{"id":1856,"date":"2020-07-03T11:07:26","date_gmt":"2020-07-03T10:07:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/84.18.216.250\/~herbalreality\/?post_type=herb&p=1856"},"modified":"2025-09-18T15:40:30","modified_gmt":"2025-09-18T14:40:30","slug":"mint","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/mint\/","title":{"rendered":"Mint"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":1406,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"8f23dc45-b45a-4437-8e3f-266ca255e6d1","beyondwords_preview_token":"ad472e1f-4a77-4374-b0f1-3a175dd40681","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[42,43,97,92,96,93,94],"conditions":[685,699,696,698,695,697],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[31,786,27],"western_action":[1003,990,1822,993,1824,997,998,1007,1010,1017,1019],"chinese_action":[1043,1030],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1510,1499,1557,1622,1506,1533,1614,1487,1546,1534,1554,1543,1519,1523,1619,1560,1381,1552,1556,1539,1618,1494,1550],"region":[1897,1893],"class_list":["post-1856","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-digestion","tag-indigestion","tag-menthol","tag-mint","tag-oil","tag-peppermint","tag-spearmint","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-musculoskeletal-system","conditions-nervous-system","conditions-reproductive-system","conditions-respiratory-system","conditions-urinary-system","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-astringent-taste","sense-cooling","sense-sweet","western_action-carminatives","western_action-analgesic","western_action-antiemetic","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antipruritic","western_action-antispasmodic","western_action-antitussive","western_action-diaphoretic","western_action-expectorant","western_action-nervine","western_action-sedative","chinese_action-regulate-the-qi","chinese_action-release-exterior-cool-acrid-herbs","energetics_action-acrid","energetics_action-astringent","energetics_action-blood","energetics_action-circulatory","energetics_action-cool-temperature-chinese","energetics_action-cooling","energetics_action-digestive","energetics_action-dry","energetics_action-dry-quality","energetics_action-heating","energetics_action-kapha-constitution-dosha","energetics_action-light","energetics_action-liver","energetics_action-lung","energetics_action-nervous-channel-srotas","energetics_action-nervous","energetics_action-neutral","energetics_action-pitta-constitution-dosha","energetics_action-plasma","energetics_action-pungent-post-digestive-effect-vipaka","energetics_action-respiratory","energetics_action-sweet","energetics_action-vata-constitution-dosha","region-ayurvedic-herbs","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20250426","herb_author":1235,"banner_text":"Mint leaf and the volatile oil are both widely used for digestive issues","latin_name":"Mentha x piperita<\/em>, Mentha arvensis<\/em><\/span>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Lamiaceae","herb_summary":"Among the world\u2019s oldest medicinal herbs, mints have been used medicinally and culinarily for centuries in both Eastern and Western traditions. The characteristic minty aroma and taste are largely due to their constituent, menthol.","key_benefits":"Digestive issues\r\nIBS\r\nCongested airways \r\nAnxiety\r\nAches and pains","how_does_it_feel":"The distinctive minty aroma can be experienced as soon as the fresh leaves are crushed. Menthol is a key constituent of the essential oil in the mint family (it is actually a crystalline solid oil at room temperature, though liquefies at body temperature, i.e. upon tasting). Menthol activates the same nerve receptors as the experience of\u00a0 cold, thereby stimulating the cooling sensation of mint when ingested or inhaled.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nA strongly brewed peppermint tea will elicit an immediate cooling effect in the mouth as a result of the menthol.\u00a0 This is then swiftly followed by other sensations of aromatic almost pungent flavours as the other volatile oils work through to the palate. Finally, the lasting effect is one of dryness and astringency as a result of the tannins.\u00a0<\/span>","hdif_image_1":2485,"hdif_image_2":10570,"hdif_image_3":13666,"hdif_video":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/ryQA_naOXaA","sense":[31,786,27],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"\"\"\r\n\r\nMints are ideal as a tea to help a wide range of digestive disorders including heartburn, dyspepsia, cramping, distension, colic, flatulence, nausea and vomiting (1). The tea can provide an almost immediate relief, and in these cases the strength of the tea can be increased to two or more tea bags per cup and infused for at least 15 minutes. Other herbs can also be included alongside mint to help settle digestive issues, including chamomile<\/a> (Matricaria chamomila<\/i>), fennel<\/a> (Foeniculum vulgare<\/i>), lemon balm<\/a> (Melissa officinalis<\/i>) or ginger<\/a> (Zingiber officinale<\/i>).\r\n\r\nThe benefits of peppermint oil in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome<\/a> (IBS) are well-supported by clinical trials (2).\u00a0 It may also have stronger effects in relieving dyspepsia, nausea, as well as gallbladder and bile duct pain. In this case, either use proprietary or prescription peppermint oil capsules, or add the oil to peppermint tea incrementally from 3 to 8 drops. Peppermint oil must never be swallowed neat and should be used cautiously with inflammatory diseases of the digestive system or gallstones.\r\n\r\nDue to the menthol content, mint tea can also be used to relieve symptoms of coughs<\/a> and colds<\/a>. This can be both drunk and used as a steam inhalation to clear the airways. A small drop of peppermint oil can also be added to the steam inhalation to increase the decongestant effects (1,3).\r\n\r\nMints are known to uplift mood and clear the mind, as they are relaxing and help to relieve tension (1,3). There is evidence that peppermint can reduce palpitations or other cardiac symptoms of anxiety<\/a> (4).\r\n\r\nPeppermint oil applied to the skin may relieve neuralgia, pruritus and headaches<\/a> and has been shown to heal cracked nipples during breastfeeding (5,6).","into_the_heart_of":"\"\"\r\n\r\nThe mint family all have high levels of essential oil containing menthol, which combined with the constituent menthone, gives the plant its distinctive scent and taste.<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt is also the component responsible for mints\u2019 medicinal activity. Menthol acts as an <\/span>analgesic<\/span><\/a>, working by cooling and alleviating muscle, circulatory and other pains, also separately relieving the strain and tension that may contribute to pain and headaches (7).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn the digestive tract, menthol will reduce the contractile responses of the digestive muscles, certainly by stimulating cold receptors in the stomach and possibly by inhibition of calcium influx into the smooth muscle of the gut wall (8). This helps to relieve heartburn, digestive cramping and colic. Menthol has been seen to enhance parasympathetic dominance, helping to lower heart rate and instances of anxiety and palpitations (9). Menthol can also activate GABA receptors, contributing to its calming effect on the nervous system (10).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nMint is sometimes described as having a warming and pungent effect in some traditions. However, when taken in high doses it has a <\/span>diaphoretic<\/span><\/a> effect, increasing perspiration by providing warmth. By increasing the production of sweat, it can reduce fevers and help to cool the body down.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nMenthol is a volatile aromatic and when inhaled acts as a powerful decongestant helping to clear phlegm from the airways (11).<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"\"\"\r\n\r\nMints have been traditionally used in the relief of digestive disorders, and to balance the effects of stronger remedies, especially stimulating <\/span>laxatives<\/span><\/a>. Their beneficial actions on the digestive system extend to the use of the tea for nausea, as well as morning and travel sickness. Members of the mint family have traditionally been used as diaphoretics and to help bring down a fever.<\/span>\r\n\r\nMints have often been used to clear nasal passages, to relieve coughing in bronchial conditions and pneumonia, and for the temporary relief of sore throats due to the menthol constituent. They have also been seen to promote digestive, kidney and liver functions. Women have used mint teas to relieve painful periods.\u00a0 Externally, peppermint oil has been used to relieve pain and itching, and as a mouthwash.\u00a0 Bruised fresh mint and peppermint oil have been applied to relieve\u00a0 headaches.\u00a0 They have a reputation for being mildly <\/span>sedative<\/span><\/a>, and were used in combination with other herbs to relieve nervous upsets.\u00a0 They also have a long history as flavouring agents for teas, medicines, food and drink (12).<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"

