Mint: The Traditional Herbalist's Best
Friend
Mint is one of the herbalist's best friends: there appears
to be at least thirty species of mint, and all can be used in a number of herbal remedies that are safe and
effective. Mint has become so common that some people even forget its history as an herbal remedy. Up until the
17th century, herbalists used most varieties of mint in more or less the same way. But now herbalists have
expressed definite preferences toward some kinds of mint. Today it appears that peppermint has gained favor with
most herbalists. Peppermint is indeed the preferred mint variety in the West, but in China it appears that field
mint has prevailed in popularity. Another popular mint is garden mint, which is sometimes also referred to as
spearmint. Although spearmint can be used in much the same way as peppermint, it is mostly recommended for
children.
The aerial parts of the mint plant are used to create herbal remedies. The leaves and other aerial parts of mint
plants are well known for their ability to relax the muscles and stimulate bile flow in the digestive tract. Mint
is well known for its ability to help treat digestive ailments. Mint is often used to treat indigestion, colic,
flatulence, and other similar conditions. Mint is also thought to help reduce the feeling of nausea and can be
taken to treat motion sickness. Mint can also be used to promote sweating in individuals suffering from fevers and
influenza. In traditional Chinese medicine, mint is known as bo he. It is thought of as a cooling remedy for the
flu and head colds. It can also be used to treat headaches, eye inflammations, and a sore throat. In traditional
Chinese medicine, mint is also used as an herbal remedy to treat digestive complaints or liver stagnation. Mint
should be harvested just before the plant begins to flower.
One of the most popular ways to take mint is as an essential oil. Peppermint oil, for instance, is known to
contain large amounts of menthol. Taken in large doses, peppermint oil is well known for its cooling, calming and
analgesic properties. It is also thought to be a good herbal remedy for treating fevers, skin complaints, migraines
and headaches. Peppermint essential oil is also believed to be antibacterial, and it is often used to help combat
minor infections. Peppermint oil can be used to inhale by patients suffering from severe nasal congestion. However,
patients should take care to avoid the prolonged use of peppermint oil as an inhalant. If breathed in for too long,
mint has been known to irritate the mucous membranes. It should not be given to very young children directly.
Peppermint has also been known to reduce the flow of milk, so nursing mothers should use extra caution when dealing
with mint.
The aerial parts of any type of mint plant can be used to create an infusion, tincture, compress soak, or
inhalation. An infusion of mint leaves can be used to create a hot tea. Mint tea is one of the best and easiest
ways to consume this helpful herb. It can be used to treat nausea, indigestion, colic, flatulence, migraines, and
fevers.
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