrow
17. Development of natural product and herbal drugs in a sustainable manner
18. Herbal medicines: possible risks and benefits
19. Herbal medicine in treatment of different disease
20. Traditional herbal medicines
21. Herbal medicine incorporated nanoparticles: advancements in herbal treatment
22. Herbo-nanoceuticals: a new step towards herbal therapeutics
23. Phyto-nanotechnology: enhancing delivery of plant based drugs
There are no publication charges
Best wishes,
Editor:
Dr. Akash
Email id for contact: akash.saklani777@gmail.com
Our earlier publications:
https://www.igi-global.com/book/ethnomedicinal-plant-use-practice-traditional/232298
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