Why are Pudina Leaves a Super Herb for Health & Digestion?

• Written by Sejal Singhania

  Reviewed by Munmi Sharma

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Fresh, fragrant, and flavoured, mint leaves are more than just a plate garnish. Known as Mentha or Pudina leaves, they bring a pleasant, refreshing smell and cooling taste. From ancient Ayurveda to modern kitchens, people are using mint leaves for cooking, medicinal, and therapeutic purposes. Whether it's a sprig in your refreshing mojito or a flavour in your toothpaste, mint leaves appear everywhere. But have you ever considered what are the health benefits of pudina leaves?

In this blog, we'll share how mint can wonderfully support your body, skin, and overall well-being, and why it's such a great addition to your daily routine. So why wait? Let’s begin the journey to a healthier future. 

What are Mint or Pudina Leaves?

Mint, also known as Pudina, is a wonderfully aromatic herb from the mint family that many people love. While there are many varieties, peppermint and spearmint are the most popular worldwide. In English, it's called Spearmint and is frequently used in Indian and Italian cuisines. These lively green leaves are cherished for their cool, refreshing flavour, lovely aroma, and healing properties.

Mint leaves also improve the flavour of foods and drinks, ranging from ice cream and tarts to lemonade, cocktails, and even lamb dishes. At the same time, each variety is rich in powerful antioxidants and natural compounds, such as menthol. These elements help support overall health, from easing digestion to enhancing respiratory health. Let's explore more about the pudina leaves benefits and make them a part of our daily lives. 

Nutritional Value of Mint Leaves

Despite being used in small quantities, mint is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Consuming a handful of fresh mint leaves can provide surprising health benefits. Here's a quick look at the pudina leaves nutritional value of mint for every 100 grams:

Pudina is not just a flavour enhancer but also a tiny nutritional powerhouse due to these components. Together, these nutrients contribute to the health benefits of mint leaves in many ways.

Powerful Health Benefits of Pudina Leaves

Mint, a widely used green herb, has many therapeutic uses, vital nutrients, and antioxidants that can change your health from the inside out. Here's a comprehensive list of mint benefits, covering its impact on digestion, immunity, mental clarity, and more. Let's uncover them:

Pudina Leaves Benefits for Digestion & Gas Relief 

One of the best benefits of mint is its positive effect on digestive issues. It can relax the stomach muscles, helping with symptoms like gas, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, it helps kick-start digestive enzymes, improving nutrient absorption. Drinking mint tea or chewing on mint leaves can calm your stomach and ease discomfort.

Mint Benefits for Immunity & Infection Control 

Pudina or Mint leaves are rich in antioxidants and nutrients like Vitamins A and C, which help the body fight off various infections. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce your risk of infection.

Pudina Uses for Memory, Stress & Brain Health 

Studies have shown that the smell of mint may improve memory, alertness, and overall brain function. Using mint essential oil for aromatherapy or drinking mint tea could help clear your mind and relieve tiredness.

Mint Leaves for Cold, Cough & Breathing Problems 

Menthol is the main ingredient in mint and acts as a natural decongestant. It helps break up mucus in the lungs, which makes it easier to cough up. Therefore, mint can be a good option for dealing with colds, asthma, and bronchitis.

Mint Leaves Benefits for Fresh Breath & Oral Hygiene 

Mint benefits your oral health. It is often found in toothpastes, mouthwashes, and chewing gums because it helps fight bacteria and freshens your breath. It's great for keeping your mouth healthy and clean.

Mint Leaves Benefits for Weight Loss

Is Mint Good for Weight Loss? While it is not a miracle solution, mint may aid weight loss by improving digestion and boosting metabolism. Drinking mint water or mint juice is a refreshing, low-calorie way to curb cravings and stay hydrated.

Pudina Uses for Migraine and Headaches

Due to the hectic work schedule and stress, people are experiencing severe headaches nowadays. To prevent them, it is advisable to apply mint oil or crushed Pudina leaves to the temples. Additionally, people can inhale the fragrance of Pudina leaves to reduce tension and migraines.

Mint Leaves for Clear Skin: Acne, Pimples & Glow

Many skincare brands use Mint in their products to nourish the skin. One of the best benefits of mint leaves is its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which prevent acne, dryness, itching, and other skin concerns.

