Mint Leaves – One Of The Oldest Seasoning And Flavoring Agent
Mint plants are native to Europe and Asia. ‘Mentha’ is the scientific name of this herb. Mint leaves has been used since long for its wide array of health benefits.
It is considered as one of the oldest and popular herb that is used around the world. Mint exists in many different varieties, each having its own distinct aroma and flavour. One of its widely used form is Peppermint. It is used as a natural seasoning and flavoring agent in many different foods and beverages.
Mint leaves are considered as one of the highest antioxidant containing food. Use of fresh herbs and spices in your diet helps to cut down sodium intake. Toothpaste, gum, candy and beauty products contain mint oil as an essential ingredient. Fresh or dried leaves are used in teas and food.
Mint leaves were used by ancient Greeks and Romans for there pain relieving qualities. It is also used as a natural medicine to alleviate indigestion. Studies have revealed variety of health benefits for mint. This is due to the presence of menthol, an essential oil present in fresh leaves and stem of mint plants.
Helps in skin care and reduces pimples.
As we all know, mint oil is an excellent antiseptic and anti-pruritic component, Mint juice is also gathering recognition as an excellent skin cleanser. It helps to have a smooth skin, cures infections and itchiness, reduce pimples etc. Mint leaves are also famous for its anti-pruritic properties, used as a medicine for treating insect bites like those of mosquitoes, honeybees, hornets, wasps, and gnats. Due to its strong aroma mint is often used as a basic component in bug repellent products. Cooling sensation of mint will relieve you from the irritating sensation to scratch. It can be used to reduce swellings, as it has anti-inflammatory properties.
Improves oral care
Mint can be used to improve the oral health of a person. It exhibits germicidal qualities required to maintain a healthy gum and tooth cavities. Mint quickly freshens breath and inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria inside the mouth. Mint leaves can be chewed daily to refresh the mouth and eliminate dangerous bacterial growth. It is for this reason toothpastes, mouthwashes and other dental hygiene products uses mint as one of the most common element.
Useful for treating respiratory disorders and coughs
Mint has a distinct and strong aroma, effective in clearing up congestion of the nose, bronchi and lungs. It provides relief against respiratory disorders caused by asthma and common fever. Mint contains essential acids useful in keeping the airways open for calm and easy breathing. As the breathing becomes easy, it relieves the irritation which causes chronic coughing. That is why many balms make use of mint as there prime component. Inhalers using mint as the prime element is more effective and Eco-friendly.
Aids in digestion
As mint is an appetizer, it aids in digestion. In case of indigestion or inflammation, it soothes the stomach. If you are suffering from stomach ache, drinking mint tea can give you relief. Menthol oil derive from mint can be used for nausea and moon sickness.
Aroma of mint leaves can stimulate the salivary glands in our mouth and other digestive glands to secrete digestive enzymes to facilitate digestion. Western world uses mint as an appetizer as well as an element of palate cleansers, to be taken before the main course so that the food will get digested comfortably.
