Medical Uses for Mint Leaves

Mint has been used for centuries for a variety of medical conditions and other ailments. There are many varieties of mint. You can often find it growing wild along stream banks or roadsides and in dry, wooded areas. You can identify a member of the mint family by its square stem and paired leaves. Any aromatic mint can potentially make a delightful tea. As with any herbal supplement, consult your doctor especially if you are taking prescription medications to lower cholesterol, have gallstones or are pregnant.

Nausea and Indigestion

• Mint taken in capsule form or as a tea can ease the symptoms of nausea and indigestion. Mint relaxes your digestive system and eases digestive spasm. It also has a mild anesthetizing effect, which can relieve abdominal pain. A 1997 study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing demonstrated its effects as a remedy for postoperative nausea. It can be used to relieve nausea caused by motion sickness or menstrual cramps by relaxing the smooth muscles of your abdominal cavity.

Muscle Aches

• The anesthetizing effects of mint are not limited to the digestive system. Used in a massage oil preparation, mint can relieve muscle aches and pains by replicating the same desensitizing action on your nerves that detect pain. Always dilute mint oil before applying it to your skin to avoid irritation.

Nasal Congestion

• Mint plants contain menthol, a common ingredient in commercial cold remedies. The menthol scent can help open up nasal passages for clear breathing because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Its antibacterial properties can help treat bacterial infections because of the presence of antibiotic substances in the plant. Likewise, mint eases bronchial constriction associated with asthma, providing relief for people that suffer from this condition. Mint can be applied topically or as a tea.

Heartburn

• Mint provides quick relief for the symptoms associated with heartburn through its antispasmodic activity and by increasing the flow of digestive fluids through your gastrointestinal system. Be aware, however, that large doses of mint can worsen heartburn symptoms. Drink no more than three or four cups of mint tea a day. Never ingest undiluted mint oil.

Bad Breath

• The refreshing taste of mint makes it an ideal remedy for bad breath. Mint tea made from the fresh or dried leaves helps get rid of the odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. It will also keep your mouth moist by stimulating saliva production.

Stress Management

• The stimulating scent of mint can ease the symptoms of stress by inducing a sense of calm. Its antispasmodic activity and sedative properties can ease tension while abating minor muscle aches and pain.