It is not a secret that mints are our favorite garnish to our mojito drink. However, there are further usage and wonders of mints than just to be on top of a mojito glass. In this blog, you will learn a few recipes that use mint as alternative medicine.
Mint is the general name for more than a dozen of plant species, such as peppermint and spearmint. These plants are known for the cooling sensation they impart. They can be added to food fresh and dry. Mint is a popular ingredient in many foods and beverages, from tea and alcoholic beverages to sauces, salads, and desserts.
About half an ounce of spearmint contains:
Calories: 6
Fiber: 1 gram
Vitamin A: 12% of the RDI
Iron: 9% of the RDI
Manganese: 8% of the RDI
Folate: 4% of the RDI
Note:
Although not usually consumed in large quantities, peppermint contains a considerable amount of various nutrients and is a good source of vitamin A and antioxidants.
Mint is one of the oldest culinary herbs known to man. Its outstanding medicinal properties make it one of the most famous and commonly used herbs so far. Especially Indians are no strangers to mint. The refreshing, zingy, and delightful property of mint can make almost anything right.
Here are some powerful effects of mint on our health:
1. Gives you acne-free skin
Peppermint is an alternative home remedy for acne and blemishes. Due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, it soothes and calms your skin which can prove to be beneficial for treating acne. Peppermint leaves are high in salicylic acid, which is also very effective in fighting acne.
2. Gets rid of morning sickness and nausea
Since it’s a great remedy for treating stomach issues, it can also be a great remedy to treat nausea associated with morning sickness. Peppermint is an excellent medicine for nausea. It can also effectively treat nausea that occurs in morning sickness. According to Shilpa Arora, “Eating a few leaves or smelling some leaves of mint every morning, could help expecting mothers to get past the nauseous feeling and cope better.”
3. Treats common cold
Everyone is prone to sickness especially due to the sudden changing season. If you are someone who always struggles with a bad cold, try peppermint. Peppermint helps clear congestion in the nose, throat, and lungs. Therefore, it can help you treat colds and breathing. In addition, the antibacterial properties of peppermint help relieve the irritation caused by coughing.
4. Helps you in beating asthma and allergies
Peppermint leaves contain a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent called rosmarinic acid. This compound can block allergy-causing compounds and help people with allergies and asthma.
5. Helps you manage stress to avoid depression
The scent of peppermint is very relaxing in nature and can be used in aromatherapy to combat stress. The scent of peppermint helps to relax the brain and body by calming the mind. Peppermint also has adaptive properties that can regulate cortisol levels and produce natural resistance to stress. This is the main reason why many people opted to use peppermint or mint essential oils in their humidifiers or diffusers.
Mints as remedies and substitutes:
#1 Mouthwash
Chop a quarter cup of fresh mint, bee-balm, lemon balm and mix them in a quart of boiling water. When cool, strain the herbs and store them in the refrigerator.
#2 Anti-acne solution
Combine crushed mint leaves and honey. Apply on your skin and leave for 20 minutes. Wash off with warm water.
#3 Anti-depressant
Use peppermint oil for your diffusers. The scent of the mint will relax your mind and keep you calm. You may also add peppermint leaves to your tea or draw yourself in a mint-scented bath for immediate relief.
#4 Added refreshment
Freeze a few trays of strong mint tea, then use the ice cubes for cooling summer drinks! Add mint leaves or cubes to mojitos, iced tea, or fresh lemonade.
#5 Breath refresher
Just chew some mint leaves! For centuries, sage tea and extracts have been used as mouthwashes for oral infections. If you are breastfeeding, do not chew any mint herbs, because even small amounts of sage and peppermint will reduce your milk supply.
#6 Bug repellent
When the ants enter the kitchen in the summer, lightly crush some mint stems and place them near the suspicious entrance to really stop the ants. You must replace the mints with new leaves every few days. In addition, stuff a small pillow with fresh spearmint and thyme and place it next to your pet's bed to prevent pet fleas.