9 Surprising Ways Mint Can Benefit Your Health & Hygiene
There's more to the benefits of mint than
fresh breath and clean teeth. And while it can also be used to flavor
salads, savory dishes, desserts and bowls of fruit, the properties of
mint far exceed what we normally use this herb for. In fact, this
aromatic herb can be used to soothe many bodily ailments from nausea to
nasal congestion.
1. Soothes Nausea
Whenever you are feeling nauseous, chew on
some mint. Its powerful smell can alleviate stomachaches and sooth
headaches. To reap the benefits, crush up and chew on some mint leaves,
smell a mint-flavored product, chew on some mint flavored gum or apply
essential oil where needed.
2. Clears up congestion
Whenever you are feeling nauseous, chew on
some mint. Its powerful smell can alleviate stomachaches and sooth
headaches. To reap the benefits, crush up and chew on some mint leaves,
smell a mint-flavored product, chew on some mint flavored gum or apply
essential oil where needed.
3. Prevents acne
Mint also contains vitamin A, which helps
control excessive oil production. The antioxidants found in mint will
help keep your skin healthy, clear and free from bacteria. You can apply
mint to the skin topically, either as a paste or combined with other
skin-boosting ingredients like cucumber or lemon juice.
4. Improves oral hygiene
One of mint's well-known benefits lies in
its ability to fight germs and mask smells. Opt for a toothpaste that
contains mint and you can also swill a little bit of peppermint or
spearmint oil (combined with water) in your mouth, killing any bacteria
and leaving your breath incredibly fresh.
5. Provides Powerful Antioxidants
In comparison to other food, mint ranks
pretty high in terms of antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help
destroy free radicals that can develop a host of illnesses if left
untreated. Ingesting mint can, therefore, be rather beneficial for your
health. Mint can be safely ingested in many ways. Add it to your water,
teas or use it to flavor your food.
6. Aids Digestion
For a healthy digestive process, eating or
smelling mint is enough to activate the salivary glands in your mouth.
Eat mint before or during a big meal to cleanse the palette and prepare
the body for digestion later on.
7.Reduces the effects of breastfeeding
Very often, women can suffer from mild skin
damage during breastfeeding - this can include chapping, cracking or
pain around the nipples. Alleviate the symptoms by rubbing some mint oil
(combined with a carrier oil, such as olive oil) around the area to
soothe the pain. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also heal the
damage.
8. Promotes Weight Loss
The digestive enzymes found in mint can
promote a more consistent, properly functioning metabolism, which in
turn can lead to weight loss and an overall healthier physique.
9. Boosts Mood and Fatigue
Mint is a stimulant that can help recharge
brain function. The menthol found in mint is also known to have a
calming, soothing effect on the body and mind. To reap the benefits,
take sips of mint tea or inhale its scent to help you feel calm and less
agitated.