Medicinal Uses of the Mint Plant

The mint family, Lamiaceae, is a large family of aromatic herbal plants, which includes plants such as lavender, rosemary and mint. Mentha is a perennial species within the Lamiaceae family that includes plants commonly known as mints, such as peppermint, spearmint, and apple mint. Mentha includes 18 "pure" members of the species, with 600 varieties and more than 2,000 hybrids, according to the Texas A&M Horticulture Department. Traditional medicine and folklore suggests many healing properties in mint, and scientific research confirms medicinal uses for the popular herb.

Digestion

• Mint tea is a popular remedy for digestive problems.

  One common medicinal use for mint is to treat digestive problems. The National Library of Medicine (NLM) lists mint as a traditional treatment for heartburn, although peppermint oil may aggravate heartburn and worsen symptoms of gastric reflux. Other traditional uses for mint include gas, gastritis, colic and morning sickness. Scientific testing shows promise for peppermint as a treatment for symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and indigestion, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Brew mint tea from dried or fresh mint leaves. You may find mint-based remedies in capsules and tinctures in health food stores. Mints from the Mentha species are safe for consumption, but the NLM cautions that menthol, found in peppermint oil, can cause death at a dose of more than 1 gram of menthol for each kilogram of body weight.

Topical Uses

• Mint has traditional uses as a topical treatment for skin irritants.

  According to UMMC, the "calming and numbing effect" of peppermint oil brings relief to skin irritations, muscle pain, tooth pain and cold symptoms. Traditional topical uses for mint include chest and muscle rubs, topical pain relief and treatment for itching, hives and chicken pox. The NLM reports other traditional topical uses for mint as a sun blocker and mosquito repellent. Mint-based topical treatments include balms, salves, tinctures and oil rubs.

Aromatherapy

• Mint has a calming and relaxing effect.

  Aromatherapy reportedly helps calm and reduce stress. Candles and potpourris use mint's strong fragrance to soothe nerves and promote relaxation. Shampoos, soaps, bath oils, perfumes and lotions use mint to promote calming and relaxation. Massage and nail professionals often use mint-scented lotions as aromatherapy and as muscle rubs. Inhaling menthol reportedly also relieves nasal congestion, according to NLM. Fresh herbs provide aromatherapy in gardens and grow easily in most regions. Among the many scented varieties available, you can choose chocolate mint, pineapple mint, basil mint, spearmint, double mint (a hybrid of spearmint and peppermint) or apple mint.