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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.