What You Need to Know About the Mint Tea

One of the most important effects of mint infusion is that it reduces the symptoms caused by stress and anxiety, mint is a good ally in combating migraines. Rich in vitamin B and calcium, Mint has an important role in strengthening the immune system.

Wild mint, which at first grew only in Europe and the Middle East, is now cultivated in many regions of the world for its fresh and refreshing character. For infusion, only the leaves are harvested from the top of the plant, immediately after flowering, and are dried.

The name mint comes from the Latin word Mentha, which has its origin in the Greek word minthe, personified in Greek mythology as Minthe, a nymph who was transformed into a mint plant by Persephone who was jealous of the affection that her husband, Pluto, show it to her. 

Mint is part of the Lamiaceae family, a group of about 25–30 species of aromatic and medicinal plants, spread on almost all continents (Asia, Europe, Australia, North America).

A short presentation

The people of antiquity were certainly aware of the medicinal value of mint, using it as a natural remedy in Egypt, Greece, and Ancient Rome, thousands of years ago. Dried mint leaves have been found in several Egyptian pyramids, with carbon dating being 1000 BC.

Recent research has also confirmed the many healing properties of this plant. In addition to its industrial use in foods such as ice cream and chocolates, as well as in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, cosmetics, medicines, inhalers, and breath fresheners, mint is also used as a spice in the kitchen. 

Drinks and foods that contain mint have the role of cooling us during the summer, mint is often included in summer cocktails for a refreshing explosion of aroma.

Mint can be eaten both fresh and dried. The refreshing taste and health benefits contributed to the designation of mint, "Plant of the Year" in 1998, by the International Plant Association.

Benefits of mint tea

Since antiquity, Mint has been considered not only a tasty plant but also a real medicine, being used especially for digestive problems. Mint tea is one of the most popular infusions, being very refreshing and a reliable ally in preventing and treating many diseases.

Mint infusion can be used for both external and internal use. Among the benefits of this miracle plant, we mention the following:

Digestion - Mint infusion is an effective natural remedy for improving digestion and improving digestive disorders. It is recommended to be consumed in cases of indigestion, constipation, or inflammation of the stomach, having the role of calming. Also, volatile peppermint oil alleviates nausea symptoms.

The mint aroma activates the salivary glands and the glands that secrete digestive enzymes, thus facilitating digestion. These attributes turn mint into an indispensable ingredient in the kitchen. Much of the Western world uses mint as an appetizer before serving the main course, so that food can be digested more easily.

 Nausea and headache - The strong and invigorating aroma of mint is a quick and effective remedy for treating nausea. Only the smell of volatile mint oil, mint leaves, or the use of any product with freshly crushed mint flavor soothes the conditions caused by nausea.

Mint-based conditioner, when rubbed on the forehead or nose, banishes headaches. Mint is a natural calming substance that can alleviate the rise in inflammation and temperature, which is often associated with headaches and migraines.

Respiratory Disorders and Coughs - The strong taste of mint is very effective in cleansing the congested nose, throat, bronchi, and lungs, which results in the treatment of respiratory conditions such as asthma or colds.

Mint soothes the throat, nose, and other airways, relieving irritations that cause a chronic cough. This is the main reason why so many products are based on mint. Unlike aerosol-based inhalers, mint ones are much more effective and more environmentally friendly.

Skin Care - While volatile peppermint oil is a good antiseptic, mint juice is a very good skin cleanser. Soothes the skin and helps cure infections and itching, and helps prevent and treat acne.

Its antipruritic properties are a natural remedy for treating the bites of certain insects, such as mosquitoes or wasps. Also, the cooling sensation caused by mint will remove the irritating itching sensation, and its anti-inflammatory substances have the role of treating swelling.

 Improves memory - A 2006 study explored the effects that mint has on our cognitive functions. He found that the frequent use of chewing gum, whose main active ingredient is mint, enhances memory and increases alertness in human subjects.

Weight Loss - Mint, in addition to the other benefits already mentioned, is an important ally in our attempts to lose weight healthily. As already mentioned, mint stimulates digestive enzymes that absorb nutrients from food and consume fats which it then converts into usable energy.

Therefore, by adding mint to our diet, we increase the amount of fat we consume, instead of it depositing and contributing to weight gain.

 Oral hygiene - One of the properties that have consecrated mint is that it improves the health of the oral cavity. Due to its germicidal qualities, mint has a rapid effect on refreshing the breath.

Strengthens oral health by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria inside the mouth and by cleaning teeth and tongue.

This could explain why the powder of dried mint leaves was used in the Middle Ages to combat halitosis and whiten teeth. Of course, the easiest way to get the best results is to simply chew mint leaves.