Mint is more than just a garnish for iced tea or a breath freshener. In fact, people have used this plant for centuries as a traditional remedy. From digestion to headaches, peppermint provides impressive health benefits. So whether you choose to steep it in tea, enjoy its refreshing aroma, or take it in supplement form, incorporating it into your daily routine is a simple and beneficial way to support your overall well-being.
This article will show you the nutritional power of mint and easy ways to incorporate it into your daily routine.
What is mint?
mint (Peppermint × piperite) is a natural cross between water mint and spearmint, making it a hybrid plant. It is often called an aromatic plant due to its distinctive minty yet sweet aroma, known to provide a cooling sensation and refreshing aroma.
For centuries, these leaves have been used as medicinal plant throughout Europe and the Middle East to treat various ailments. Today, it is grown and enjoyed around the world in many ways, including:
- To enhance the flavor: You can easily find mint-flavored foods, drinks, and even dental hygiene products. Its refreshing flavor makes it especially popular in seasonal items like holiday drinks and baked goods.
- As a scent: Its clean scent is commonly found as an essential oil, in candles, car air fresheners, cosmetics, and other products that promote a minty or refreshing scent.
Mint offers more than just flavor and aroma. People use peppermint supplements and teas to reap its health benefits quickly and naturally.
Health benefits of mint
Peppermint offers a variety of benefits that make it a powerful addition to most health and wellness routines.
Here are some of the main health benefits of mint:
Digestive support
Peppermint has a history of traditional use to support healthy digestion and relieve gastrointestinal discomfort. Research shows that in oil form, peppermint can help relieve uncomfortable digestive symptoms relaxing the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. It may also help address sensitivity in the gut and nervous system. Together, these actions can offer relief from common digestive discomforts such as indigestion, gas, and bloating.
That’s why this leaf is one of three medicinal herbs in HUM’s Flatter Me supplements, which are clinically studied to help reduce bloating.
Relieves headaches
Peppermint is also a popular remedy for tension headaches. When used topically, usually in oil form, it can effectively reduce headache intensity in as little as 15 minutes, according to older studies and traditional use. Again, this is probably related to peppermint’s muscle-relaxing abilities.
Although more recent studies have found mixed results, topical peppermint is still widely accepted as a treatment for headaches.
Support for dental hygiene
As you know, peppermint is commonly used in dental products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and breath mints. Due to its antibacterial nature, peppermint can do more than just freshen your breath. Mint can help improve your oral microbiomeor the composition of bacteria in the mouth, to help reduce the risk of poor gum health.
Multiple studies They also suggest that peppermint oil can increase salivation, which has positive effects since dry mouth can worsen breath odor. Additionally, menthol, the main active ingredient in mint, can help improve breath by neutralizing odors.
Using mint-based dental products can keep your mouth clean and healthy.
Of course, incorporating mint into your daily routine in other ways can also help you reap its benefits.
Mint tea recipe
One of the easiest ways to increase your mint consumption is to drink it in tea form. Follow this easy mint iced tea recipe to take advantage of all the benefits mint has to offer.
What you will need:
- 4-6 fresh mint leaves (or 2 mint tea bags)
- 4 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Lemon slices to decorate
- Ice cubes (if enjoying as iced tea)
How to prepare:
- boil water: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a pot or kettle.
- Soak the leaves: Add the fresh leaves (or tea bags) to hot water. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes for a strong mint flavor.
- Sweeten (Optional): Add a tablespoon of honey while the tea is still hot if you enjoy it sweetened.
If you are making iced tea:
- Cool: Remove the leaves or tea bags and let the tea cool. Then refrigerate for about 1 hour until cold.
- Attend: Pour the tea over a glass of ice cubes and garnish with fresh lemon slices for added flavor.
Pro tip: If you have digestion or bloating issues, enjoy this hot tea to calm your digestive tract and try taking digestive enzymes with your food, like those found in HUM’s Flatter Me formula.
The conclusion
In short, this plant with powerful benefits. Whether you’re looking to calm your digestion, relieve a headache, or improve your dental hygiene, it’s an effective option.
