Wednesday, September 11, 2013
What are the medicinal uses of mint ??
Every body knows about the mints but we must know What are the medicinal uses of mint ??
Mints are simple herbs with strong medicinal properties. They are commonly found in herbal remedies meant to ease headaches, migraines, fevers, and sore throats. They are also used in formulas used to treat sinus and chest congestion.
Used externally, many mints repel biting insects such as mosquitos (and sucking, chewing insects on vegetable crops!). In a not so uncommon double play, they also can be used to inhibit minor infections and ease the heat and itchiness of bites, stings, rashes, hives, eczema, and other minor wounds. Mentha (minty) mints are specifically used to sooth the pain of neuralgia.
All Mint Family members have strong antimicrobial properties and are often used to inhibit fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.
For many people, taking a cup of classic Mentha mint tea before or after meals helps ease the symptoms of indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as heartburn, flatulence, cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and nausea. But keep in mind that not everyone reacts the same way. In fact, a few individuals actually have the opposite reaction. Instead of soothing indigestion and heartburn, it actually stimulates it. Researchers are not yet sure why this occurs, but if classic mint tea seems to aggravate your digestive system, try using spearmint (as opposed to peppermint), lavender or basil instead.
When it comes to the medicinal properties of Mentha mints, peppermint contains a higher percentage of volatile oils and is considered a stronger medicinal herb. As you may know, children have a different metabolism than adults and require smaller, less intense doses of medicinal herbs. Perhaps this is why many children prefer the sweet, mild flavor of spearmint over that of robust peppermint.
As a cosmetic, strong decoctions of Mint Family members are often added to baths to stimulate sluggish skin, relieve fever, sooth dry or itching skin, and calm the nerves. A hair rinse made with the leaves of Mint Family members will leave the hair shiny and stimulate its growth. A decoction of sage will darken brown, auburn or black hair.
Classic mint tea can be taken orally or used externally. Prepare a single cup by steeping 1 to 2 tsp. of dried leaves (double the amount for fresh leaves) in 1 cup of just-boiled water for ten to fifteen minutes. A strong decoction is often the best choice for external uses.
When using Mentha mints (spearmint, peppermint, applemint, etc.) medicinally, keep these contra-indications in mind:
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- Mentha mints may slow lactation.
- The pure, essential oil of Mentha mint should never be taken internally or be used in any way by women who are pregnant or attempting to become pregnant.
- The pure, essential oil of mint should always be diluted with water or oil before using externally. Do not take internally at any time.
- Ayurvedic practitioners sometimes suggest that mint be avoided by those with conditions of weakness or excessive sweating.
- Those using calcium channel blockers should consult a professional practitioner before using Mentha mints in medicinal doses.
Mints are fabulous – and beautiful – herbs that fit into just about any kind of landscape you can imagine.
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