15 Health Benefits of Mint Leaves That You Should Know!
By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikita Toshi
Last updated: Dec 17, 2024 Published on: Aug 17, 2020
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By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2 more
Mint leaves also known as Pudina are a popular aromatic herb for its freshness with several health benefits. Since ancient times, people have used different types of mints all over the world. A variety of mint plants offer you a lot of anti-oxidant properties and health benefits.
Friendly Reminder: The information shared here is for educational purposes only and the reader should consult a registered medical practitioner before implementing any changes to their health routine.
Table of Contents
Did You Know?
Science has proven that mint has plenty of health benefits for your body. Here are some of the best ways that you can use mint to help your body stay healthy.
Mint leaves are known as an amazing appetizer. It helps to promote the digestive system by stimulating digestive enzymes. Mint oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties to relieve indigestion, stomach infections, etc. It acts as an anti-spasmodic remedy due to the presence of methanol.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common disorder of the digestive system. It can cause stomach pain, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, and indigestion. The main and important treatment for irritable bowel syndrome is a change of diet but some studies have shown that mint oil can be helpful.
Mint oil contains a compound called menthol which gives relaxing effects on the muscles of the digestive tract.
Mint leaves are highly recommended for asthma patients, as it acts as a good relaxant and relieves chest congestion. Consumption of mint leaves daily can give a soothing effect for asthmatic patients.
Mint is known to clear a stuffed nose, menthol can make breathing a lot easier. It also relieves the irritation caused by a chronic cough.
You have just gobbled on garlic soup, so what’s next you will do? Pop up some chewing gum. But next time try to chew mint leaves to get rid of the strong odour. Mint leaves could help freshen your breath instantly due to the presence of germicidal properties.
Mint leaves extract can help to clear the plaque deposition on teeth. Menthol-containing toothpaste, mouthwash, or chewing gums can cease oral bacterial growth and keeps your oral cavity clean.
Mint leaves are brain tonic. According to various studies, consuming mint may up alertness and cognitive functions. Mint leaves can improve memory power and mental alertness.
Mint is full of vitamins and antioxidants to improve your immunity. These plant-based vitamins help to protect your cells from damage. Also, mint leaves can prevent tumour formation by inhibiting some enzymes.
Mint is an essential part of aromatherapy. It’s strong and refreshing smell could help beat stress and rejuvenate the mind. By breathing in the aroma of mint, your mind is instantly calmed.
You can add mint to your tea, use mint extract on a vaporizer or take a mint bath for immediate relief from stress and depression.
Read More: 7 Relaxation Techniques That Help Fight Stress
Breastfeeding mothers commonly experience sore and cracked nipples, which can make breastfeeding painful and difficult. Evidence revealed that applying mint essential oil is valuable in easing pain and heals soreness and cracked nipples.
Let me reveal about a special ingredient called menthol present in mint oil. Menthol oil may help relieve menstrual cramps in women. It might be like a minty champion for your well-being!
Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Mint leaves play an essential role in losing weight in a healthy way. Mint leaves promote digestion and boost metabolism to help in losing weight. Mint tea is a great refreshing calorie-free beverage to promote weight loss.
Mint is an ancient medicine to treat skin-related problems like acne, scar. 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 outbursts.
Mint leaves contain high salicylic acid and vitamin A which controls the secretion of sebum oil in the skin and helps to cure acne.
Mint leaves extract is useful to treat and prevent acne. The richness of menthol and natural antioxidants in mint leaves are used as an amazing cleanser, toner, astringent and moisturizer for the skin. Mint leaves tones the skin, softens dry and itchy skin.
In my opinion, mint leaves might act as little defenders fighting against bacteria and fungi. Studies have found that oil, made from mint leaves may be extremely effective. In fact, it was functional against 22 bacterial strains and 11 fungal strains!
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Mint leaves extract is a great source of carotene and antioxidants that promote hair growth and prevent hair fall. The potent antimicrobial and antifungal properties of mint leaves use to ward off dandruff, head lice, etc.
You can 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.
Mint is an excellent remedy to treat nausea. It is also effective for treating nausea that happens in morning sickness.
Recent studies conducted in 2019 have proven that Mint contains 53 separate compounds that have anti-allergic properties. This means consuming mint can to some extent help in the treatment of different types of allergies.
