Over the years mint has been used for various purposes. You will find mint in products you use every day, such as toothpaste, mouth fresheners, inhalers and candies. The first noticeable effect of mint is its refreshing property. However, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, mint also has medicinal uses and should not be seen as a mere breath freshener.
The aroma of mint oil can be quite strong. Smelling mint oil or rubbing the forehead with balms made from mint oil can help with nausea and headaches. Individuals who suffer from these symptoms, especially while traveling, can carry a small bottle of menthe (mint) oil, or use products like chewing gum and mouth fresheners made from mint oil.
The potent flavor of mint is effective in clearing a congested nose and throat. This is why individuals who frequently suffer cough, cold or asthma symptoms benefit by consuming mint oil in some form. Mint also leaves a cooling and soothing effect when consumed and can provide great relief from the burning sensation caused by a dry cough. Inhalers based on mint oil are more effective, eco-friendly and safe to use when compared to those based on aerosols. Further, being a natural element, excess use of mint oil does not cause any side effects. It is particularly safe for kids, as there are no chemical components involved.
Mint promotes digestion and also acts as a good appetizer. The aroma of mint oil activates our salivary glands to produce more digestive enzymes, thus facilitating better digestion. It also helps cure indigestion and soothes stomach inflammation caused by acidity or gastritis. Many herbal medicines prescribed for the cure of gastritis contain mint oil and are more effective compared to other chemically-composed medications.
Mint oil also has antiseptic and antipyretic properties. Regular use of mint oil in skin cleansers can help keep pimples and rashes at bay. Rubbing mint oil on insect bites, like mosquitoes and wasps, helps relieve the itching and stops the irritants from spreading. Mint has germicidal properties and inhibits bacterial growth in the mouth when chewed as breather fresheners.