[ I love mint in its many forms... -- SD]

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           From: https://tinyurl.com/5n6u3yhe (theepochtimes.com)

        Cooking for Healing-The Many Medicinal Properties of Mint

   Dr. Sina McCullough
   Jan 26 2023

   Herbs and spices were used by ancient cultures to heal the body, mind, and
   spirit. While the western world has largely replaced these natural
   remedies with pharmaceuticals, roughly [61]80 percent of people worldwide
   still use traditional or ancient medicine. This is not surprising
   considering that [62]more than 80 percent of pharmaceuticals are derived
   or developed from natural products, including plants. In this series, we
   will explore the [63]healing power of herbs and spices while learning how
   to incorporate these ancient remedies into our daily diet.

   Mint (Mentha) is widely used for its culinary, medicinal, and
   aromatherapeutic properties. It represents a group of perennial herbs that
   includes [64]18 species and 11 hybrids. The most commonly known are
   peppermint, spearmint, and wild mint.

   Today, mint is primarily known for its refreshing taste and aroma.
   However, in ancient times, it was recognized for its numerous health
   benefits.

   Thousands of years ago, mint was used in [65]ancient Egypt, Greece, and
   Rome to [66]treat indigestion and [67]soothe the stomach. Peppermint
   leaves have been found in Egyptian pyramids dating back to 1,000 B.C.

   In the Middle Ages, peppermint was used to polish teeth and to keep rats
   and mice out of stores. By the 18th century, in Western Europe, peppermint
   was used for nausea, morning sickness, vomiting, menstrual disorders, and
   respiratory infections. Mint was listed in the London Pharmacopoeia in
   1721 as a remedy for colds, headaches, sores, and venereal disease.

   Mint was also acknowledged for its ability to interact with the central
   nervous system in traditional medicine. For example, in South Africa, the
   dried leaves were burned and the smoke inhaled as a [68]treatment for
   mental illness. In Mediterranean countries, mint was used to treat
   neuralgia (nerve pain), as well as an anticonvulsant and sedative.

   Recently, scientists have confirmed the many healing properties of mint
   through [69]numerous studies demonstrating its effectiveness in regulating
   the nervous system.

Modern Science Catches up to Ancient Wisdom

   While the healing power of mint has been harnessed among ancient cultures
   for thousands of years, modern medicine has been slow to recognize its
   benefits. However, the perception of mint is changing as scientists have
   begun validating the wisdom of the ancients through studies that
   demonstrate numerous healing abilities, such as:

   Fights cancer: Peppermint inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells,
   according to a [70]study published in the Journal of the Science of Food
   and Agriculture. Peppermint may also inhibit prostate cancer growth.
   According to [71]preclinical research, peppermint contains menthol, which
   was reported to induce prostate cancer cell death.

   Reverses diabetes: Mint is a "promising [72]treatment" for diabetes,
   according to a [73]study published in 2017. Mint was found to decrease
   fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density
   lipoprotein-cholesterol. "These effects were comparable with the effects
   of [the] standard antidiabetic drug (glibenclamide)," according to the
   researchers.

   Alleviates pain from osteoarthritis: Combining peppermint with rosemary
   essential oil reduced pain from osteoarthritis by increasing antioxidant
   capacity and improving the integrity of the structure of the knee joint in
   rats, according to a [74]study published in 2021.

   Improves memory and cognitive ability: Peppermint aroma can enhance memory
   and increase alertness, according to a [75]study published in the
   International Journal of Neuroscience. A second [76]study confirmed that
   peppermint, whether exposed orally or through aroma, positively affected
   cognition and mood.

   "Treats" Alzheimer's disease: Mint extracts protect nerve cells and can be
   used as "possible sources of treatments in managing AD," according to a
   [77]review article published in the journal Antioxidants in 2020. For
   example, mint extract reportedly protects against age-induced stress and
   neurodegeneration and improves memory and cognitive ability.

   Diminishes skin aging: Peppermint peel skin treatment was effective in
   treating signs of skin aging, including discoloration, wrinkles, and skin
   inelasticity, according to a [78]study published in the Journal of
   Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents.

   Relieves allergies: Peppermint may relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis,
   according to a 2001 [79]study. Peppermint inhibited histamine release from
   rat mast cells. Nasal symptoms, including sneezing and nasal rubbing, were
   also inhibited. Consequently, peppermint extract "may be clinically
   effective in alleviating the nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis,"
   according to the researchers.

   Diminishes shingles-associated pain: A 2002 [80]case study reported that
   applying peppermint oil directly to the skin resulted in an "almost
   immediate improvement" in pain caused by shingles. Pain relief persisted
   4-6 hours after application. Furthermore, peppermint continued to exert a
   "strong analgesic effect on neuropathic pain" during the two months of
   follow-up monitoring.

   Improves sleep: Aromatherapy with peppermint essential oil reportedly
   improved sleep quality in [81]cardiac and [82]cancer patients.

   Promotes alertness: The smell of peppermint led to increased alertness
   among drivers, as well as decreased frustration, fatigue, and anxiety,
   according to a [83]study published in the North American Journal of
   Psychology.

   Antifungal: The [84]most common human fungal pathogen is Candida albicans.
   It is normally present in small amounts in the mouth, skin, and
   gastrointestinal tract. When out of balance, it can result in painful
   mucosal infections such as vaginal yeast infections and oral thrush.
   Peppermint showed strong antifungal action against Candida albicans,
   according to a 2021 [85]article in Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry.

