Top Health Benefits of Mint Leaves That You Should Know 

Introduction

Mint leaves also known as Pudina is a popular aromatic herb widely used for its freshness and health benefits. Since ancient times, people have used different varieties of mint all over the world. All these varieties offer a lot of antioxidant properties and health benefits^1,2.

Nutritional Profile

• Mint leaves are enriched with antioxidants and phytonutrients, and contains vitamin A, vitamin C, and B-complex, phosphorous, calcium, and also has anti-bacterial properties. 
• It is one of the rich sources of iron, potassium, and manganese which improves haemoglobin levels and promotes brain function². 
• Mint leaves are low in calories and contain no fat so you may benefit from adding mint leaves to your weight loss diet program³. 

Health Benefits of Mint Leaves are

Science suggests⁴ that mint has many of health benefits for your body but ensure to take it under the supervision of a healthcare provider to be certain that it can be beneficial to your case. Here are some of the ways that mint can help your body stay healthy. 

1. Treat Indigestion 

Mint leaves are known to be an amazing appetiser. 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 agent due to the presence of methanol⁵. 

2. Relieves Irritable Bowel Syndrome 

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^2,3. 

3. Improve Respiratory Complaints 

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 cough².

4. Oral Care 

Mint leaves can help freshen your breath instantly due to the presence of germicidal properties. You can chew on mint leaves to get rid of the strong odours like after having a meal with garlic. 

Mint leaves extract can help to clear plaque deposition on teeth. Menthol-containing toothpaste, mouthwash, or chewing gums can reduce oral bacterial growth and help keep your oral cavity clean³.  

5. Improve Brain Power 

Mint leaves are brain tonic. According to various studies, consuming mint may increase alertness and cognitive functions⁶. Mint leaves can improve memory power and mental alertness. 

Based on my experience, mint leaves aren’t just tasty and refreshing, they may also have some impressive anti-tumour powers. In studies conducted on mice, mint leaves have shown promising results in fighting against tumours⁹. 

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

6. Boosts Immunity 

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 enzymes⁶. 

7. Reduce Stress & Anxiety 

Mint is an essential part of aromatherapy. Its strong and refreshing smell could help with stress and rejuvenate the mind. By breathing in the infusion of mint, your mind may be instantly calmed. 

You may find it beneficial to add mint to your tea, use mint extract on a vaporiser or take a mint bath for immediate relief from stress and anxiety⁶.

8. Help in Breastfeeding Pain 

Breastfeeding mothers commonly experience sore and cracked nipples, which can make breastfeeding painful and difficult. Clinical studies² have found that applying mint essential oil is valuable in easing pain and heals soreness and helps with cracked nipples.

Let me tell you about a special ingredient called menthol present in mint oil. Menthol oil may help relieve menstrual cramps in women⁹.  

Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

9. Helps in Weight Loss 

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 loss⁵. 

10. Skincare 

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^3,6. 

In my opinion, mint leaves can be considered as little defenders fighting against bacteria and fungi. Studies¹¹ 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

11. Healthy Hair 

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 used 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 to 40 minutes and rinse the hair well⁶. 

12. Help to Ease Morning Sickness 

Mint is an excellent remedy to treat nausea. It is also effective for treating nausea that happens in morning sickness⁷. 

13. Helps Ease Allergies 

Recent studies² have suggested that mint contains compounds that have anti-allergic properties and can be beneficial to individuals with allergies.

I came across a study¹⁰ 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)

14. Helps Reduce Symptoms of Asthma 

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 extent⁶. 

15. High in Nutritional Content 

The nutritional facts of peppermint or commonly known as mint, state that it can provide a healthy dose of balanced nutrition as well. Two tablespoons of mint contain approximately 0.24g of protein, 0.96g of carbohydrates, 0.52g of dietary fiber, 2.04mg of Vitamin C, 15.56mg of calcium, 4.68mg of phosphorus, and 36.42mg of potassium, among other nutrients⁸. 

Also Read: Health Benefits of Garlic (Lahsun)

Side Effects of Mint Leaves

Mint leaves are generally safe for consumption, however people with gastroesophageal reflux disease should minimise the consumption as it may cause stomach irritation. Menthol oil is contraindicated in children to use topically as it may cause breathing difficulties³. 

Also Read: 10 Foods To Reduce Body Heat Naturally

Conclusion

According to Ayurvedic medicine, mint is a valuable herb with a lot of benefits³. You may find it benefitting to add mint to your diet as it is full of antioxidants, vitamins, iron, and more. But ensure to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet⁶. 

Also Read: Incredible Health Benefits of Guava Fruit & Its Leaves 

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

References

1. Habib S, Faris AA, Faisal M. Pudina (Mentha) in Traditional Medicine: A Review Introduction [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2025 Apr 24]. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348895136_Pudina_Mentha_in_Traditional_Medicine_A_Review_Introduction  

2. Wani SA, Naik H, Wagay J, Ganie NA, Mulla MZ, Dar BN. Mentha: A review on its bioactive compounds and potential health benefits. Quality Assurance and Safety of Crops & Foods [Internet]. 2022 Oct 21 [cited 2025 Apr 24];14(4):154–68. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364685356_Mentha_A_review_on_its_bioactive_compounds_and_potential_health_benefits 

3. US Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central [Internet]. Usda.gov. 2019 [cited 2025 Apr 24]. Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/173475/nutrients?utf8=%E2%9C%93&affiliate=usda&query=mint&commit=Search 

4. Tafrihi M, Imran M, Tufail T, Gondal TA, Caruso G, Sharma S, et al. The Wonderful Activities of the Genus Mentha: Not Only Antioxidant Properties. Molecules [Internet]. 2021 Feb 20 [cited 2025 Apr 24];26(4):1118. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7923432/  

5. Moloudizargari M, Aghajanshakeri S, Mikaili P, Mojaverrostami S. Pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Mentha Longifolia L. and its main constituent, menthol. Ancient Science of Life [Internet]. 2013 [cited 2025 Apr 24];33(2):129. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4171855/  

6. Zhao H, Ren S, Yang H, Tang S, Guo C, Liu M, et al. Peppermint essential oil: its phytochemistry, biological activity, pharmacological effect and application. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy [Internet]. 2022 Oct [cited 2025 Apr 24];154(113559):113559. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332222009489?via%3Dihub  

7. Sharma N, Sharma DP, Singh S. Effect of peppermint tea on morning sickness: Narrative Review. Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research [Internet]. 2025 Jan 1 [cited 2025 Apr 24];12(1):d291–8. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/388462586_Effect_of_peppermint_tea_on_morning_sickness_Narrative_Review  

8. Content – Health Encyclopedia – University of Rochester Medical Center [Internet]. Rochester.edu. 2025 [cited 2025 Apr 24]. Available from: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?contenttypeid=76&contentid=02064-1  

9. L NK, Bhattacharjee A, Hegde K, Shabaraya AR. A detailed review on pharmacological profile of Mentha piperita. Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2020 [cited 2025 May 26]. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351691322_A_Detailed_Review_on_Pharmacological_Profile_of_Mentha_piperita

10. Inoue T, Sugimoto Y, Masuda H, Kamei C. Effects of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) extracts on experimental allergic rhinitis in rats. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 2001 [cited 2025 May 26]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11201253/

11. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils in vitro. PubMed. 1996 [cited 2025 May 26]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8893526/

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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