5 Health Benefits Of Mint

Mint is an herb that adds a refreshing spice to drinks and foods. Often, you’ll find mint in sweet treats such as ice cream, cookies, chocolate, and infused beverages. Mint leaves can also be made into tea or added to soups, stews, and steaks. You will find that mint is a versatile plant that will make your favorite delicacies more flavorful.

Besides being delicious and imparting a cooling sensation, mint is also filled with nutrients that are beneficial for your wellness. Here are five health benefits of using mint:

Great For Digestion

Mint has been used as a remedy for indigestion for thousands of years. Many studies have shown that drinking mint soothes indigestion and relieves irritable bowel syndrome. The antibacterial properties found in mint could help your digestive system process food better. In a way, adding mint to your diet may aid in balancing your digestive system and relieving symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, and perhaps constipation.

May Soothe Allergy Symptoms

Waking up with allergies is such a hassle, especially if you are working from home. A 2019 study shows that the rosmarinic acid in mint plants may reduce asthmatic symptoms. Rosmarinic acid is also an anti-inflammatory ingredient that may help relieve allergies. Having mint tea on hand, especially during colder months, may help you alleviate your allergies or asthma symptoms quickly. 

People in cold locations, such as the residents of Sentosa in Calamba, Laguna, could try planting mint in their gardens so that they have a sustainable source for their allergy remedy. With cold air being dry and quite difficult to breathe with, mint tea and oil may help decongest your nose and make breathing easier.

Aids Your Skin Care Routine

The same anti-inflammatory properties of mint may also help reduce the appearance of pimples and skin redness. Mint is packed with salicylic acid, an ingredient found in many top skincare products catered to eliminating acne and other skin breakouts. Drinking mint tea or infusing your water with mint leaves can help you maximize their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. You may also combine crushed mint leaves with honey and use the mixture as a facial mask. Leave it on your face for 20 minutes and rinse it off afterwards. Your skin will feel refreshed and clean.

May Decrease Breastfeeding Pain

Got breastfeeding sores from feeding your baby? Use water infused with mint leaves to soothe breastfeeding pain. One study in 2007 showed that applying mint-infused water on painful breasts helps soothe sores and reduces the risks of cracked areolas. Mint water might also be a safer option to alleviate nipple pain since it is more natural and has fewer chemicals that may harm your baby.

Improves Brain Health

Essential oils are popular and affordable forms of aromatherapy for the home. Mint oil is a popular essential oil that you can add to your air humidifier and incense burner in order to improve your focus and mood. A psychological study in 2009 involving 144 young adults revealed that smelling mint oil before taking tests significantly improved memory and focus. Adding a few drops of mint oil to your humidifier and your pulse points may help you concentrate better on your work tasks.

Mint is nature’s gift to people because of the wellness benefits it provides. These five benefits are just some of the many health benefits that mint plants can provide. Start adding mint to your diet, skincare, and pain treatments to enjoy the refreshing plant’s health benefits.