\"DigestiveDigestive system<\/h3>\r\nThe most useful role of peppermint is as a tea in the treatment of various digestive upsets. Individuals with dyspeptic, flatulent or colicky symptoms have a 50% chance of being relieved by peppermint tea, and the remaining 50% will not find this same relief.\u00a0 It is a simple first step for anyone to find out in which category they fall: if there is any relief at all from taking a cup of simple tea then it is worth making it stronger, by steeping the teabag for 15 minutes and possibly using two per cup. If there is no relief, an alternative warming remedy like fennel or ginger instead. <\/span>\r\n\r\nIf peppermint is found to be effective, then chamomile can also be a consideration as well as the inclusion of stronger cooling bitter herbs such as <\/span>dandelion<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Taraxacum officinale<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>artichoke<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Cynara scolymus<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>gentian<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Gentiana lutea<\/span><\/i>) or <\/span>wormwood<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Artemisia absinthium<\/span><\/i>). Practitioners may use the oil, particularly in enteric-coated capsules, for bowel irritability and as an ingredient in liniments or other topical applications. For steam inhalations, gentler oils such as pine (<\/span>Pinus<\/span><\/i>) or <\/span>aniseed<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Pimpinella anisum<\/span><\/i>) can be considered.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIndicated in heartburn, nervous digestion, flatulence, bloating, IBS, ulcers, nausea and anorexia. The tea can relieve <\/span>gastritis<\/span><\/a> and enteritis. The aromatic essential oils can help to alleviate morning sickness, vomiting and spasms in the gastrointestinal tract. The oil may relieve gallbladder pain, though should be used with caution with gallstones (13)..<\/span>\r\n

