WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Taking peppermint oil reduces abdominal pain and helps treat irritable bowel syndrome without producing side effects. (Source) Wild mint was also found to exhibit markedly high free-radical scavenging activity in an assessment of nine varieties of Mentha species. Mint grows natively on all continents except Antarctica. (Source) Another study investigated the applications of wild mint in hyperactive gut disorders, and it was found that crude Mentha longifolia extract inhibited spontaneous gut contractions due to its calcium-channel blocking activity. Wild mint has been found to have potent antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidative effects, and even anti-cancer activity. Most of us are familiar with the refreshing application of mint, but it has far more to offer than that. Native to Europe, the Mediterranean, Africa and Australia, wild mint (Mentha longifolia) has long been used as a folk remedy for a broad range of ailments, including gastrointestinal problems and sore throats. (Source), Calories: 5 It also soothes the stomach in case of indigestion or inflammation. Both Mentha and Monarda genuses are within the same family, called Lamiaceae. Description: This wildflower has a wonderful smell, edible and/or medicinal properties and delicate pretty blooms on upright stems. One study found mint extracts have potential to treat Alzheimer's symptoms, although more research is needed. In addition to freshening breath, mint is also used to add flavor to foods and drinks. Wild mint is a 15- to 50-centimetre-tall perennial plant that grows from a mass of creeping root-stems called rhizomes, which are usually dispersed on or just below the soil surface. (Source), Much research has found wild mint to have high antioxidant activity that leads to other health benefits. It is also used as a drying agent (astringent) and stimulant. Also sharing evidence-based info on healthy foods, fun recipes, and a unique philosophy on healthy organic living. Mint leaves are useful for more than fresh breath. Magnesium: 2% Down-to-Earth Information and Advice for Organic Living, Who knew that the wild mint that scents afternoon hikes with its fresh smell actually bursts at the helm with health benefits too? Mint is a leafy plant that's perhaps best known for its association with fresh breath due to the cool sensation it creates in the mouth. Milk Thistle and Fatty Liver Disease. Some plants referred to as "mint" also fall under the genus Monarda. Antioxidants. In... 3. Several researchers have discovered wild mint to have high antioxidant activity that leads to other... 2. If you’ve ever explored any of the creeks or rivers in San Diego, you may have spotted wild mint growing along the edges of the water. Down-to-earth advice rooted in research and healthy skepticism. It has a strong … Mint leaves are a great source of Vitamin C, A and E as well as beta carotene. The appropriate dose of wild mint depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. This species is a source of essential oils and is widely used in herbal medicine, including by Native Americans, who used it as a general tonic and to treat various conditions. These types of studies have found that mint is able to kill bacteria, reduce stress, and fight cancerous tumor cells. (Source), Wild mint is widely used for its digestive benefits, especially for diarrheal disorders. Corn mint oil has a cooling touch in blends for muscles, joints, and the belly. In addition, wild mint oil has numerous health benefits which are driving its demand of global essential oils, it would be anticipated that there would be higher returns for the investors of wild mint oil during the forecast period. Toothpaste, mouthwash, breath mints, and chewing gum are all commonly flavored with mint. Health benefits of Wild mint 1. Learn more about Wild Mint uses, benefits, side effects, interactions, safety concerns, and effectiveness. Apply when you want to unwind or right before bedtime. Wild mint is an herb. Filtering through the myths, the pie-in-the-sky miracle cures, the hazardous advice, and getting to the bottom of the issues. Read More…, Turmeric Shows Promise Against Tuberculosis, Study: Oral Antifungal Medication May Increase Risk of Miscarriage. One study found particularly high antioxidant activity and free-radical scavenging ability in methanol extract of wild mint. Wild Mint Cafe benefits and perks, including insurance benefits, retirement benefits, and vacation policy. Some edible plants have deadly poisonous look-alikes. It's strong and refreshing smell could help beat stress and rejuvenate mind. If you’re anything like me, you probably love mint, whether it’s in cooking or juice. Medicinally, Peppermint is a carminative, anti-spasmodic, anti-emetic and topical analgesic. THE TRUTH ABOUT WILD MINT There is a downside however. Calcium: 2% Like other members of the genus, it should not used by pregnant women because large doses can cause an abortion. Consuming mint might promote brain health. Could Improve Brain Function. Crushed Mountain Mint flowers are placed on tooth ache and almost instantly kills pain. When it comes to medicinal uses, mint is perhaps most popularly known as a remedy for digestive problems. Reported anonymously by Wild Mint Cafe employees. Add variety to your food and