Only a century or so ago, natural remedies were used to treat a variety of illnesses, but today we have access to a wide range of pharmaceutical treatments. People were naturally eager to try the new treatments as they became available; after all, these were cutting-edge treatments developed in laboratories, not in backyards or forests. That's not a bad thing, but there are a ton of naturally occurring plants and plant parts that work just as well, if not better, than some of the over-the-counter medications your doctor may prescribe. One of those items is mint. You can't even begin to count all the uses for it.
1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is a debilitating condition that affects the intestines and causing either extreme uncontrolled diarrhea or constipation. Sufferers have painful bouts of cramping, stomach pain, and bloating. Mint is a natural way to relieve the symptoms of IBS. Use fresh mint in a tea or added to salad, fruit salad, or soup. Peppermint aids digestion and eases gas pains (most OTC gas meds contain peppermint); it helps you digest your food faster and relaxes the muscles in your intestines.
2. Simply chewing fresh mint leaves confers benefits. Mint is added to gum and candy, but mint is a powerhouse of antioxidants, possibly assisting the body resist the spread of cancer. It also has properties that prevent and treat allergies and helps soothe an upset stomach. If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), mint can be contraindicated and can cause the stomach acid to back up into the esophagus.
3. Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease of the lungs and can be very serious. At one time, tuberculosis was rare in developed countries, but HIV weakens the immune system and prevents the body from fighting TB. Inhaling peppermint oil will reduce the inflammation and prevent a recurrence. Fresh mint mixed with honey and vinegar and can be added to fruit juice.
4. A unique use for mint that many do not know but all sufferers of acne need to know is mint’s role in preventing future pimples, healing existing pimples, and fading acne scars. Crushed mint leaves when applied to the face help fade blemishes. When mixed with oats, mint can make a perfect exfoliating mask.
5. Strangely, mint can help your memory. In studies, fresh mint, either chewed or made into a tea helped with cognitive issues and also boosted energy and alertness.
6. Mint is very effective in reducing nausea from chemotherapy. There is a range of meds to help with nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Compared to some treatments for nausea, mint is more effective and inexpensive. Chew the leaves or add it to liquids or food. The main benefit of prescription drugs for nausea is that they can be added to an IV when the patient is unable to keep anything down.
7. Peppermint eases the pain of a migraine or a tension headache also. Crush fresh mint leaves and rub the oil on your temples and forehead and/or inhale the scent.
8. Mint relieves stress. The oil from crushed peppermint can be cooling and energizing. Rub the oil on your body or add to a warm bath for instant relief. You can also burn oil. Just the smell will relax you.
9. Oil from fresh peppermint works better than mouthwash for protecting teeth against the biofilm that forms on the teeth and causes cavities. Crushed and dry peppermint can be added to your regular toothpaste for whitening your teeth and freshening your breath.
10. Mint oil can relieve coughs and respiratory issues. Crush fresh mint and rub it on your chest, add to a vaporizer, and inhale to clear congestion.
The old ways are not necessarily obsolete. There are wisdom and valid home remedies. Not all health conditions need a prescription. Home remedies can be used for many things and even in conjunction with prescription medications. Before mixing prescription meds with home remedies, be sure to consult your doctor.