Mint Leaves Improves Heart Health

To maintain good blood circulation, blood pressure, and cardiovascular health, mint is always recommended. Mint is rich in potassium and magnesium, which take care of your heart.

Mint Uses for Breastfeeding Mothers

After giving birth, breastfeeding mothers experience tender nipples and cracked skin. This can be painful and irritating. To prevent this, it is recommended to apply mint to their nipples. This can help soothe breastfeeding mothers..

In summary, there are various health benefits of mint leaves, which can help you enhance your well-being. From eating the leaves to applying them to the skin, mint leaves have always been the best natural companion for people's health.

How to Use Mint Leaves in Everyday Life? 

Mint is a highly versatile herb in India that can be used in every form. Whether it's in medicine, skincare, makeup, food, or fragrances, Pudina leaves can be used in routines in several ways:

Cosmetic

Mint is widely used in cosmetics or skincare items such as moisturisers, face masks, and scrubs. Due to its cooling, refreshing, and antibacterial properties, it helps smooth and hydrate the skin.

Medicinal

Mint has several medicinal properties that provide numerous health benefits. It is highly used in medicine due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps treat allergies and stomach irritations.

Culinary

Mint is one of the most flavourful herbs in India. It is commonly used to make chutneys, salads, teas, beverages, mint juices, and other foods. There are countless benefits to eating mint leaves. Adding mint to your diet can help protect against indigestion, improve oral hygiene, and reduce respiratory issues.

Aromatic

Due to its refreshing, soothing smell, mint is widely used to make room fresheners, scents, perfumes, and more to reduce stress and anxiety.

Overall, Mint is much more than just a fragrance or flavour. It's a magical, life-saving, multitasking herb that refreshes your body in every way. Whether you're struggling with indigestion or skin allergies, the nutritional value of mint will handle it all.

How to Use Mint Leaves for Health: Home Remedies

Mint isn’t just a delicious herb; it’s also a wonderful natural healer. Here are some simple and effective mint leaves home remedies you can enjoy trying every day to boost your health:

Mint Tea for Digestion & Gas Relief

Mint tea is an excellent natural remedy that gently soothes your stomach, helps reduce acidity, and eases bloating, making you feel more comfortable.

How to make it:

• Boil 8–10 fresh mint leaves in 1 cup of water.
• Allow it to simmer for 5 minutes.
• Strain and drink a warm sip after meals.

Mint & Lemon Detox Water for Weight Loss

Enjoy a refreshing, low-calorie drink that's perfect for boosting your metabolism and helping to clear toxins from your body.

How to make it:

• Add 10–12 mint leaves and lemon slices to 1 litre of water.
• Leave it on for 2–3 hours or overnight.
• Drink steadily throughout the day.

Mint Paste for Acne & Glowing Skin

Mint helps fight acne-causing bacteria and gently reduces redness and oiliness, leaving your skin feeling fresh and vibrant.

How to use:

• Crush mint leaves until they form a smooth paste.
• Apply to acne-prone areas for 10–15 minutes.
• Rinse with cool water.

Mint Oil for Headache & Migraine Relief

The menthol in mint helps soothe muscles and naturally clear your sinuses, making you feel more comfortable.

How to apply:

• Dilute mint oil with coconut oil.
• Lightly massage your forehead.
• Breathe in the aroma for fast relief.

Side Effects of Pudina Leaves

Pudina and its essential oils are generally safe when used at food levels. Below are some potential mint leaves side effects:  

• Side effects from pudina are infrequent. However, some people may be allergic to spearmint.
• Pudina, when applied to the skin, is possibly safe. Allergic reactions in people are rare.
• The essential oils in pudina cause vomiting and diarrhoea if ingested in large quantities.

Before using pudina for its health benefits, it’s a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider first. They can provide a proper diagnosis and guidance, helping you avoid unwanted side effects and ensuring it's safe for you.

Keep it Fresh, Keep it Mint!

Adding Mint to your daily routine is one of the best ways to boost your overall well-being. From aiding digestion and refreshing your breath to supporting mental health and enhancing skincare, the benefits of mint leaves are countless. However, natural remedies like mint offer strong preventive benefits; they work best when combined with medical attention and expert consultation.

That's where health insurance steps in to support your wellness journey. With the Care OPD benefit under our family health insurance, you can avail the best consultations from both general physicians and specialists with a hassle-free reimbursement process.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.