I came across a study in which mint leaf extracts were studied for their effects on allergic rhinitis in mice. These extracts possibly helped to reduce histamine release from mast cells and relieved nasal symptoms in rats. This suggests that peppermint extracts might help relieve allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
A clinical study on rats conducted in 2019 has proven that the compounds in mint are indeed more effective in the treatment of asthmatic symptoms than the traditional medicine known as dexamethasone. This study suggests that mint may have similar effects on humans as well. Therefore, consuming mint may help to ease symptoms of asthma to some extent.
The nutritional facts of spearmint or commonly known as mint, state that it can provide a healthy dose of balanced nutrition as well. Two tablespoons of mint 0.4 grams of proteins, 0.9 grams of carbohydrates, 0.8 grams of dietary fibre, 1.5 mg of Vitamin C, 22.4 mg of Calcium, 6.8 mg of Phosphorous and 51.5 mg of Potassium, among other nutrients.
Based on my observations, mint leaves aren’t just tasty and refreshing, they might also have some impressive anti-tumour powers. In studies conducted on mice, mint leaves have shown promising results in fighting against tumours.
Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
Mint leaves are generally safe for consumption, however people with gastroesophageal reflux disease should minimize the consumption as it may cause stomach irritation. Menthol oil is contraindicated in children to use topically as it may cause breathing difficulties.
According to science, mint is an amazing herb with a lot of benefits. You can’t go wrong by adding mint in your diet as it is full of antioxidants, vitamins, iron, and so on. In simple words, include mint in your diet if you want to stay healthy and happy.
Read More: 14 Health Benefits of Curry Leaves
Yes, mint leaves can be eaten raw. They are commonly used to add a fresh, aromatic flavor to salads, beverages, and garnishes.
Mint leaves can be used for a variety of purposes, including flavoring foods and beverages, making teas, and as a garnish. They also have medicinal uses, such as aiding digestion, soothing headaches, and providing relief from cold symptoms. Additionally, mint is often used in skincare products for its refreshing and soothing properties.
Mint leaves can help alleviate cough symptoms due to their menthol content, which has soothing and decongestant properties. However, they are not a cure and should be used alongside other treatments for best results.
Mint leaves are not known to lower blood pressure directly. While they have various health benefits, there is no strong evidence supporting their use for blood pressure reduction. Always consult with a healthcare provider for managing blood pressure.
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that mint leaves can induce periods. While mint has various health benefits, it is not known to influence menstrual cycles.
Mint leaves contain antioxidants and vitamin C, which can help improve skin health, but there is limited evidence that they effectively remove dark spots. They might offer some benefits when used in skincare routines, but results can vary.
Yes, mint leaves have a cooling effect on the body. They contain menthol, which can create a cooling sensation when consumed or applied topically, helping to refresh and soothe.
Mint leaves are generally soothing for the digestive system and are not known to cause acidity. In fact, they can help alleviate symptoms of indigestion and heartburn for some people. However, individual reactions can vary, and some might experience increased acidity.
Yes, chewing mint leaves can freshen your breath. Mint contains compounds like menthol that have a refreshing and cooling effect on the mouth, which can help mask bad breath odors.
Yes, mint leaves contain vitamin K. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone health, and mint leaves provide a small amount of this nutrient along with other vitamins and minerals.
Drinking mint water in the morning offers several health benefits. It aids digestion, reduces bloating, and can help freshen breath. Additionally, mint water has a soothing effect on the stomach and may enhance mental alertness and focus, providing a refreshing start to your day.
Yes, mint leaves do contain salicylic acid, albeit in small amounts. Salicylic acid, known for its anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties, contributes to the therapeutic benefits of mint, making it useful in skincare remedies and as a natural pain reliever.
Mint leaves possess natural antibacterial properties and contain menthol, which can help soothe inflammation and reduce the appearance of pimples. Creating a homemade mint paste or applying mint-infused toner may aid in calming irritated skin and preventing future breakouts, but individual results may vary.
Despite their refreshing taste, mint leaves are mildly acidic in nature. They typically have a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0, making them slightly acidic. This acidity can contribute to their ability to aid digestion and provide relief from indigestion.
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