Mint

(S) Phudina

(C) Ba he

Part Used: herb

Energetics: pungent/cooling (slightly)/pungent PK- V+ (in excess)

Tissues: plasma, blood, marrow and nerves

Systems: respiratory, digestive, nervous, circulatory

Actions: stimulant, diaphoretic, carminative, nervine, analgesic Indications: colds, fever; sore throat, laryngitis, earache, digestive upset, nervous agitation, headache, dysmenorrhea

Precautions: severe chills, neurasthenia

Preparation: infusion (do not boil), powder (250 to 500 mg)

The three main mints, PEPPERMINT; SPEARMINT and HORSEMINT (Mentha arvensis, which is more common in India and also a Wild mint native to the western United States) have a mild soothing action on the nerves and digestion, which helps relax the body and clear the mind and senses, hence their widespread popularity and usage. They are mild, cooling diaphoretics for common colds and flus and their complications. Peppermint is the most stimulating and the best one to improve digestion. Spearmint is more relaxing and better in diuretic action (i.e. for urinary inflammation). Horsemint has stronger antispasmodic properties, as for difficult menstruation. Other mints like catnip have similar properties, but not all mints are cooling. Some, like thyme, are heating. But most are not excessively heating or cooling.

Mints contain large amounts of the element of ether, whose action is soothing, cooling, clarifying and expanding. Through their ethereal nature they help relieve mental and emotional tension and congestion. Their nature is sattvic. Their action on the body is mild and not strong enough for acute or severe ailments. They are usually used with other herbs in an auxiliary role as harmonizing agents or as anupanas.