Mint: what it is for, how to use it (and how to make tea)

Mint is a medicinal plant with properties that help treat digestive problems, such as poor digestion, acidity, nausea or vomiting, as well as having a calming and sedative effect, which reduces anxiety levels, improves mood and sleep quality. .

Furthermore, mint helps reduce intestinal gas, making it a great home remedy for flatulence, as this plant has antispasmodic properties, reducing bowel movements and preventing the formation of gas.

Mint can be used to prepare tea, smoothies or juices along with other fruits, and can also be used to flavor soups or desserts. Mint can also be found in the form of oil, capsules or cosmetic products.

What is it for

Mint has several health benefits and can be used to:

1. Relieve digestive symptoms

Mint contains compounds such as carvone, with antispasmodic action, and calming effects that help relieve digestive tract cramps, poor digestion, gas and can improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, such as pain and bloating. This medicinal plant also helps reduce nausea and vomiting, in addition to stomach acidity, due to the activation of bile production.

2. Decrease pain

Mint, mainly in oil form, has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects that inhibit pain receptors, being widely used to treat headaches, muscle or joint pain, helping to treat patients with osteoarthritis.

3. Balance hormones in women

Some studies have indicated that consuming mint in the form of tea could help women who have hormonal changes, as in the case of polycystic ovaries, as it works to balance female hormone levels and reduce androgen levels.

4. Antibacterial action

Mint contains antibacterial properties that act against gram-positive bacteria such as Bacillus sp., Clostridium sp., Corynebacterium sp., Listeria sp. It is Staphylococcus sp., which can cause different diseases, such as intestinal or respiratory tract infections.

5. Improve memory and mood

Mint contains good amounts of phenolic compounds that can be beneficial for cognitive and psychological health, helping to improve mental capacity and improve mood.

6. Promote relaxation

Mint contains menthol, which is a substance with relaxing and sedative properties that help relieve mental stress, anxiety and improve sleep quality, as it interacts with the brain’s GABA receptors, a neurotransmitter that intervenes in reducing brain activity. nervous system.

7. Get rid of bad breath

Chewing a mint leaf or gargling with mint infusion can help control and eliminate bad breath. This happens because the aromatic oils in mint have a strong smell, preventing halitosis.

Furthermore, this plant also has antibacterial properties that help prevent the development of microorganisms in the mouth that are responsible for infections and bad breath.

8. Relieve cough

Mint tea is used to relieve coughs, sore throats and colds, due to its essential oils, such as menthol, and its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic properties, helping to deinflame the throat and respiratory tract, in addition to help fight bacteria and viruses that cause symptoms faster.

How to use mint

The benefits of mint can be enjoyed in the form of:

• Dried leaves or extracts, to season foods and make teas. Check out some mint tea.
• Essential oil, for use in aromatherapy or relaxing and invigorating massages to relieve headache and muscle pain. Learn how to use peppermint essential oil;
• Capsulesfor daily consumption in a more concentrated form;
• Cosmeticsto contribute with its invigorating and antiseptic effects on the skin;

The dosage used in each situation depends on the form and product, being specified on the packaging label or in the manufacturer’s instructions box and, in case of doubt regarding use, you should consult your doctor first.

Mint can be purchased in health food stores, compounding pharmacies or free markets, and it is also possible to purchase a seedling in a specialized garden store, so that it can be grown in pots at home.

How to make mint tea

To make mint tea, simply place 3 tablespoons of dry mint leaves in 250 ml of boiling water and cover for 5 minutes, strain and drink the tea between 2 and 4 times throughout the day. Alternatively, fresh leaves removed from the plant can also be used.

Who shouldn’t use

Mint should be avoided by people with severe reflux or hiatal hernia, as well as children under 5 years of age, as the menthol in mint can cause shortness of breath and suffocation.

People with kidney problems or liver damage should consume mint in moderation, avoiding consumption in large quantities, and only use under medical supervision.

In pregnant women, mint is also not recommended, especially when consumed orally in large quantities, as it can cause damage to the uterus. In the case of breastfeeding women, there is not enough information about the safety of mint and, therefore, consumption should only be done under medical supervision.