Cooking for Healing—The Many Medicinal Properties of Mint
Antiquity’s cultures used herbs, spices, and other natural remedies to heal the mind, body, and spirit. The western world has replaced many of these natural remedies with pharmaceuticals. 80 percent of people The majority of people still use traditional and ancient medicines around the globe. This is not surprising considering that more than 80 percent of pharmaceuticals These products are made from natural materials, including plants. This series will examine the healing The power of herbs, spices and how to incorporate them into your daily diet.
Mint (Mentha), is a widely-used herb for its medicinal, culinary, and aromatherapeutic qualities. It is part of a group that includes perennial herbs. 18 species and 11 hybrids. The most common are spearmint, peppermint, wild mint.
Mint is most well-known for its refreshing aroma and taste. In ancient times, mint was known for its many health benefits.
Mint was used in thousands of years back ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome To treat indigestion soothe the stomach. In Egyptian pyramids that date back to 1000 B.C., peppermint leaves were found.
The Middle Ages saw peppermint used to polish teeth, and to keep rats from entering stores. Peppermint was widely used in Western Europe by the 18th Century for symptoms such as nausea, morning sick, vomiting, menstrual problems, and respiratory infections. In 1721, mint was included in the London Pharmacopoeia as a remedy to colds, headaches and sores.
Mint’s ability to interact with the central nervous systems in traditional medicine was also recognized. In South Africa, for example, dried leaves were burned and inhaled as a way to get a buzz. treatment for mental illness. Mint was traditionally used in Mediterranean countries to treat neuralgia (nerve discomfort), and also as an anticonvulsant, sedative, and as a treatment for migraines.
Recent research has confirmed the healing properties of mint. numerous studies Its effectiveness in controlling the nervous system is evident.
Modern Science Identifies Ancient Wisdom
The healing power of mint has been known for thousands of year by ancient cultures, but modern medicine has yet to discover its benefits. Scientists are beginning to change the way we view mint. They have started to validate the wisdom of the ancients by studying numerous healing properties, including:
Combating cancer According to research, peppermint can inhibit the growth and spread of colon cancer cells. study Published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. The growth of prostate cancer may be inhibited by peppermint. According to preclinical researchPeppermint contains menthol which is known to cause the death of prostate cancer cells.
Reverses diabetes: Mint is a “promising treatment” According to a Diabetes Monitor, study Published in 2017. Mint was found to decrease fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. “These effects were comparable with the effects of [the] standard antidiabetic drug (glibenclamide),” According to researchers.
Reduces pain from osteoarthritisAccording to a study, peppermint and rosemary essential oils combined reduced osteoarthritis pain in rats by increasing antioxidant power and strengthening the structure of the knee joint. study Published in 2021
Increases cognitive and physical abilities. According to research, peppermint aroma can improve memory and alertness. study Publication in the International Journal of Neuroscience A second study It was found that peppermint aroma orally can positively affect cognition and mood.
“Treats” Alzheimer’s disease: Mint extracts can protect nerve cells and be used as a treatment. “possible sources of treatments in managing AD,” According to a review article The article was published in Antioxidants in 2020. Mint extract is said to protect against neurodegeneration, age-induced stress, and memory impairment.
Diminishes skin aging: According to a study, peppermint peel skin treatment is effective in treating skin signs of aging such as wrinkles and discoloration. study Publication in the Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents.
Allergies are relieved A 2001 study found that peppermint can relieve allergic rhinitis symptoms. study. The release of histamine from the mast cells in rats was blocked by peppermint. The nasal symptoms of sneezing or nasal rubbing were also prevented. Therefore, peppermint extract was used. “may be clinically effective in alleviating the nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis,” According to researchers.
Reduces shingles-related pain A 2002 case study Peppermint oil applied directly to the skin was reported to result in an increase in blood flow. “almost immediate improvement” Shingles can cause severe pain. The relief was sustained for at least 4-6 hours. Peppermint’s effects on pain relief lasted for 4-6 hours. “strong analgesic effect on neuropathic pain” During the follow-up period of two months.
Get better sleep Peppermint essential oil aromatherapy is said to improve sleep quality. cardiac cancer patients.
Encourages alertness According to a study, peppermint’s aroma led to drivers being more alert and less frustrated, fatigued, and anxious. study Published in The North American Journal of Psychology.
