Pudina or mint is one of the most frequently used herbs. The biological term used for this herb is mentha. The most common use of this herb is as a mouth freshener. Due to its wonderful taste, mint is extensively used for garnishing beverages and is also a common ingredient of salads. The soothing flavor of the herb is as popular as fruit flavors like orange, grape, cherry etc. The market is flooded with food products and beverages that are based on mint and mint flavors. The most common products that contain mint include: toothpastes, chewing gums, ice creams, candies, chocolates, mouth fresheners, inhalers, lipsticks, liquors etc. People often buy fresh mint leaves for adding to coffee, tea and a number of homemade beverages.
Other than being famous for its taste, mint also offers a number of health benefits. Since centuries this herb is used for cutting several maladies. Below we have discussed the health benefits offered by pudina or mint.
How Mint is helpful for health and beauty..
- An infusion of the leaves is used in doses of 1-2 tsp thrice a day in condition of indigestion and tastelessness. Ayurvedic physicians recommend mint tablets for stomach pains caused by indigestion.
- Women suffering from morning sickness can add lime juice, ginger juice and honey to the mint decoction and have it twice a day for getting relief.
- Mint leaves infusion is also helpful in stimulating menstruation in those suffering from dysmenorrhea. Note: Papaya and aloe gel are also effective in such cases.
- The mint leaves juice is also beneficial to those suffering from hyperacidity.
- Prepare a decoction of mint leaves. Add black salt to it. Drink this juice to relieve yourself from any worm infestation in the stomach.
- Chewing mint can prevent hiccups.
- Mint is also found to alleviate migraine pains.
- The juice can be applied externally on ulcerated skin to heal it.
Benefits of Mint
There are ample of health benefits linked with Mint. Have a quick look at some of the health benefits of mint.
Helps Digestion and Cures Stomach Upset
Mint is a powerful antioxidant and it helps in the digestion of food. Antioxidants are capable of terminating the reactions by eliminating free radical intermediates. It helps the digestive system to fasten the process of digestion. Mint galvanizes the enzymes which are associated with digestion.
Mint is a very good appetizer and hence people prefer to have mint after eating their food. It is used on a large scale in cooking as well. People prefer to have medicines containing pudina or mint, when they have an upset stomach. While traveling many people recommend and prefer to keep a mint with them so as to avoid vomiting and sickness.
Prevents Headaches
The strong and refreshing smell of mint acts as a quick remedy in reducing the headaches. There are lots of ayurvedic and herbal medicines that are manufactured using mint to prevent various disorders. People keep mint products and balms made up of mint to prevent headaches. They apply balm on their forehead and their neck to get a quick relief.
Helps in Prevention of Cancer
Research shows that mint is helpful in keeping body protected from various types of cancers. It is said that the enzymes which are present in mint helps in prevention of cancer. The cancers which can be prevented by adding mint in your diet is - skin cancer and lung cancer.
Helps in Skin Care and Prevents Pimples
Mint juice is an excellent antiseptic and is a good skin cleanser. It is known for curing many infections and soothing the skin. Mint is used in many cosmetic products like cleanser, face wash, lip sticks and scrubs. Many people crush the pudina leaves and then apply the juice on their face to avoid pimples.
Helps in Prevention of Asthma and Cough
The strong aroma of mint helps in prevention of Asthma and cough. Using mint in the daily diet is advantageous for asthma patients, as it is a good reliever. Mint also helps in the cooling and soothing of throat, which helps in the break down of cough. Thus, mint is used in inhalers and medicines.
These are some of the benefits of pudina. Pudina oil should not be administered to infants and children. It should also not be used by pregnant and breast feeding women. People with asthma, liver disorders, gallstones and other gall bladder conditions should not use this oil.
Mint is a bunch of medicinal benefits and helps in quick cure of diseases. Mint is often consumed by most of the individuals as a mouth freshener. The aroma and taste of mint is simply marvelous and always makes you feel fresh and active. However if you are allergic to mint, you should consult your doctor before consuming it. With the excellent nutritional benefit of mint, the over dose of mint also have a few side effects. Hence, to make the best use of the natural herb, mint, the consumption should be limited.