   Soothes irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Enteric-coated peppermint oil
   capsules were reported as safe and effective in the treatment of irritable
   bowel syndrome, according to a [86]study in the Journal of
   Gastroenterology. 79 percent of adult patients who consumed the capsules
   three to four times daily, 15-30 minutes before meals for one month
   reported an alleviation of the severity of abdominal pain, 56 percent were
   entirely pain-free and 83 percent reported less abdominal distension.

   The healing effect of enteric-coated peppermint oil extends to children,
   as well as adults. Seventy-five percent of children receiving peppermint
   oil for two weeks reported reduced severity of pain associated with IBS,
   according to a [87]study in the Journal of Pediatrics. The researchers
   concluded, "Peppermint oil may be used as a therapeutic agent during the
   symptomatic phase of IBS."

   Mint may be effective, in part, in relieving symptoms of IBS by relaxing
   the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. According to a [88]study in
   Gastroenterology, researchers concluded that peppermint oil had a relaxing
   effect on the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract of rabbits and
   guinea pigs due to reducing calcium influx.

   Relieves tension headache: Local topical application with peppermint oil
   is effective in treating tension-type headaches, the most common form of
   headache. Peppermint oil is as effective at relieving tension headache as
   [89]acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) or [90]paracetamol (acetaminophen).

   Relieves nausea: A 2016 [91]study concluded that "peppermint oil
   inhalation is a viable first-line treatment for nausea in postoperative
   cardiac surgery patients." Post-surgery, 34 patients experienced nausea
   with an average nausea rating of 3.29 on a scale of 0 to five, with 5
   being the greatest nausea. Two minutes after inhaling peppermint oil, the
   average nausea rating significantly dropped to 1.44.

   Likewise, a 2021 [92]study concurred that peppermint essential oil is "an
   effective independent or complementary modality for relief" of nausea and
   vomiting in hospitalized patients when inhaled using aromatherapy.

   Reduces anxiety: Peppermint has been shown to reduce anxiety. For
   instance, a 2022 [93]study concluded that peppermint essential oil
   inhalation significantly reduced anxiety in patients with acute coronary
   syndrome.

   Relieves coughing: A 2013 [94]study, reported that patients with chronic
   cough benefited from inhaling menthol, an active component of mint.
   Compared to the placebo, patient's cough thresholds were significantly
   higher following inhalation of nebulized menthol.

How to Add Mint to Your Diet

   The whole mint plant is edible, including the stems, leaves, and flowers,
   and can be used in culinary and medicinal applications. Mint can also be
   consumed as an essential oil.

  How to procure mint

   Mint can be grown in your yard or indoors. The plant needs a good amount
   of sun, plenty of water, and space to grow. Alternatively, fresh mint can
   often be purchased at a local farmers market or grocery store. Dried mint
   can also be purchased online. Only consume mint that is organically or
   regeneratively grown.

  Simple ways to incorporate mint into your diet

     * Herbal tea: Boil water, reduce heat to simmer, add 5-10 mint leaves
       and stems, cover, and steep for 10 minutes.
     * Smoothies: Add a few fresh mint leaves or a drop of essential
       peppermint oil to your favorite smoothie or drink-pairs nicely with
       lemonade (see recipe below).
     * Soups: Add a few mint leaves to soup while cooking. Cream-based soups,
       such as pea soup, are ideal.
     * Salads: Toss a few mint leaves on your salad to enhance the flavor.
       Mint pairs well with cucumber and pomegranate.
     * Dressing: Grind fresh or dried mint with a pinch of salt in a mortar
       and pestle and add to an olive oil and vinegar dressing.
     * Desserts: Mint pairs well with chocolate, such as peppermint bark,
       peppermint fudge brownies, or chocolate peppermint ice cream.

   For a refreshing drink on a hot summer day, try mint lemonade!

   Mint lemonade

   Yields 8 glasses

   Ingredients:

   1-1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (~10 large organic lemons)

   1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

   5 cups cold filtered water

   1 cup lukewarm filtered water

   1/2 cup raw, unfiltered local organic honey

   1 cup organic mint leaves, loosely packed

   2 ice cubes

   Instructions:

     * Juice lemons and add to a glass pitcher along with 5 cups cold water.
     * In a high-powered blender, combine 1 cup lukewarm water, lemon zest,
       honey, and mint leaves. Blend until thoroughly combined. Add to glass
       pitcher and stir until combined.
     * Add ice to the pitcher. Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint.
       Serve immediately or store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3
       days.

   Please do not try this recipe if you are allergic or sensitive to any of
   the ingredients.

  Precautions and Possible Interactions

   Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider
   before consuming mint. Peppermint may interact with some prescription
   drugs, such as cyclosporine, acid-reducing medications, ulcer medications,
   calcium channel blockers, and other drugs used for hypertension or high
   blood pressure. People with a hiatal hernia, gastroesophageal reflux
   disease, diarrhea, or a condition where the stomach does not produce
   enough acid should consult with a healthcare provider before consuming
   mint. Peppermint oil is [95]contraindicated in children under two years of
   age.

Links:
61. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC...
62. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC...
63. https://www.theepochtimes.com/t-healing
64. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC...
65. 
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/3219...
Mentha_piperita_L_from_fields_in_Eastern_Slovakia
66. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/9/7/631/htm
67. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC...
68. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/9/7/631/htm
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70. 
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5093...
five_culinary_and_medicinal_herbs_grown_under_greenhouse_conditions_and_their_c
ombination_effects
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nnamon_odor_administration_on_simulated_driving_alertness_mood_and_workload
84. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21538235/
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- Sean
... "Thanks for calling and not reversing the charges."
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