Mint
Mint (Bo He)
Botanical Name: Mentha (Menthae haplocalyx, Mentha arvenis)
Mint has been historically enjoyed as a tea and food flavoring. It is a well-known cooling herb that can promote sweating, ease colds and flu, and aid headaches, menstrual cramps, and other aches and pains.
Watch a short video, from Ann Christensen, Founder and Creator of White Rabbit Institute of Healing™ – Four Unexpected Facts About Mint.
Below is an overview of m, combining the best of Western Science, Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore, and a wide range of healing modalities. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of mint.
How to take FULL advantage of Mint's healing powers...
JOIN ME in an exploration of the healing herb, Mint (Bo He). Explore the benefits and applications of mint, from Eastern and Western perspectives, and so much more!
Western
Western Name: Mint
Also Known As: Brandy Mint, English Mint
Organs/Systems: Digestive, Sinuss, Skin, Muscles
Key Actions: Astringent, Antiseptic, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Decongestant, Expectorant, Antiviral, Diaphoretic, Carminative, Stomachic, Stimulant
Medicinal Uses: Stomach aches, chest pains, irritable bowel syndrome, aromatherapy, nausea, breath freshener, skin tonic, deodorant, gallstones, common cold, menstrual cramps, constricted muscles, yeast infections, aches and pains, hiccups, headaches, stress, fevers, mental clarity and focus.
Eastern
Pin Yin: Bo He
Also Known As: N/A
Meridians: Lung, Liver
Key Actions: Cool Acrid Herb, Releases to Exterior, Disperses Wind Heat, Vents Rashes, Frees Constrained Liver Qi
Medicinal Uses: Colds due to Wind Heat patterns with fever, headache, cough, sore throat, and red itchy eyes, used in the early stages of rashes (ie measles) to induce the rash to the surface and speed recovery, pressure in chest or flanks, emotional instability, anxiety, gynecological problems, promotes sweating, lowers fever, soothes an upset stomach, asthma.
Basic Habitat / Botany:
Mints are aromatic, almost exclusively perennial, with wide-spreading underground and overground stolons and erect, square, and branched stems. Leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, with downy and serrated margins. Leaf color can be dark green, gray-green, purple, blue, and sometimes pale yellow. Flowers are white to purple and the fruit is a nutlet containing one to four seeds. They grow fast and can be considered invasive interbreeding easily which can make it difficult to distinguish all the varieties.
Mint grows in many environments, but they grow best in wet environments and moist soils. Native to the Mediterranean and western Asia. Cultivated throughout China, especially in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi.
Parts Most Frequently Used: Leaf, Tender Stalk
Flavors/Temps: Acrid, Aromatic, Cooling
Caution: Some people are allergic to mint. Not recommended for internal use by nursing mothers as it may lead to insufficient lactation. But it is used by breastfeeding mothers to rub on dry, cracked, and sore nipples.
Key Constituents: Menthol, Carvone, Phellandrene, Limonene, Dihydrocarveol acetate. Esters of acetic, Butyric, and Caprylic acid are also present. Vitamin A, Iron, Manganese, Potassium, Folate
History/Folklore: Known in Greek mythology as the herb of hospitality as it was one of the first herbs to be used as a room deodorizer. It was strewn across the floor to cover the smell of the hard-packed soil. Stepping on it helped spread the scent throughout the room. The name mint derives from the Greek name of the nymph Minthe (Pluto’s lover) who was transformed into a mint plant. The Greeks also used the plant to stop hiccups and clear the voice. Romans used it as a digestive aid and mouth freshener and then introduced it to Britain.
The ancient Pharisees received tithes of mint, anise, and cumin, proving the herb’s high esteem in that culture. Culpepper said, “Rose leaves and mint, heated and applied outwardly cause rest and sleep.” He also said, “The decoction or distilled water, helps in the stinking breath proceeding from the corruption of teeth; and stuffed up the nose, purges the head.” In the 14th century, mint was used to whiten teeth with the distilled oil used to flavor toothpaste; it was also added to candies and perfumed soaps.
Mint was likely taken to the U.S. by the pilgrims for cultivation and use.
Mint is a potent source of antioxidants. It has the highest antioxidant levels compared to any other herb or spice. It is useful for treating digestive disorders, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colds and flu, and lowering fevers.
A study conducted by the International Journal of Neuroscience indicated that mint can enhance memory and improve alertness. Menthol, an active compound found in mint, is known to stimulate the hippocampus which controls mental clarity and focus. The herb can be eaten, enjoyed in tea, or used as an essential oil for aromatherapy to induce mental clarity and calm anxiety.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine mint is considered the strongest cooling herb for promoting sweating. This makes it an excellent choice for treating what is known as Wind Heat invasion colds and flu, where headaches, fever, upset stomachs, and yellow mucus prevail.
Breastfeeding mothers who experience sore and cracked nipples have found relief from applying mint to the skin to relieve the pain of breastfeeding. One or two drops of essential oil mixed with 3 to 4 tablespoons of gel or ¼ cup of water applied gently to the skin is all that is needed.
Known as pudina in India, mint is widely used around the world in tea, beverages, candies, jellies, syrup, and a variety of favorite culinary dishes, either cooked or raw.
Mint is harvested at least two to three times a year, depending on the region.
Mint is a particularly good source of vitamin A, good for eye health and night vision.
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Repels Pests
Mints make excellent companion plants, repelling pesky insects and attracting beneficial ones. Often used as an environmentally friendly insecticide to kill common pests like wasps, hornets, ants, and cockroaches.
Reduce Caffeine
To reduce the tannic and caffeine effects in your tea, use mint, spearmint, or peppermint sprigs while steeping your tea.
Three Chief Species
There are three chief species of mint in cultivation and general use: spearmint (M. viridis), peppermint (M. piperita), and pennyroyal (M. pulegium).
Take FULL advantage of Mint (Bo He)!
Connecting Eastern and Western perspectives on HOW and WHY this herb works. Find out how to safely and effectively use this healing herb for treating conditions and for your Body, Mind, and Spirit. Find True Health. Explore uses, safety information, benefits, history, recipes, gardening tips, essential oil information, if it applies, and much, much more in this online course.
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