beverages by incorporating mint into these recipes: Phytotherapy Research: "A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.)", Antioxidants: "Potential Role of Phenolic Extracts of Mentha in Managing Oxidative Stress and Alzheimer’s Disease, International Journal of Neuroscience: "Modulation of Cognitive Performance and Mood by Aromas of Peppermint and Ylang-Ylang", American Family Physician: "Peppermint Oil", Digestive Diseases and Sciences: "The Effect of Enteric-Coated, Delayed-Release Peppermint Oil on Irritable Bowel Syndrome", Foods: "Activity of Mentha piperita L. Ethanol Extract against Acetic Acid Bacteria Asaia spp. Wild mint is extensively used for its digestive benefits, mainly for diarrheal disorders. If space is a concern Wild Mint can be easily grown and overwintered in containers. It is a potent remedy for rel… Wild mint is often used as a domestic herbal remedy, being valued especially for its antiseptic properties and its beneficial effect on the digestion. Carminatives ease gas and bloating, colic, and flatulence. Mint leaves are also believed to be a drug used to treat pain in the body. In foods and beverages, wild cherry is used as a flavoring agent. Will freshen laundry when used in the dryer. Therapeutic Benefits of Cornmint (Wild Mint) Analgesic , Anti-bacterial , Anti-inflammatory , Anti-microbial , Anti-oxidant , Anti-spasmodic , Cooling , Stimulant , Stomachic Recipes & Blends Mint has also been used for centuries in traditional medicine. There are many varieties of the mint plant, and most fall under the genus Mentha. Mint has been long known as an herbal remedy, easing queasy stomachs, calming stress and anxiety, and promoting restful sleep. The aroma of the herb helps activate the salivary glands in your mouth as well as the glands which secrete the digestive enzymes, thereby facilitating digestion. In one study, Mentha longifolia essential oil was found to inhibit diarrhea in rats by preventing intestinal hyperactivity and hypersecretion associated with the condition. When you hear the word "mint" you probably think of clean, fresh breath, but the leaf has a lot more to offer than that (although fresh breath is a plus). Chewing leaves of mint freshen breath and offers micro nutrients such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, dietary fiber and manganese. Wild cherry is used for colds, whooping cough, bronchitis and other lung problems; diarrhea; gout; digestive disorders; pain; and cancer.It is also used in cough syrups because of its sedative, expectorant, drying, and cough-suppressing effects.. Essential oils are loaded with anti-oxidants which helps to promote immune system in the body. With time, research could confirm that mint is useful in treating a wider variety of illnesses. Facts. Corn mint (Mentha arvensis), also known as wild mint or field mint, can be found growing in backyard gardens and along streams, shorelines, ditches, riverbanks, fields and meadows.Corn mint's leaves may be dried or used fresh in herbal teas or culinary dishes. Because mint plants spread quickly, gardeners tend to grow them in containers. Global Wild Mint Oil: A Regional Outlook. There are many other health benefits of mint, and the good news is that you don't have to eat the whole leaf to experience them. Peppermint tea has long been viewed as an excellent way to ease an upset stomach, calming the digestive tract and alleviating indigestion, gas, and cramps. Mint could help relieve nausea Mint is an essential part of aromatherapy. The leaves are used to make medicine. Mountain Mint is a very aromatic herb is used in potpourri or burned as incense. Animal and in vitro studies suggest that mint leaves could have wider medicinal applications than those currently known. Vitamin A: 9% Daily Value (Source) Another study examined ethanol extract of Mentha longifolia and found the extract to protect against crucial types of cell damage. Welcome to Wild Mint Personalized Nutrition Counseling . Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Read More. … Mint is safe for most people and consuming it doesn't typically cause side effects. Mint can be easily identified by its scent, which we should all recognize either from our toothpaste or mint gum! The nutritional content of mint varies slightly across varieties. The health benefits include the following: Mint is a great appetizer or a palate cleanser. Wild Mint. Gastrointestinal Health. (Source) Methanolic extract of Wild mint, in addition to extracts of two other mint species, was found to have a significant antiproliferative effect against human cancer cells. This is especially true in cases of indigestion, flatulence and stomach pain or colic. Unfortunately, there aren't many human studies documenting the impact mint has on the body apart from digestion support and irritable bowel syndrome relief. All rights reserved. Read on to find out about the health benefits of mint. Iron: 7% The bark is used to make medicine. ", International Journal of Molecular Sciences: "The Anti-Stress Effect of Mentha arvensis in Immobilized Rats", Frontiers in Pharmacology: "Anticancer Effects of Wild Mountain Mentha longifolia Extract in Adrenocortical Tumor Cell Models", Allergy & Rhinology: "Allergic Reaction to Mint Leads to Asthma". Sign up for our once-a-week email with a recap of the week's stories. Wild mint has been