Antifungal: The most common Candida albicans, a human fungal disease, is the most common. It is usually found in very small quantities in the skin, mouth, and gastrointestinal tract. If it’s out of balance, it can lead to painful mucosal infection such as oral thrush or vaginal yeast infections. A 2021 study found that peppermint was strong against Candida albicans. article Mini-Reviews on Medicinal Chemistry
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) can be relieved. According to a study, peppermint oil capsules with enteric coating were safe and effective in treating IBS. study The Journal of Gastroenterology. The Journal of Gastroenterology reported that 79 percent of adults who had taken the capsules three-to-four times daily, 15-30minutes before meals, experienced relief from severe abdominal pain. 56 per cent reported no pain and 83 per cent reported less abdominal distension.
Enteric-coated peppermint oils have healing properties that are beneficial for both adults and children. According to a study, 75% of children who received peppermint oil over two weeks reported less severe IBS symptoms. study The Journal of Pediatrics. They concluded that “Peppermint oil may be used as a therapeutic agent during the symptomatic phase of IBS.”
Mint could be used to relieve symptoms of IBS, by relaxing the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract. According to a study In Gastroenterology researchers found that peppermint oils had a relaxing effect upon the smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tracts of rabbits, guinea pigs, and rabbits.
Relieves tension headache: The most common form is tension-type headaches. Peppermint oil can also be used to treat them locally. As effective as any other treatment for tension headaches is peppermint oil. acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) paracetamol (acetaminophen).
Relieves nausea: 2016 study Conclusion: “peppermint oil inhalation is a viable first-line treatment for nausea in postoperative cardiac surgery patients.” On a scale from 0-5, where 5 is the most severe, 34 patients suffered nausea after surgery. The average nausea rating dropped significantly to 1.44 minutes after inhaling peppermint oils.
A 2021 version is also possible. study Peppermint essential oil has been deemed safe by many. “an effective independent or complementary modality for relief” Inhaled aromatherapy can cause nausea and vomiting in hospitalized patients.
This reduces anxiety Studies have shown that peppermint can reduce anxiety. A 2022 example of this is the Peppermint. study Patients with acute coronary symptoms were found to have significantly lower anxiety after inhaling peppermint essential oil.
It relieves the symptoms of coughing A 2013 studyPatients with chronic cough, such as those suffering from chronic cough, were able to inhale menthol, an active ingredient of mint. Compared to the placebo, patient’s cough thresholds were significantly higher following inhalation of nebulized menthol.
How to Add Mint To Your Diet
The entire mint plant, including its stems, leaves and flowers, can be eaten. They can also be used for medicinal and culinary purposes. Mint oil can also be used as an essential oil.
How to buy mint
Mint can either be grown outdoors or in your garden. To grow mint, the plant requires plenty of sun, water and enough space. You can also buy fresh mint at your local farmer’s market or grocery store. Online, you can also purchase dried mint. Mint should only be consumed if it is grown organically or regeneratively.
Easy ways to include mint in your diet
- Herbal teaBoil water and reduce heat to simmer. Add 5-10 mint leaves and stems. Cover and let steep for 10 minutes.
- Smoothies: Add a few fresh mint leaves or a drop of essential peppermint oil to your favorite smoothie or drink—pairs nicely with lemonade (see recipe below).
- SoupsWhen you are making soup, add a few mint leaves. Pea soup and cream-based soups like pea soup are great.
- SaladsTo enhance the flavor, add a few mint leaves to your salad. Mint is a great pairing with cucumber and pomegranate.
- DressingUsing a mortar and pestle, grind fresh or dried mint and add it to an olive oil-vinegar dressing.
- Desserts: Mint is a good pairing for chocolate, such peppermint bark, peppermint chocolate brownies or chocolate peppermint cake.
Mint lemonade is a refreshing and cooling drink for hot summer days!
Mint lemonade
Yields 8 glasses
Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups freshly squeezed juice of lemons (10 large organic lemons).
½ teaspoon lemon zest
5 cups cold filtered tap water
1 cup filtered, lukewarm water
½ cup raw, unfiltered local organic honey
1 cup organic mint leaves loosely packed
2 ice cubes
Instructions:
- Add 5 cups of cold water to a glass pitcher.
- Combine 1 cup lukewarm, 1 cup honey, 1 cup lemon zest, and 2 cups mint leaves in a blender. Blend until well combined. Mix until well combined.
- Ice the pitcher. Each glass should be garnished with fresh mint leaves. You can serve immediately or keep covered in the fridge for up to three days.
If you have allergies or sensitivities to any of these ingredients, do not make this recipe.
Take precautions and be aware of possible interactions
Mint consumption should be discussed with a healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeed. Some prescription drugs can interact with peppermint. These include cyclosporine (an acid-reducing medication), ulcer medications and calcium channel blockers. A healthcare provider should be consulted before anyone consumes mint oil. Peppermint oil has many uses. contraindicated For children younger than two years.
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