Mentha arvensis, commonly known as mint, is a household herb that is largely cultivated in Northern India. This herb has medicinal properties and is used as an antimicrobial, antiflatulent, refrigerant, and stimulant. It is known to increase urination and is also used to induce menstruation in women suffering from delayed menses. It has been found to be beneficial in the management of fevers and bronchitis too.  

 

The mint products available in the market these days contain synthetic substitutes for mint, known as peppermint, and do not contain the actual herb. Hence, one cannot derive any mint-related health benefits from them. Its active ingredient menthol is of immense value in the treatment of bilious colic and respiratory disorders. Pharmacologically speaking, menthol has an anti-inflammatory action in general and a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the body.

 

Carvacrol, another constituent in mint, is fungicidal and anthelminthic in nature. The analgesic (painkilling) effect of mint is attributed to a third constituent called engenol. This is often put to use as a home remedy for toothache. Peppermint is a chemical that is grossly misused, finding its way into chocolates, sweetmeats, toothpastes, and even cosmetics or other toiletry items. Its toxic effects include skin rashes, allergic manifestations, decreased heart rate, and altered consciousness. In fact, applying menthol-containing preparations inside the nostrils of infants can trigger a state of collapse in them.

 

A number of animal studies and human clinical trials have been conducted using different species of the plant. While Mentha arvensis was found to produce a contraceptive effect on female rats, Mentha piperita’s sphere of action seemed to be the nervous system, besides the respiratory tract and skin. This is evident by the fact that in one animal trial, it inhibited the electrically triggered muscular contractions in the small intestine of a guinea pig. Mentha spicata or verdis seemed to have an affinity for the genitourinary tract, reducing irritability of the urinary bladder and treating prostatitis naturally. Applied locally, it is supposed to facilitate rapid healing of aphthous ulcers in the mouth.

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Tags: Allergic manifestations, Analgesic, Anti Inflammatory, Antiflatulent, Antimicrobial, Bronchitis, Carvacrol, Chocolate, Cosmetics, Engenol, Fever, Herb, Mentha arvensis, Mentha piperita, Mentha spicata, Menthol, Mint, Peppermint, Refrigerant, Skin rash, Stimulant, Sweetmeat, Toothpaste

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