Health Benefits of Mint Leaves
Treat Asthma
Regular use of this herb is very beneficial for asthma patients, as it is a good relaxant and relieves congestion. However, using too much of it in this way can also irritate the nose and throat.
Cure Allergies & Hay Fever
Extracts of mint leaves have been shown to inhibit the release of certain chemicals, which aggravate severe nasal symptoms associated with hay fever and seasonal allergies.
Aid in Digestion
Mint is a great appetizer or a palate cleanser. The aroma of the herb helps activate the salivary glands in your mouth as well as the glands which secrete the digestive enzymes to facilitate digestion. It is known to soothe the stomach in case of indigestion or inflammation. It is also a potent remedy for relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A 2013 study showed that the menthol in mint could relieve diarrhea. Also, menthol oil can help alleviate nausea related to motion sickness.
Asparagus, Lemon, and Mint Soup
Aid in Breast Feeding
A research study published in the International Breastfeeding Journal in 2007 has shown that mint oil helps reduce the nipple cracks and pain that often accompany breastfeeding
Prevent Respiratory Disorders
Research led by Prof. Ron Eccles at the University of Wales, UK, states that menthol, present in mint, helps in relieving nasal congestion. It is also very effective in clearing up congestion of the throat, bronchi, and lungs, which gives relief from respiratory disorders that often result from asthma and common colds.
As it cools and soothes the throat, nose and other respiratory channels, it also relieves the irritation which causes chronic coughing. This is the main reason why so many balms are based on mint. Unlike the inhalers that are based on aerosols, those with mint as the fundamental component tend to be more effective and eco-friendly as well.
Skin Care
While mint oil is a good antiseptic and antipruritic material, the juice obtained from the leaves is an excellent skin cleanser.
Its anti-pruritic properties can also be used for treating bug and insect bites like those of mosquitoes, honeybees, hornets, wasps, and gnats.
The cooling sensation will relieve you from irritation and the constant urge to scratch, and the anti-inflammatory nature will bring down the swelling. Its oil is often a basic component of bug repellents like citronella candles because the strong aroma is unappealing to most insects.
Weight Loss
Mint leaves help in your efforts to lose weight in a healthy way. A study published in 2003 suggests that it helps stimulate the digestive enzymes that absorb nutrients from food and consume fat and turn it into usable energy.
Prevent Memory Loss
A study was conducted by Dr. A. P. Allen and Dr. A. P. Smith from Cardiff University, on the effect of chewing gum on stress, alertness, and cognition. It found that people who frequently used chewing gum, in which the major active ingredient is mint, had higher levels of memory retention and mental alertness than those who did not.