Miraculous Mint 

Mint aka Pudina is one handy herb to have in your kitchen. Read on to learn about its properties and how you can use it.

Pudina or Mint with its dark green leaves and pleasing flavour is most easily identified by the fresh fragrance that is unique to this herb. Blessed with taste, aroma and useful medicinal qualities this herb has to be amongst the most versatile plants in the herbal kingdom.

Historical Background

History reveals that mint has been in use for over two thousand years! The name itself is supposed to have originated from Greek mythology. Legend has it that the nymph called Minthe, attracted the attention of Hades. Hades’ wife, the jealous Persephone, attacked Minthe and was in the process of trampling her to death when Hades turned her into the herb. A herb that was ever sacred to him thereafter. 

A flashback around the world reveals that ancient Hebrews scattered mint on their synagogue floors so that each footstep would raise its fragrance. A symbol of hospitality and wisdom, the very smell of it was believed to reanimate the spirit. Ancient Greeks and Romans rubbed tables with mint before the arrival of their guests. Britain was introduced to mint by the Romans. The pilgrims brought mint to the United States aboard the Mayflower. The Japanese have distilled peppermint oil for several centuries and the oil is further treated to produce menthol. The Indians have of course through the Ayurved benefited from the medicinal properties of this varied herb through the ages.

Natural Benefits and Curative Properties 

Digestive System Disorders 

Fresh mint leaf juice mixed with a teaspoonful of lime juice and honey is given thrice daily with excellent results in the treatment of indigestion, biliousness, flatulent colic, threadworms, morning sickness and summer diarrhea.

According to Naturopathy, a cupful of mint tea taken every morning and evening assists digestion and gives one a fresh and healthy appearance. The powder renders the same service, if one or two pinches are taken daily in the food or in water. 

Mint juice is a good appetizer. 

Mint, prepared in milk or tea and drunk warm, removes abdominal pains.

People living in hot climates treat the heat with a glass of cold water with Pudina extract in it. 

The seeds of mint are also beneficial in relieving severe abdominal pain due to indigestion in older children. The child may be given a quarter teaspoonful of the seeds to chew and swallow with water.

Respiratory Disorders 

A teaspoonful of fresh mint juice, mixed with two spoonfuls of pure malt vinegar and equal quantity of honey is stirred in four ounces of carrot juice and is given thrice daily as a medicated tonic during the treatment of tuberculosis, asthma and bronchitis. It liquefies the sputum, nourishes the lungs, increases body's resistance against infection and prevents the harmful effects of anti tubercular drugs. It also prevents the asthmatic attacks and reduces congestion in air passages.

Oral Disorders 

Not a well-known fact but fresh leaves of mint chewed on, are an effective antiseptic toothpaste! The chlorophyll combined with other antiseptic chemicals in the mint, kills all the germs causing harmful odour. 

A home made mouth freshener can be had by boiling the mint leaves in water. Use this decoction to gargle with and get riddance from bad-breath. 

Mint also strengthens the gums by providing the required nutrients and thus prevents tooth decay, pyorrhea, pre-mature fall of the teeth etc. 

Mint also keeps the mouth fresh and improves the sense of taste in the tongue.

Hoarseness 

Gargling fresh mint decoction with salt cures hoarseness due to shouting or singing loudly. It keeps the voice clear if used before singing. Definitely a boon to singers and orators. So the next time you want to sing sweet as a cuckoo, you know what to do!

Skin Disorders 

Application of fresh mint juice over the face every night, cures pimples and prevents dryness of the skin. 

Mint juice is also applied over insect stings, ringworm, eczema, scabies and contact dermatitis.

Natural Birth Control

In Ayurveda, powdered dry mint is regarded as a harmless herb for birth control. It is believed that the woman who swallows 10 grams of this powder a little before the sexual intercourse will be free from pregnancy so long as she continues this practice. The mint should be dried in a shady place and then powdered and bottled.

Preparation and Storage

Fresh is always best but dried mint is very beneficial too. Hang the bunch in a shaded area and let it dry. The dried mint should be then kept in a tightly sealed glass jar away from light.

Other Names

Spearmint: Fish Mint, Garden Mint, Green Mint, Lamb Mint, Mackerel Mint, Peamint, Sage of Bethlehem, Spire Mint, menthe verte, Grune Minze, menta verde, menta verde, dhiozmos, menda, hakka, pak hom ho, daun kesom, meenchi 

Peppermint: Balm Mint, Brandy Mint, Curled Mint, Lamb Mint, menthe anglaise, menthe poivrée, Pfefferminze, menta peprina, menta peperita

Also known all over the world as: Habakjabuli, Habaqulhind, Naanaaulhind, Podina, Bhudina, Po Ho, Chinese Mint, Corn Mint, Marsh Mint, Baume deschamos, Pauliot thym, Guam Yerba buena, Phudno, Pudina, Pudinah, Pudina, Pok ho, Putiyina, Filfilmun, Pfudnah, Odutalan, Yerba buena, Yechakkirai, Igaenglikura, Pudinchkohi.