Immune system<\/span><\/h3>\r\nCommonly used as a hot tea to influence diaphoresis (sweating) in colds and flu. Especially when also inhaled it can help unblock airway congestion and is indicated where the lungs are congested with catarrh and constricted by spasms, wheezing or <\/span>asthma<\/span><\/a> (1,13).<\/span>\r\n

Nervous system<\/span><\/h3>\r\nMint teas may relieve mental and emotional tension and especially cardiac effects of anxiety including high heart rate and palpitations due to its anxiolytic and antidepressant actions (9). The active compounds in peppermint modulate neurotransmitters including GABAergic and nicotinic receptors and therefore support cognitive function and reduce mental fatigue. It can also be used to clear brain fog and support memory and attention span (1,11).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Reproductive system<\/span><\/h3>\r\nIndicated in menstrual congestion, <\/span>dysmenorrhoea<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 and amenorrhoea due to its ability to relax the smooth muscle in the uterus (1,14). . There is some evidence to point to the use of the tea in <\/span>polycystic ovarian syndrome<\/span><\/a> (PCOS) and other hormonal problems as a result of its anti-androgenic effect (15).<\/span>\r\n

Skin<\/span><\/h3>\r\nWhen applied topically, peppermint oil can cool and soothe inflamed skin, relieve hot flushes and pruritus (6). It has also been effective in soothing cracked nipples in breastfeeding mothers (5).<\/span>","research":"\"\"\r\n

