Medicinal uses of Mint

Mint is an easy to grow herb with a refreshing sent and diverse in its uses; enjoy mint fresh, dry or boiled for tea.  Mediterranean cultures use it with salty dishes and in salads, while western cultures prefer it in sweets, fruit salads and with chocolate.  But all around the world people enjoy mint tea and in most cultures it even has medicinal uses.

 

Mint has been subjected to many test tube and animal experiments but not until recently has researchers started to challenge folk uses of mint.  For centuries, cultures have used mint and mint teas to treat everything from stomach problems such as cramps, nausea and vomiting to the common cold [1].  In modern day researchers’ attempts to find the truth, it has been found to relieve stomach pain, induce relaxation, aid in digestion [2]  and symptoms of irritable bowel disease in children and adults [3].  Additionally, multiple studies have found a preparation of mint and caraway relieved dyspepsia symptoms [4].  On the other hand, mint does not just relieve pain but it is full of nutritional goodies.

Chemists found that mint teas have the third highest concentration of antioxidants among teas [4]; therefore, mint tea is a good alternative for individuals who want to avoid caffeinated teas.  Mint also exhibited antibacterial, antiviral, and antitumor abilities [1, 4-5].  That’s not it; mint tea contains potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc, copper, chromium, and selenium [4].  So whether you want to relax in the evening or have a mild stomach ache, mint tea may help you feel better while supplying wonderful nutrients. 

 

References:

1.            Rodriguez-Fragoso, L., et al., Risks and benefits of commonly used herbal medicines in Mexico. Toxicology and applied pharmacology, 2008. 227(1): p. 125-135.

2.            Spirling, L. and I. Daniels, Botanical perspectives on health peppermint: more than just an after-dinner mint. The Journal of the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health, 2001. 121(1): p. 62.

3.            Webb, G., Nutritional supplements and conventional medicine; what should the physician know? Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 2007. 66(04): p. 471-478.

4.            McKay, D. and J. Blumberg, A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.). Phytotherapy Research, 2006. 20(8): p. 619-633.

5.            Tapsell, L., et al., Health benefits of herbs and spices: the past, the present, the future. Medical Journal of Australia, 2006. 185(4): p. S4-S24.