MINT
[Also- Spear mint]
Like ‘thulsi’ /
‘thulasi’ the plant ‘mint’ enjoys nearly the same vernacular name across India
‘PUDHINA’ or ‘PODHINA’ and nearly enjoys a like patronage among all cultures that
differ in several other characteristics.
Botanically Mint is : Mentha viridis and placed in the family ‘Lamiaceae’.
Mint is a herb growing to less than 2 feet high and can spread over large areas
to the point of being called a menace. The leaves of Mentha are its pride being
quite fragrant, inviting universal acceptance for the aroma from the fresh
green leaves. Like all members of the mint family [Lamiaceae], mint has minute
hairs which give off the captivating olfactory trigger-the aroma.
There are several mint
varieties and most of them can be used fresh or brewed as tea or its oil may be
used as concentrate.
Mint is traditionally
used in treating problems in digestion, IBS [irritable bowel syndrome] and
related issues.
Though not well
founded, a perception that mint can be useful in upkeep of memory and good heal
illness. Mint is a low calorie food
additive that does not enhance blood sugar levels protein or fat and just helps
to deliver fibrous component in food. Vitamins A and C are found in fresh mint
leaves. Manganese and Folate in mint
account for 8% and 4% respectively. Vit-A helps eye care and night vision
Mint is said to have
‘anti-oxidant value’ ideal for preventing stressful oxidation in human system.
Irritable bowel
syndrome –[ I B S] a digestion dependent state of improper bowel movements in
elder persons can be relieved by consuming Mint oilin small quantity.
Indigestion resulting
from sluggish passing of food through digestive tract can be improved by
consuming Mint oil with meal. It can
help to alleviate pain from indigestion.
Memory improvement in
humans has been shown to occur from smelling of Peppermint oil for 5 minutes.
Also, lowering of anxiety fatigue and moods of depression are said to be eased
by smelling mint oil.
Application of mint to
feeding points in nursing mothers is said to relieve feeding pain in them.
Persons sensitive to
menthol experience relief from nasal block on inhaling Menthol –a derivative
from mint oil.
Due to fresh breath,
mint helps to drive off mouth odour.
Mint in creams is said
to help skin care in humans.
Thus, the simple and
common mint leaves offer a range of health benefits to humans.
Prof. K .Raman
Though mint was not used in our house till our parents were alive, now we buy and prepare chutney and also pudhina rice at times. Mint contains menthol and menthol suppresses the activity of the nervous system. We use menthol to narcotise the live animals we collected during our marine collection. Menthol is also included in some shaving creams.
ReplyDeleteK.Venkataraman