Widely known as Mint and Pudina in India, it is highly popular all around the world for its aroma and taste. Belonging to the perennial herb family, mint has a bright green color, and every part of this plant is useful, from its leaves to its roots. Upon examination of its characteristics, the plant grows straight upwards, with its stem and leaves, and also has a non-woody stem that produces horizontal underground runners, giving rise to the other new plants. Apart from serving a traditional role in various cuisines, Mint has a major impact on health benefits, giving a valid reason to be used in traditional and Ayurvedic medicines. This blog will delve into the world of pudina, explaining its uses, benefits, side effects, and more.

Pudina- A common name, and others call it?

There are several synonyms of mint all around the globe, which are as follows:

• Pudina Scientific Name- Mentha Arvensis (Common in India)

• General English Term- Mint

• Hindi Name- Pudina (पुदीना)

• Sanskrit Name- Putiha (पुतिहा)

In some parts around the world, Pudina is also known as peppermint or spearmint according to the varieties and flavour.

Source of Pudina

Mint or pudina is a plant-based source and widely popular among nations. It belongs to the Mentha genus of the Lamiaceae family. Overall, 20 species and hundreds of varieties are found that are known for their strong fragrance and taste.

Nutritional Value of Pudina

Pudina plant has high nutritional value with the presence of several dietary components present in it. Also, it has essential levels of antioxidants that are required for the body to stay healthy. Per 100g of pudina contains:

Properties of Pudina

Mint has various properties that contribute to an individual's overall health. Some of the therapeutic benefits exhibited by Pudina are:

• Carminative
  This property of pudina relieves the bloating and gastric issues in the stomach.
  
  

• Antispasmodic
  It relieves muscle spasms.
  

• Antimicrobial
  As the name suggests. Mint is highly recommended to fight against bacteria, fungi, or viruses, and is considered good for the skin.
  
  

• Diuretic Activity 
  The beneficial nutrients present in mint cause the kidneys to make more urine.
  

• Antioxidant Agent 
  We are all aware of the antioxidant property, which works to protect the cells from oxidative stress. Hence, the presence of Vitamins A and C in mint works the same.
  

• Cooling & Soothing Effect
  With the cool and refreshing flavours of pudina, it stands amazing in mouth fresheners and for stomach irritation. So, from next time, if you experience bad breath or stomach issues, try mint.

• Stress Reliever 
  Due to its aroma and strong flavour, mint has a calming effect on the brain. Also, it is widely used in many of the aromatherapies.

• Cold, Fever & Weight
  Mint has shown some amazing effects on individuals suffering from cold, fever, or overweight. Next time, if you experience any of them, do try the mint recipes to see the wonders. 

Potential Uses of Pudina

Are you one of those who think, “How to use Pudina?” Then here it is. One of the versatile herbs, Pudina, is not just for health conditions; it has several other uses, such as:

1. Culinary Uses

• It acts as a flavour enhancer and people use it for chutneys, raitas. Salads, biryanis, and curries. It is also used in several other cuisines. 
• To garnish several dishes, pudina powder is used as a seasoning. 
• For beverages like tea or mocktails, mint is commonly used. 

To add flavour and garnish dishes like soups or chaats, mint is widely used in restaurants and home kitchens.

2. Medical Uses

Medically, Mint has proven to show several advantages if taken at the proper time in a definite quantity. The health benefits of Pudina are discussed in a separate section below, but overall, it aids in:

• Digestion
• Respiratory Relief
• Mental clarity & Stress Relief
• Pain or Headache relief
• Antioxidant & Antimicrobial

3. Skin Care Uses

• Mint is useful in a skin care routine and other cosmetic products. 
• It acts as a cooling agent and hence soothes sunburn or itchy skin. You can also use it as a face pack in summer. 
• With its medicinal properties, mint is highly recommended for acne-prone skin or oil control.
• You can use mint as a mouth freshener, as chewing it will improve your oral hygiene and control bad breath.
• Mint is useful in a skin care routine and other cosmetic products. 
• It acts as a cooling agent and hence soothes sunburn or itchy skin. You can also use it as a face pack in summer. 
• With its medicinal properties, mint is highly recommended for acne-prone skin or oil control.
• You can use mint as a mouth freshener, as chewing it will improve your oral hygiene and control bad breath.

4. Household Uses

• In several homes, mint is used in scented candles, humidifiers, or room sprays for fresh fragrance.
  
  

Health Benefits Of Pudina

Pudina has amazing health benefits along with its cool, refreshing, and slightly sweet taste. Some of the pudina benefits that might shock you are as follows:

1. Promotes Digestion

You might be shocked after reading the digestion-related benefits of Pudina leaves. At first, pudina is considered a great appetiser as the cool, flavourful leaves stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes in the stomach and promote digestion. Irarian culture uses pudina leaves and their decoction in their local natural medicines in order to treat the digestion-related issues like gas, bloating, or indigestion.

Also, studies reveal, the presence of menthol oil in mint leaves helps to relieve diarrhea and nausea due to motion sickness. So, from now on, if you catch a little plant of mint leaves, remember the wonders it can do for your body.

2. Improves Respiratory Health

If you suffer from a condition like asthma, pudina consumption can be an asthma-relieving ingredient for you. It acts as a good relaxant and lowers congestion. Along with this, the properties of mint leaves, such as anti-inflammatory, reduce congestion in the throat, bronchi, and lungs.

3. Relieves Headache 

Pudina is a powerful herb, and its soothing properties regulate the stress response. In Ayurveda, the mint herb is used as a medicine for healing headaches.

4. Promotes Weight Loss

If you are thinking of losing weight and maintaining your health, mint leaves are considered the best choice. When you consume the leaves of this plant, your stomach initiates the process of digestion and additionally promotes healthy cholesterol.

5. For Learning & Boosting Memory 

Have you ever heard of mint leaves boosting memory? Well, this is right. Using pudina leaves enhances the attentiveness and cognitive functions of the brain. The ingredients present in pudina improve brain health and boost long-term memory.

6. Positively Affects Skin Health

For all the skin care routine followers, you might have definitely heard or used products like:

• Cleanser
• Toner
• Astringent 
• Moisturizer 
  
  

One of the components used in making these is mint. The potent antibacterial and cooling properties, along with the richness of menthol, have amazing pudina benefits for skin, making it glowing and growing forever.

Are there any side effects?

Pudina side effects? Well, where there is a positive impact, a negative will always follow. Similarly, using mint is generally safe, but some precautions should be taken, and certain individuals should exercise caution before consuming it. These are:

• People dealing with acidity or GERD, which is gastroesophageal reflux disease, are always advised to minimize the consumption of pudina, as it might act as an irritant.
• If you consume peppermint oil, then be strict with the recommended doses. Consuming large quantities can be toxic. 
• Pure menthol from mint is considered poisonous. Therefore, keep it distant from the eyes, infants, or other sensitive areas.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, mint or pudina is a wonderful aromatic herb that has multiple uses and benefits. While moderate consumption is key, mint has shown a great impact on digestion and its related problems. Such herbs are a miracle in Ayurvedic science that nature has gifted us. So, when nature has given solutions to all the human health problems, why do we depend on modern manufactured medicines that also have side effects later? Trust Ayurveda and Adopt Ayurveda. For more information on Mint or Pudina, feel free to reach us. Also, you can consult us for authentic Ayurvedic treatment for various health ailments.