Magical Properties and Uses of Mint . The leaves are used for treating coughs, throats, nasal congestion, infections, rheumatism, malaria, asthma, renal diseases, vesical calculi, epilepsy, and flatulence, hiccup, long infections skin ulcerations, diarrhea, … People have used it for thousands of years to add flavor to dishes and to treat health conditions. This is especially true in cases of indigestion , flatulence and stomach pain or colic. All aBuzz: . Applying mint essential oils in various forms appears to be effective in preventing and treating nipple cracks and pain typically associated with breastfeeding. eds. While not typically consumed in large quantities, mint does contain a fair amount of nutrients. 1. “Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Peppermint Oil”. Cold and flu, relieve stress, better digestion, strong immune system and the list is simply endless. Wild mint is an herb. British Medical Journal 1979. One study showed that applying peppermint water after breastfeeding was more effective than applying expressed breast milk in preventing nipple and areola cracks, which resulted in less nipple pain (14). These plants are all beloved and widely used for culinary, aromatherapy, and medicinal purposes, and they have another important unifying trait — they are all in the mint family, Lamiaceae, which has over 200 genera and 7000 species! The above-ground parts are used to make medicine. Like other members of the genus, it is best not used by pregnant women because large doses can … Although not typically consumed in large quantities, mint contains fair amounts of several nutrients and is an especially good source of vitamin A and antioxidants. 3. Other uses not proven with research have included dental plaque, bad breath, hot flashes, pain caused by shingles, itchy skin, toothaches, infections, muscle pain, and others. It is also important for the treatment of the respiratory tract because it contains certain components that are powerful expectorants . Breastfeeding mothers commonly experience sore and cracked nipples, which can make breastfeeding painful and difficult. But does it really work? Ordinary gelatin capsules release it in the stomach, which can cause refluxing of stomach acid (as described in the preceding paragraph). Gassy ancestors, living in the years before Beano and Pepto-bismol, used to grab some mint leaves to ease their discomfort and prevent their blushes. • Somerville, K. W., C. R. Richmond, and G. D. Bell. Peppermint oil is commonly used as flavoring in foods and beverages and as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics. • Gildemeister, E., and F. R. Hoffman; E. Kremers, trans. These scientifically backed methods for clearing bad breath really work. Some studies show that smelling the aroma of peppermint oil may improve memory and alertness, while other studies show no effect. However, use Spearmint in place of Peppermint in cases of digestive problems or colic in very small children, as Peppermint may be a bit too strong. Today, peppermint is raised for oil on nearly 100,000 acres in Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. On the North American continent, early native Americans made a tea from wild mint leaves in order to relieve an upset stomach. 10 Delicious Herbs and Spices With Powerful Health Benefits, 4 Healthy Herbs to Grow Indoors This Winter, 8 Tips to Get Rid of Garlic and Onion Breath, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. Many herbal teas can relieve constipation. Description; Medicinal Action---Synonyms---Water or Marsh Mint.Whorled Mint. Register now to get access to ALL current video workshops and prerecorded webinars plus anything new that we add through the end of 2020. “The Linnaean Types of Mentha (Lamiaceae)”. This helped improve stomach pain and other digestive symptoms (10).