Mint is believed to have been discovered in Europe. In ancient Rome, Egypt, China, and Japan mint was used for medicinal purposes. Now it is grown in India, Indonesia, and South Africa. Mint is readily available, particularly during the summer. Mint is known for its distinct aroma, along with its cooling and refreshing properties. Most types of toothpaste contain mint, while many soaps and prickly heat powders are mint based. Mint is used as flavoring agent in many drinks and curry preparations.
Apart from these general uses of mint, it has other medicinal properties that can be used in home remedies. Some of these include:
- Mint has a cooling effect on our bodies, hence Indian people use mint, green mango chutney, and aam panna to ward off heat stroke.
- Extract the juice from mint leaves and add an equal amount of honey and lemon juice. Having a tablespoon of this mixture everyday will help in relieve stomach problems.
- Extract the juice from mint leaves and add 1/4 tablespoon of black pepper powder and rock salt, then bring it to boil. Sip this mixture to get relief from the common cold cough or viral fever.
- If you suffer from frequent hiccups, then chewing a few mint leaves can help.
- If you suffer from headaches or burning in the eyes, applying a paste of freshly ground mint leaves onto your forehead will help.
- If you suffer from nausea due to excessive heat and humidity, take a tablespoon of dry mint leaves and ½ tablespoon of cardamom and boil them in a glass of water. Let it cool and drink this mixture to cure the problem naturally.
- If you suffer from halitosis, make a powder of dried mint leaves and apply it to your teeth after brushing. Keep it on for several seconds before washing out your mouth. Repeating this procedure everyday will solve the problem.
- If you suffer from respiratory problems, drink a mixture of mint and carrot juice.
- If you have a sore throat, boil some mint leaves in water and add salt.
- Mint can be used for beauty purposes as well. It can work wonders removing marks on the skin due to tanning. Applying mint paste onto your face before going to bed will not only help relieve your stress, but will remove your daily tanning as well.
Precautions: Mint has a slightly bitter taste, so if added in excess it can spoil food. If left on the skin for an extended period of time, ground mint can cause an unpleasant burning sensation, but does not harm the skin.