A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita<\/em> L.)<\/span><\/h3>\r\nA review found peppermint tea to be effective in relieving symptoms of IBS. Several clinical trials also showed peppermint oil capsules in dosages of 0.2 ml three times daily to be effective in treating symptoms of IBS. In vitro studies also suggest potent antimicrobial, antiviral and antioxidant properties of peppermint (16).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Systematic review: herbal medicinal products for non-ulcer dyspepsia<\/span><\/h3>\r\nFour randomised controlled trials were included to evaluate the effect of peppermint in the treatment of dyspepsia. Peppermint was administered in capsule form for a duration of between 1\u20138 weeks. All the studies found a reduction in symptoms of dyspepsia and 60\u201390% of patients reported improvements in symptoms including bloating, abdominal pain and discomfort compared with placebo (17).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Peppermint oil reduces gastric spasm during upper endoscopy: a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy controlled trial<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThis randomised, double blind controlled trial compared the antispasmodic effects of peppermint oil and hyoscine-N-butylbromide during GI endoscopy in 100 patients. The solution was administered intramuscularly and intraluminally and the percentage change in diameter between the maximal and minimal pyloric rings was examined. Results showed the opening ration was higher in the peppermint oil group over the hyoscine-N-butylbromide group. There were no significant side effects with the peppermint group, suggesting positive outcome for peppermint\u2019s antispasmodic action (18).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Gastric cooling and menthol cause an increase in cardiac parasympathetic efferent activity in healthy adult human volunteers<\/span><\/h3>\r\nA drink of ispaghula combined with peppermint capsules was administered to nine healthy volunteers. The participants had their ECG, respiration and blood pressure monitored five minutes before the drink and 115 minutes post ingestion. The combination of ispaghula and peppermint caused a cooling effect which resulted in a drop in heart rate and increased parasympathetic activity (9).<\/span>\r\n

Volatile terpenes and brain function: Investigation of the cognitive and mood effects of <\/span>Mentha \u00d7 piperita<\/span><\/i> L. essential oil with <\/span>in vitro<\/span><\/i> properties relevant to central nervous system function<\/span><\/h3>\r\nA double blind, placebo crossover study investigated the effects of organic spearmint and peppermint essential oils on neurotransmitter receptor binding. Twenty four participants were given 50 \u00b5L and 100 \u00b5L doses of peppermint essential oil or a placebo, encapsulated in soft gels. Cognition and mood assessments in the form of rapid visual information processing (RVIP) and serial 3s subtraction task to assess fatigue were performed at baseline, one hour, three hours and six hours post ingestion. Results showed peppermint oil improved RVIP performance at 100 \u00b5L, and both doses reduced mental fatigue. These results are attributed to its cholinergic inhibitory, calcium regulatory and GABA\/ nicotinic receptor binding properties (19).<\/span>\r\n

Effect of spearmint (<\/span>Mentha spicata<\/span><\/i> Labiatae) teas on androgen levels in women with hirsutism<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThis observational study explored the effect of spearmint on 21 female patients (12 with PCOS) with hirsutism. Participants consumed one cup of spearmint tea twice a day for five days during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Free testosterone levels were measured before and after, and they were found to have decreased after treatment, as well as an increase in LH, FS and oestradiol levels (15).\u00a0<\/span>","did_you_know":"After-dinner mints started out as simple home remedies to relieve indigestion: they can still be used for this purpose!","additional_information_right":{"illustration":204329},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Mints are perennial herbs distinguished easily by the fresh minty scent and taste of their leaves. All mints have creeping rhizomes, from which new shoots grow up to 50\u201360cm in height. Mint leaves are finely serrated, and like other labiates the stems of the plant are square. The flowers of mint plants are often a pale purple and will form tight whorls around the stem. Several members of the mint family were introduced to Britain by the Romans and have become naturalised throughout Europe, often found growing in the wild close to water or waste ground.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nMany familiar mints are actually botanical hybrids. Peppermint (<\/span>Mentha x piperita<\/span><\/i>) is a hybrid of <\/span>M. spicata<\/span><\/i> (spearmint) \u2013 itself a hybrid of <\/span>M. longifolia<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>M. suaveolens<\/span><\/i> \u2013 and <\/span>M. aquatica<\/span><\/i> (water mint).\u00a0 The two most common cultivated varieties of peppermint are <\/span>M. piperita<\/span><\/i> var. vulgaris\u00a0 (black mint) and <\/span>M. piperita<\/span><\/i> var. officinalis (white mint).\u00a0 Black mint has darker purplish stems and purple-tinged leaves (26).<\/span>\r\n

Alternate botanical names<\/span><\/h3>\r\n