I truly appreciate the incredible bounty and natural wonders of Mother Earth. Sharing the healing properties of herbs and spices like cinnamon, turmeric, maca, garlic, ginger, chaga, and Lion’s Mane is one way to encourage you to introduce these natural boosters into your daily life for better health and happiness.
Today, let’s focus on one of my favorite summer herbs: mint! Vienna and I adore adding fresh mint to our evening mocktails to cool off after a hot summer day. We mix fresh mint from our garden with our favorite iced tea. But mint is much more than a garnish or a tea ingredient—it’s packed with outstanding health benefits and tastes refreshingly bright.
In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know about mint, including its top health benefits and my favorite ways to enjoy it every day!
### What is Mint?
Mint, scientifically known as Mentha, belongs to the Lamiaceae family (which includes another favorite of mine, lemon balm!). There are around 24 different types of mint. Mint is a perennial herb, meaning it grows back each year and can be quite vigorous. We keep ours in a large pot on the patio to contain its growth. Its fragrant aroma is notably fresh due to menthol, which varies slightly among different mint types.
Mint is easy to identify; its stems are always square, not round, and its leaves grow in opposite pairs. Mint plants can grow up to two feet tall and produce beautiful flowers if not regularly trimmed. To trim mint, cut just above a leaf set further down the stem, where you’ll often find tiny new leaves sprouting. Avoid removing individual leaves for healthier plant growth.
### Top 6 Health Benefits of Mint
Now that we know more about mint and how to grow it, let’s explore its health benefits and ways to enjoy this refreshing herb all year round.
**1. Rich in Antioxidants**
I follow an anti-inflammatory diet to promote health and prevent inflammation-related aging. Including fresh herbs like mint is a great way to increase antioxidant intake while enhancing flavors! Rosmarinic acid, a prevalent antioxidant found in mint, helps reduce oxidative stress and may alleviate asthma symptoms.
Boost your intake by trying a refreshing Watermelon & Cucumber Salad with mint on a hot day.
**2. May Ease Cold Symptoms**
Remember menthol? Some studies suggest that consuming mint or menthol-rich supplements can improve nasal breathing when you’re sick. If you’re dealing with a summer cold, make fresh mint tea. Muddle a handful of fresh mint in your teapot, add crushed ginger slices for extra flavor and benefits, boil water, steep for five minutes, and sweeten with raw honey.
**3. Aids in Digestion**
Mint is well-known for soothing indigestion and upset stomach. Indigestion can occur when food remains too long in the stomach, causing discomfort. Some studies have shown that peppermint oil can speed up stomach emptying and relieve indigestion.
Instead of oil, enjoy a Sweet Pea Hemp Dip with Mint to naturally help digestion.
**4. May Improve IBS Symptoms**
Besides relieving indigestion, mint is a common remedy for calming IBS symptoms. Menthol, an active compound, relaxes digestive tract muscles, reducing symptoms like spasms. While studies use peppermint oil capsules, regular mint consumption can support digestion naturally.
Try Easy Homemade Burgers with mint at your next BBQ to promote digestive health.
**5. Supports Brain Function**
Not only does mint boost antioxidants, but its scent might benefit your brain! Research suggests that inhaling peppermint oil increases alertness while reducing fatigue and anxiety. Animal studies also show peppermint inhalation improves memory and learning.
Though more research is needed, enjoy a bit of peppermint aromatherapy. You can sip mint tea or savor my Orange and Mint Baked Salmon recipe. The salmon’s omega-3 fats add an extra brain boost!
**6. May Alleviate Allergy Symptoms**
Seasonal allergies can be frustrating, especially when you want to enjoy sunny days outside! Mint features rosmarinic acid and other compounds with anti-allergenic effects. While larger doses are often more effective, consuming these compounds over time may offer lasting benefits.
Try a fresh Quinoa Salad with Zucchini and Mint Pistachio Dressing or a Peppermint Chocolate Smoothie to increase your nutrient intake and enjoy mint daily.
I hope this article inspires you to embrace mint in your life! It’s an easy and abundant herb to grow, whether on a balcony or windowsill, so you can enjoy its refreshing benefits for years.
Xo Joy
