Five fresh and healthy facts about mint
1. It aids in digestion: Mint is known in the world of herbal medicine as a carminative and an antispasmodic agent, due to its ability to reduce stomach cramping, indigestion, pain and discomfort. Mint is very soothing for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), heartburn and nausea.
2. It's antimicrobial and anti-fungal: Mint has the ability to not only kill the bad bacteria that are in our digestive tract, it also combats the overgrowth of fungus that is present after many of us take prescription antibiotics. Mint is a powerful herb in the prevention and treatment of candida albicans (a common yeast infection).
3. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory: Many varieties of mint are traditionally consumed as an anti-inflammatory for the lungs. Mint is showing to have promising effects in clinical trials of asthma treatments by extracting the active nutrient rosmarinic acid, which can block inflammation. Mint should not be used as a substitute to any asthma medication, but rather in addition to it.
4. It may have the potential to kill cancer cells: Mint is in the early stages of research for cancer treatments for its cytotoxic (cell-killing) effect on certain types of cancer cells, because of a specific phytonutrient it contains called perillyl alcohol. It is also a great preventative treatment, as it is packed full of antioxidants.
5. It can relieve common cold and flu symptoms: Inhalation of the essential oil found in mint leaves (through steam or humidifier) has been shown to clear the passages of the nose and throat to aid in the discomfort we experience during a cold or flu. Mint can also aid in the recovery of a cold or flu due to its antimicrobial and anti inflammatory actions.
Five reasons to add medicinal mint to your... Chatelaine.com
It's great to have something refreshingly minty on a hot day, but did you know that this herb also has medicinal properties? Find out how it can help your digestion, and what else mint does for your health.
By Julie Daniluk, R.H.N. Mon Jun 13 2011
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