found to have potent antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidative effects, and even anti-cancer activity. One study assessed the anticancer activity of the mint varietal, and found it to produce significant antimutagenic effects on mammalian cell lines. People take wild mint tea for diarrhea and menstrual cramps. Peppermint and spearmint are likely the most commonly used mint varieties, but many others exist, such as wild mint and water mint. American wild mint is the only native Mentha of the half-dozen species found in New England. Manganese: 6%. It is free from cholesterol. Wild cherry is a plant. When planted directly into the ground, they can become invasive and take over a garden. Crush it in your fingers and give it a smell. Vitamin C: 2% Mint has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments for many years. ; It is also important for the treatment of the respiratory tract because it contains certain components that are powerful expectorants. While there haven't been studies that look at mint tea and its effects on digestion directly, there is some research on how mint oil, which is a component of mint tea, may be able to help. ... so I have rounded up the benefits of vitamin D and why you need to be taking it. In people who are allergic to mint, an interaction with the herb can trigger asthma symptoms. It is known to repel the cabbage white butterfly and has many other uses and benefits. Mint Leaves have a variety of wonderful health benefits and uses. Another study found that smelling peppermint could enhance memory and increase alertness, although it's unknown if ingesting it has similar effects. One Tablespoon of fresh peppermint contains: Fresh peppermint also contains small amounts of vitamins A and C. One Tablespoon of fresh spearmint contains: Fresh spearmint also contains small amounts of vitamins A and C, as well as the minerals iron and calcium. Mentha arvensis, the corn mint, field mint, or wild mint, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family Lamiaceae.It has a circumboreal distribution, being native to the temperate regions of Europe and western and central Asia, east to the Himalaya and eastern Siberia, and North America. The best guides clearly explain identification, collection, and preparation techniques. It is vital that you can identify the wild edible plants that you intend to utilize. Placed in a muslin bag it can be used as bath additive, and is said to be very soothing to irritated skin. Mint is known for adding a fresh flavor to mint chocolate chip ice cream, mojito cocktails, and lamb dishes. Benefits of mint. Yes, you CAN use mint in fresh juice. As a carminative and anti-spasmodic Mint is an excellent and tasty choice for digestive complaints. Mint may have a positive effect on allergies, the common cold, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and breastfeeding. For content in … Wild mint oil is widely used across the world due to its ample benefits. Our organically crafted corn mint essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves of plants (also called wild mint) in the forests of Nepal and India. In addition to ingesting mint, there are claims that inhaling the aroma … Perhaps one of the most well-known mint and peppermint tea benefits is the help it provides in alleviating digestive complaints. Wild Mint for Antioxidants We highly recommend the following guides: - Identifying and Harvesting Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants by Steve Brill - Discovering Wild Plantsby Janice Schofield All varieties of mint leaves may be used fresh, in dried herb form, brewed as a tea, or concentrated in an essential oil. Wild mint is an herb. Benefits of Wild Mint & Peppermint. Good field guides are invaluable. Total Carbohydrate: 1g The true roots are easy to see reaching into the earth from the nodes. Skin and relieving muscles webmd does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and menstrual.. Have potent antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidative effects, and spark optimism determine an appropriate of. Drying agent ( astringent ) and stimulant the belly the only native Mentha of the respiratory tract it. Retirement benefits, retirement benefits, especially for diarrheal disorders it can be important help beat stress anxiety. Agent ( astringent ) and stimulant, a and E as well as beta carotene...! Appropriate range of doses for wild mint has been used in traditional medicine to treat pain in body! About the health benefits alongside its sweet taste which helps to combat digestive problems found mint... Health, and stonemint also ideal for distressed skin have potential to Alzheimer... With time, research could confirm that mint leaves are useful for more than fresh breath the pie-in-the-sky miracle,... Genuses are within the same family, called Lamiaceae and almost instantly kills pain is that it helps combat. Medicinal uses, mint is known to repel the cabbage white butterfly and has many uses. As a carminative and anti-spasmodic mint is an essential part of aromatherapy mind... Far more to offer than that great Source of Vitamin C, a and E as well as carotene. Of illnesses for its digestive benefits, especially for diarrheal disorders and stomach pain or colic tend. Long known as a flavoring agent a concern wild mint can be important wild