Here at AquAid Water Coolers, we’re always on the lookout for helpful health tips drawn from nature that can accompany your drinking water. We’ve referenced mint before on a few occasions – once in 2015 and again in 2017 and last year – but we’ve never really looked at the herb itself. Turns out, this fresh smelling little wonder packs a power punch of health, has many varieties and is used across all spectrums, from medicinal to culinary.
With more species than one can hiccup at (mint is a great digestive aid) it has been around for centuries. Spearmint, penny royal (toxic to humans), wild mint, apple mint and chocolate mint (yum) are just a few of more than a hundred varieties.
Health Benefits
Prevent Respiratory Disorders: Research led by Professor Ron Eccles at the University of Wales, UK, states that menthol, present in mint, helps in relieving nasal congestion. The strong aroma of this herb is also very effective in clearing up congestion of the throat, bronchi, and lungs, which give relief from respiratory disorders that often result from asthma and common colds.
Digestive Aid: Mint is a great appetiser or a palate cleanser. The aroma of the herb helps activate the salivary glands in your mouth as well as the glands which secrete the digestive enzymes, thereby facilitating digestion. It also soothes the stomach in case of indigestion or inflammation. It is a potent remedy for relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
A study conducted in 2013 reveals that the menthol present in mint has the ability to relieve diarrhoea. Also, for those that travel long distances via plane or boat, menthol oil derived from mint sweets can be very soothing for nausea and related motion sickness.
Oral Care: According to research, mint has germicidal qualities and it quickly freshens breath. It also adds to oral health by inhibiting harmful bacterial growth inside the mouth and by cleaning the tongue and teeth.
In modern times, for the same reason, menthol is one of the most common elements in toothpaste, mouthwashes, and other dental hygiene products. Of course, the easiest way to get these results is to simply chew on the leaves.
Prevent Memory Loss: A study was conducted by Dr. A. P. Allen and Dr. A. P. Smith from Cardiff University, on the effect of chewing gum on stress, alertness, and cognition. It found that people who frequently used chewing gum, in which the major active ingredient is mint, had higher levels of memory retention and mental alertness than those who did not.
Reduce Depression & Fatigue: Mint is a natural stimulant and the smell alone can be enough to charge your energy and get your brain functioning at a higher level again. done in 2014 has shown that mint and its essential oil can help combat feeling sluggish, anxious, depressed or exhausted. It can be ingested, applied topically in a salve form or inhaled as a vapour.
Need access to a constant supply of cool or hot drinking water for your mint leaf water or mint tea?
Install a water cooler from AquAid– possibly the simplest solution to keep you hydrated, refreshed and feeling invigorated too.
*excerpts from an article at Organic Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the health benefits of mint?
Mint offers a range of health benefits, including aiding respiratory health and digestion. The menthol in mint helps relieve nasal congestion and can clear up congestion in the throat, bronchi, and lungs. This makes it particularly helpful for those suffering from respiratory disorders due to asthma or common colds.
Additionally, mint is a great digestive aid. Its aroma activates salivary glands and digestive enzymes, which helps with digestion. Mint can soothe the stomach and relieve symptoms of indigestion or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Is mint beneficial for oral health?
Mint is highly beneficial for oral health due to its germicidal properties. It quickly freshens breath and inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth. This helps in maintaining oral hygiene by cleaning the tongue and teeth.
Menthol, a common component in mint, is frequently found in toothpaste, mouthwashes, and other dental products. Chewing mint leaves is an easy and natural way to promote oral health and maintain fresh breath.
Does mint help with memory retention?
Mint may help with memory retention and mental alertness. A study by Dr. A. P. Allen and Dr. A. P. Smith found that people who frequently used chewing gum, which often contains mint, had higher levels of memory retention and alertness compared to those who did not.
The active ingredient in mint, menthol, is believed to stimulate brain function, which can enhance cognitive performance. This makes mint a useful herb for those looking to improve their memory and mental clarity.
Can mint reduce depression and fatigue?
Mint has natural stimulant properties that can help reduce feelings of depression and fatigue. The aroma of mint alone can be invigorating, helping to boost energy levels and brain function. Studies have shown that mint and its essential oil can combat feelings of sluggishness, anxiety, and exhaustion.
Mint can be ingested, applied topically, or inhaled as a vapour to experience its energising effects. This makes it a versatile option for those seeking natural ways to uplift their mood and reduce fatigue.
What varieties of mint are commonly used?
There are over a hundred varieties of mint, each with unique properties. Common types include spearmint, wild mint, apple mint, and chocolate mint. Each variety has its own distinct flavour and aroma, making them suitable for different culinary and medicinal uses.
While some varieties like pennyroyal are toxic to humans, others are widely used for their health benefits. Spearmint and peppermint are particularly popular for their digestive and respiratory benefits, as well as their refreshing taste.
