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The Active Herbalist Podcast Episode 8: Mint

4–7 minutes

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Mentha (spicata, x piperita, aquatica, suaveolens, x gracilis)

Lamiaceae family

The Active Herbalist’s products featuring mint:

Chocolate Mint Tisane

History & Growing:

Mint is an easy and carefree plant to grow, even if you don’t have a “green thumb.” It may have originated in the Mediterranean area, but its origin seems to be somewhat of a mystery. Mint is grown all over the world, with thousands of varieties ranging from Chocolate Mint to Pineapple Mint to the beloved Peppermint (Mentha piperita). It is a shrubby perennial that grows upright, typically 2-3 feet at maturity. Wild mint species grow well from seed, otherwise plant mint by propagation from root division or stem cuttings. The leaves are harvested in spring to summer before the plant goes to flower. The flowers assemble in spear-shape clusters, often white, pink, or purple in color. Some herbalists prefer the younger, spring harvest mint leaves while others prefer the summer harvested crop, which is higher in essential oil. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Chinese, and Japanese cultures valued mint as a food herb and medicine as well as in perfumes and hair adornments.

Parts Used Medicinally:

  • Leaves, flowering tops

Forms of Mint:

  • Tea, tincture, glycerite, capsule, vinegar, honey, oxymel, liniment/lotion, compress, poultice, soak, condiment, essential oil (menthol being a well-known constituent of Mentha piperita)

Taste:

  • Minty! 🙂 Pungent

Energetics:

  • Cooling, drying

Actions:

  • Antispasmodic (particularly towards the digestive system)
  • Antiemetic (helps relieve nausea)
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antioxidant
  • Antimicrobial
  • Anodyne (relieve pain)
  • Carminative (dispels wind)
  • Nervine
  • Decongestant/Expectorant

Organs & Systems Mint Acts Upon:

  • Digestive system
  • Respiratory system
  • Lymphatic system
  • Nervous system
  • Skin

Traditional Uses:

  • Mint was used traditionally for colic, stomach ailments and spasms, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, morning sickness, and headaches.
  • Mint was used as a remedy for coughing conditions, like the cold and flu, bronchitis and pneumonia.
  • Mint was used in funeral rituals to help with the odor of decaying bodies as well as to help preserve the body.
  • Mint was apparently valued so much that it was used as currency in ancient Egypt. In fact, the Bible has a few quotes referring to mint as a form of tithe. (Recommended read)

Current Uses:

  • Mint is a beloved and popular tea!
  • Mint continues to be a popular culinary ingredient in dishes like ice cream, chutney, pesto, mixed into cocktails, and mixed into salads.
  • Mint family herbs are now renowned for their ability to improve focus and concentration. Mint, particularly when combined with herbs like rosemary, tulsi, and gotu kola in tea or tinctures, are often remedied for those who need caffeine-free alternatives (or instead of prescription medication) for mental stimulation.
  • Mint is often a remedy for gas and bloating, along with digestive ailments like a general stomachaches and morning sickness. It is also a popular headache remedy.
    • For colds and flus: mint can be used to help break a low-grade fever when drunk as a hot tea, as well as in a steam inhalation to help clear the sinuses. In a similar vein, mint is often used for seasonal allergies and hay fever.
    • Mint may offer some pain-relief for menstrual cramps and could be especially indicated when nausea is a symptom as well.
    • Topically, mint can be a wonderful soothing skin treatment and/ or compress, as it is cooling and anti-inflammatory. Mint is also great for treating itchy or inflamed skin & joint conditions and bug bites given its soothing, cooling and anti-microbial properties.
    • The Healing Garden, Juliet Blankespoor
  • While more studies are needed, mint (perhaps more specifically peppermint and it’s essential oil) may be a beneficial ally for those with attention disorders such as ADHD. Mint helps improve focus and concentration, is non-habit forming, and mildly relaxing.

Studies:

  • Numerous studies have confirmed mint’s ability to sooth digestive discomfort and offer relief from IBS.
  • Mint may be an affordable, impactful addition to cancer treatment and/or cancer prevention. Mint displays numerous anti-cancer properties, and desperately needs more clinical studies and trials adjacent to traditional treatment.
    • Menthol: An underestimated anticancer agent
      • “Over the years, both the anticancer targets and mechanisms underlying the anticancer activity of natural products have been extensively studied. Menthol exerts its anticancer activity by inducing cancer cell death via apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, inhibiting tubulin polymerization, and cell necrosis as well as by inhibiting tumor cell invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and proliferation”
  • Research on the volatile oil (menthol) in peppermint has indicated mint is antibacterial.
    • Research has also indicated Mentha piperita improved cognition and reduced mental fatigue.
  • Several studies indicate mint is effective in relieving post-operative and chemotherapy-induced nausea

When to reach for mint:

  • When you need a natural, caffeine-free mental refresher and/or digestive aid.
  • When you need a bit of soothing or cooling, such as during the summer time when you have a bit of a sour stomach due to stress and heat.
    • Ginger is a warming anti-nausea resource, while mint is a cooling one.

Dosage:

  • 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb per 1 cup water 1-3x’s / day
  • 1-2 ml of tincture 1-3x’s/day
  • Keep in mind over indulging/over supplementing any herb (aka HIGH doses) can lead to negative side effects like vomiting and/or nausea.

Contraindications:

  • Mint may aggravate conditions like heartburn, acid reflux and/or stomach ulcers.
  • Pennyroyal is a mint family herb with abortifacient properties. Do not consume unless under professional medical supervision.

Elemental, Planetary & Doshas:

  • From my perspective: Air plant under Mercury rulership
  • Mint may balance the excess heat of the pitta dosha, as well as the damp stagnation of the kapha dosha. When indicated for vata doshas, formulating with a warming, moistening herb (like licorice root) is wise to avoid constitutional imbalances with long term supplementation.

Citations  & Recommended Reading:

Recipe of the Week: Coach Becca’s Mint Cooler:

  • 2 cups of water or seltzer water
  • 1 lime, rolled gently before slicing to encourage the juice
  • Several sprigs of fresh mint, or mint tea frozen into ice cubes

Combine ingredients in a Ball jar. Allow the beverage to infuse for a few minutes, or place it in the fridge for several hours for a stronger, chilled beverage. Ideal for a hot day, particularly if you’ve got a “sour stomach” associated with heat.

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