A Hint O’ Mint Can Do Ye Good

Four-leaf clovers may bring good luck, but mint can bring good health. Mint is actually a general name for the genus Mentha, which has several species including spearmint and peppermint.

The fresh, cooling sensation produced by mint makes it a popular choice for tea, sauces, desserts, and salads, as well as commercial products like toothpaste. But it does more than taste good. Mint and its oils can help with:

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Functional dyspepsia (upset stomach)
• Indigestion
• Post-operative nausea
• Relieving pain from breastfeeding (with peppermint gel)
• Softening the discomfort of nasal congestion (through menthol in peppermint oil)
• Masking bad breath

If you have a home garden, mint can be a beneficial part of it. It can be used fresh or dried, and is a great sodium-free way to add flavor to meals and drinks.

To learn more about herbs that can help you cook healthier, take our quiz.