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Mint has been used as a natural medicine for thousands of years, and is commonly consumed as a tea as a sedative. However, this plant also has other beneficial properties, including fighting inflammation, lowering testosterone levels, and reducing nausea, writes health.
1. Mint as an anti-inflammatory
This plant contains several anti-inflammatory compounds, including rosmarinic acid. And teas high in rosmarinic acid may relieve symptoms of inflammatory diseases.
A study found that consuming 2 cups of peppermint tea enriched with rosmarinic acid daily for 16 weeks improved walking ability in people with knee osteoarthritis.
This high-rosmarinic acid tea was made from a special variety of mint that contained about 20 times more rosmarinic acid than traditional mint. However, the study found that traditional mint tea may also help reduce stiffness associated with knee osteoarthritis.
Animal studies also suggest that peppermint extracts may reduce inflammation associated with other inflammatory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
However, the publication emphasizes that more human research is needed to better understand the role of mint in reducing inflammation and whether mint tea is effective in reducing symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions.
2. Mint may lower testosterone levels
Some evidence suggests that mint has antiandrogenic properties. Antiandrogens are substances that block the effects of male sex hormones (androgens), such as testosterone, in the body.
For this reason, it is noted, mint may be beneficial for women with polycystic ovary syndrome, which is characterized by high levels of androgens.
A long-standing study found that women who drank peppermint tea twice a day for a month had significantly lower free and total testosterone compared to those who didn't drink the tea.
However, the article states that the study in question is outdated, so additional studies are needed to confirm the potential use of mint as a means of lowering testosterone levels.
3. Mint can reduce nausea and vomiting
Mint has antispasmodic, or muscle spasm-relieving, and anti-nausea properties. Some studies show that inhaling the aroma of mint can effectively reduce nausea and vomiting associated with certain medical conditions.
One study looked at pregnant women who were experiencing nausea and found that inhaling peppermint scent twice a day for one week significantly reduced nausea and vomiting compared to women who did not inhale the scent.
Peppermint aromatherapy has also been effective in preventing nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, as well as post-surgery.
Although there is no evidence that peppermint tea will have the same effect, it is likely that the smell of peppermint tea may be beneficial for people who have the aforementioned symptoms, the article suggests.
Although consuming mint is safe for most people, there are some risks. Some people may be allergic to mint, so they should avoid all products containing this plant.
Mint can also trigger symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition characterized by heartburn and regurgitation (when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus and mouth).
This is because mint relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, a ring-shaped muscle that normally prevents stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus.
Products with high concentrations of mint are dangerous for people with kidney and liver disease. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid concentrated mint products, as there is not enough research on the effects of high doses during this period.
