Mint Leaves: Health Benefits and Uses

The health benefits and uses of mint leaves, also known as mentha or pudina. 1. Mint leaves are one of the highest herbal sources of antioxidants and carotenes, and are therefore used to create herbal teas. 2. Drinking mint tea aids the digestion process of the body and naturally stabilises both irritable bowel syndrome and constipation. It has also been attributed to soothe diaphragm irritation, effectively treating hiccups. 3. Drinking mint tea also has strong antimicrobial and antifungal properties due to its high volume of natural nutrients, vitamins and minerals. 4. All mint varieties are rich in carotenes containing approximately 1,600 micrograms within a standard portion. When regularly consumed, mint aids with achieving optimal eye health whilst reducing dry eyes and sensitivity. 5. Mint leaves can be crushed and used in conjunction with regular toothpaste to whiten teeth with stronger effect. The pleasant aroma and oxidisation process also reduces bad breath. 6. Menthol is an essential oil which is contained within many varieties of mint. This essential oil is regularly extracted and used in a range of different health, food and cosmetic products. 7. Peppermint, one of the most common varieties is used in many medicines such as inhalers, in order to aid breathing, prevent coughing, hay fever and reduce mucus during a cold or infection. 8. When mint aroma is inhaled, it also helps asthma. The respiratory passages and airwaves are opened and calmed to allow for a more stable airflow. This can be reproduced at home by simply crushing peppermint leaves and inhaling the aroma and menthol contained within them. 9. Inhaling mint aroma also reduces nausea and headaches. Peppermint tea works particularly well in this case. 10. Mint leaves can also be used in other aromatherapy products such as candles, oils, soaps and balms. 11. Oils derived from mint can be used in conjunction with other essential oils to provide a pleasing and relaxing aroma, in order to reduce insomnia. 12. Mint acts as an antipyretic, therefore may also be used as a rub to provide a cooling sensation to the skin. This effectively desensitises skin irritations from itching, burns, bites and stings. 13. Rosmarinic acid is a dominant antioxidant contained within mint, and has high anti-inflammatory properties. Mint oil and menthol can be used while soaking in the bath to reduce aches, sprains and cramps. 14. The gentle aroma of mint leaves used in aromatherapy acts as a relaxant, reducing anxiety and stress. 15. A variety of mint named Barbed Skullcap kills cancer cells by destroying the blood vessels which supply the cancerous tumours. 16. Mint used in conjunction with salt and water can be used to create a better tasting saline gargle, in order to clear up throat infections. 17. The pennyroyal variety of mint can be used as a bug deterrent, and is commonly used in spray form to repel ants and flies. 18. Mint leaves and stalks can be tucked inside a pillow which your pet sleeps on, or in their favourite resting place to act as a flea repellent. 19. Mint is a commonly used herb to cook with. It can add a wonderful flavour to many dishes, whilst also adding healthy nutrition. 20. When grown in larger quantities, mint acts as a mice and rats deterrent in your garden. 21. There are over 18 known varieties of mint, and many hybrids. Each has its own unique flavour. 22. The mint herb plant grows rapidly and is usually perennial, returning each year with little maintenance. In order to harvest your own mint for use in cooking and any of the techniques described above, I would recommend continually removing the leaves from the mint stalks throughout the growing season, as this promotes a bushier mint with more growth. Depending upon the variety, always keep the mint well trimmed to prevent it from flowering which will yield more foliage. The mint flower itself can also be eaten, and can be a beautiful aromatic garnish as a final touch to any dish. 23. Mint is very refreshing when added to iced drinks. Place mint stalks in a bottle of water in the refrigerator and leave it for at least 1 hour. The water will then be infused with mint, and can be combined with fresh fruit and vegetables to create a very healthy yet tasty beverage. 24. Mint sauce can also be made and is a tasty complement to any roast meal. Please see the link below the video for a short guide on how to make fresh mint sauce. Finally I would like to dedicate this video to my late grandmother Bella, who inspired my love of mint from a young age. For a written version of this article, please follow the link in the description to the unexplored lexicon blog, or visit my main website breakingrealms.com where you can also see other articles, podcasts and other life enhancing research projects and developments.