Mentha or mint belongs to the family of Lamiaceae. Not only it has a pleasant flavor and aroma, but it provides a cooling sensation and offers countless benefits for the overall health. It has been used a natural remedy for treating countless health issues for many years.

Moreover, it is used as an ingredient in bubble baths, inhalers, toothpastes, candies, breath fresheners, chewing gums, ointments and mouthwashes.

WHY YOU SHOULD ALWAYS HAVE MINT AT HOME?

As we said, mint offers countless health benefits, including:

1. Treat asthma

Rosmarinic acid found in mint leaves acts as a mighty antioxidant that relieves allergies and treats respiratory issues, such as asthma.

2. Sooth headache and relieve nausea

Mint effectively relieves headaches and migraines. Therefore, rub a mint leaf on the forehead or consume a cup of mint tea to alleviate severe headache and migraine in a record time.

3. Enhance oral health

Thanks to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, mint leaves hinder the growth of bacteria within the mouth. What you need to do is to rub a fresh mint leaf on the gums and teeth in order to treat and prevent dental infections and other issues, and enhance oral health.

4. Relieve cough and treat respiratory issues

The scent of the mint leaves treats breathing difficulties and relieves respiratory issues. What you need to do is to apply a mint cream or rub a mint leaf on the chest to relieve cold. In addition, you can drink or inhale mint tea in order to treat breathing difficulties.

5. Boost the immune system

Due to their high content of vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium, phytochemicals and phosphorus, mint leaves effectively fight common cold, relieve infections and boost the immune system.

6. Aid in digestion

Mint leaves relieve stomach pain and improve digestive processes. Thanks to their high content of phytonutrients and antioxidants, mint leaves treat digestive problems, stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and aid digestion.

Their effectiveness in improving digestive processes comes from the high content of menthol and methyl salycate.

7. Decrease the risk of cancer

Mint leaves are effective in reducing the risk of colon, skin, liver and lung cancer due to their ability to hinder the supply of blood to the cancer cells.

8. Reduce inflammation and tenderness in breastfeeding women

Mint is effective in relieving pain and reducing tenderness and inflammation in breastfeeding women. What you need to do is to rub a fresh mint leaf on the breasts or consume mint tea to relieve pain and discomfort.

9. Improve mood

Mint enhances the production of serotonin in the brain and improves mood and memory.

10. Prevent hiccups

Consuming mint water, which is loaded with menthol, is the most effective way to stop and prevent hiccups.

11. Stimulate weight loss

As mint leaves effectively increase the production of digestive enzymes and enhance digestive processes, they aid weight loss.

12. Improve memory

According to the studies, mint improves memory and thinking, but prevents forgetfulness. To improve memory and promote the health of the brain, consume a few cups of mint tea on a daily basis.

13. Reduce depression and chronic fatigue

Mint acts as a natural stimulant that provides your body with energy and improves the function of the brain. If you feel anxious, exhausted or depressed, mint leaves and their essential oils can help you. You can apply them topically, ingest or inhale them as vapor.

14. Improve skin health

Thanks to its antiseptic and antipruritic properties, mint oil acts as a great skin cleaner. It relieves itchiness, treats infections and cures the skin. In addition, mint oil effectively gets rid of pimples, acne and insect bites. The cooling sensation of mint leaves provides instant relief to irritations and reduces swelling.

15. Improve sterility

It is considered that menthol can treat sterility in women. However, further research should be done on the effects of mint on sterility in both men and women.

HOW TO GROW MINT AT HOME?

As mint leaves offer numerous health benefits, you can grow a mint herb at your own home. Here is what you need to do:

• Fill a 12 – 15 inches wide pot with soil and put the leaf into it.
• Place the pot in a sunny spot and trim the herb when it reaches 5 inches.
• Also, trim the flower buds.
• Harvest 1/3 of its leaves only.