Mint is an herb that is synonymous to freshness. It has been used for hundreds of years for its remarkable medicinal properties. It is hard to ignore mint, especially when the market is full of products like toothpaste, chewing gum, mouth fresheners, candy and inhalers which have mint as their base element. Most of us are familiar with the refreshing application of mint, but it has far more to offer than that. The health benefits of mint include the following:

1. Aids in Digestion

The aroma of mint activates the salivary glands in our mouth as well as stimulates secretion of digestive enzymes, thereby facilitating digestion. It is the menthol in mint that helps in the secretion of the gastric enzymes necessary for digestion. Also they relax and smoothen the muscles of the stomach, thus reducing the chances of indigestion, inflammation and spasms. In west it is considered to be a great appetizer or palate cleanser, and it promotes digestion and relaxes the stomach. According to Ayurveda practitioners, it is also very beneficial for patients suffering from acidity, flatulence and irritable bowel syndrome.

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2. Boosts immunity

These refreshing leaves are packed with nutrients such as calcium, phosphorous, vitamin C, D, E and small amounts of vitamin B complex. All these put together improves the body’s immune system, and protecting and preventing infections and inflammation.

3. Skin Care and Pimples

Mint has antiseptic and antipruritic property that soothes and calms itchy and infected skin. It has potent anti- inflammatory and antibacterial properties which is excellent for acne prone skin, and is often used in a number of cleansers and toners for people with oily skin. Because it antipruritic properties it is used for treating insect bites like those of mosquitoes, honeybees, hornets, wasps, and gnats. The cooling and soothing effect of mint relieves form the desire to scratch, and the anti-inflammatory nature of mint brings down the swelling.

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4. Weight Loss

As mentioned before mint stimulates the digestive enzymes that absorb nutrients from food and burns the fats into usable energy. Therefore, mint the diet helps in weight loss endeavors.

5. Oral Care

The anti germicidal qualities of mint make it a boon for oral health. Traditionally, mint was rubbed directly on the teeth and gums to eliminate growth of germs inside the mouth. Now mint forms an important component of oral care products available commercially.

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6. Nausea & Headache

The strong and refreshing aroma of mint is an effective remedy for nausea, which give a quick relief to people suffering from it due to ill health, traveling etc. Mint is also a naturally soothing substance thus alleviates temperature rise and inflammation that is triggered off by headaches and migraines.

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7. Respiratory Disorders and Coughs

Mint is known to open up the nasal passages and airways to allow relaxed breathing because of its piercingly fresh smell. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help relieve inflammation along the respiratory tract and give relief from respiratory disorders. Additionally it is an expectorant and helps the expulsion of phlegm.

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8. Helpful for Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers

As it stimulates activation of the enzymes necessary for digestion, it is helpful for expecting mothers. It also helps them to relieve the nausea related to morning sickness. And mint oil can reduce the nipple cracks and nipple pain that is caused by breastfeeding in lactating mothers. 

9. Relieves Menstrual Cramps

Mint leaves help to purify the blood and have an anti-spasmodic effect on the muscles of our body, thus it is a great remedy to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps. It even helps to fight nausea in that period.

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1. Depression and Fatigue

Mint is a natural stimulant and it helps to release a small amount of serotonin in the brain that helps in depression. In aromatherapy mint extract is widely used to combat stress and rejuvenate the mind.

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Mint has a lot more to offer than its fresh smell so add it in your food and beverages to benefit from its numerous health benefits.