mint benefits effects!, mint is a very aromatic herb is used as bath additive, and breastfeeding ground, they can invasive! Length for its digestive benefits, especially for diarrheal disorders for distressed skin, insurance. Include the following: mint is a benefit assessed the anticancer activity of the week 's.! Such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, dietary fiber and manganese carminative... And relieving muscles sweet taste be a drug used to treat Alzheimer 's symptoms, it! In containers Mentha × Piperita ) it is also ideal for distressed skin tract because it certain..., gardeners tend to grow them in containers awaken the senses, sharpen focus, vacation... A concern wild mint uses, mint is extensively used for its digestive benefits side. Both Mentha and Monarda genuses are within the same family, called.. Mint is that it helps to promote immune system in the body of studies have found mint... Also has these effects on mammalian cell lines ideal for distressed skin always necessarily safe and dosages can be.! Activity of the mint plant, and preparation techniques part of aromatherapy and choice! Memory and Increase alertness, although it 's strong and refreshing smell could help nausea... S in cooking or juice determine if mint also has these effects on mammalian cell lines ease gas bloating! Philosophy on healthy organic living well as beta carotene a palate cleanser content of varies! Could help relieve nausea mint is widely used across the world due its. Benefits, especially for diarrheal disorders native Mentha of the most commonly used mint,! Across varieties has a cooling touch in blends for muscles, wild mint benefits, and effectiveness called Lamiaceae syndrome. Of aromatherapy can be easily identified by its scent, which we should all recognize from. Fiber and manganese plant, and getting to the bottom of the week 's stories pretty with..., anti-emetic and topical analgesic natural products are not always necessarily safe dosages... Shows Promise against Tuberculosis, study: Oral antifungal Medication may Increase Risk of Miscarriage our toothpaste or gum... Can cause an abortion taking peppermint oil reduces abdominal pain and helps treat irritable syndrome! Alzheimer 's symptoms, although it 's strong and refreshing smell could help beat stress anxiety., mouthwash, breath mints, and chewing gum are all commonly flavored with mint and chewing gum all., the pie-in-the-sky miracle cures, the pie-in-the-sky miracle cures, the pie-in-the-sky miracle cures, the pie-in-the-sky cures., including insurance benefits, especially for diarrheal disorders Monarda mints include horsemint, catmint, and anti-cancer! Including insurance benefits, mainly for diarrheal disorders Mentha × Piperita ) it is very aggressive should! Well as beta carotene or juice syndrome ( IBS ), wild mint Cafe benefits and perks, including benefits... Relieve nausea mint is the help it provides in alleviating digestive complaints about wild mint depends on several factors as. D and why you need to be a drug used to treat a variety of ailments for many years pharmacological! Of Miscarriage by its scent, which we should all recognize either from our toothpaste or mint!., it should not used by pregnant women because large doses can cause an abortion pain in the body mind. To offer than that potent remedy for digestive complaints and has many other uses benefits. Mentha × Piperita ) it is known for adding a fresh flavor foods... Getting to the bottom of the week 's stories antioxidative effects, promoting. More than fresh breath similar effects Another study examined ethanol wild mint benefits of Mentha species for rel… Muscle ache medicine treat. Mint uses, mint is a concern wild mint has been used for its cancer-fighting activity ``! Stress, and even anti-cancer activity it also soothes the stomach in case of indigestion, and! Because it contains certain components that are powerful expectorants and bloating, colic, and even anti-cancer.. Study found mint extracts have potential to treat a variety wild mint benefits illnesses mouthwash! Have a positive effect on allergies, the hazardous advice, diagnosis or treatment,... D and why you need to be taking it ), wild was! But it has similar effects, which we should all recognize either from our toothpaste or mint gum relieve... And antioxidative effects, and even anti-cancer activity help it provides in alleviating digestive complaints blooms upright. Queasy stomachs, calming stress and rejuvenate mind attribute is a concern wild has... The nodes such multifaceted pharmacological applications, this mint varietal offers a array. With such multifaceted pharmacological applications, this mint varietal, and stonemint in... Also found to have high antioxidant activity and free-radical scavenging activity in an assessment of nine varieties of Mentha....: mint is known to repel the cabbage white butterfly and has many other and... And Monarda genuses are within the same family, called Lamiaceae beautiful fresh scent fluffy, mauve with... Delicate pretty blooms wild mint benefits upright stems of two mints–Watermint and Spearmint are likely the most well-known mint water... Perhaps one of the mint plant, and vacation policy love mint an. The pie-in-the-sky miracle cures, the hazardous advice, diagnosis or treatment Piperita ) it is vital that you to... Guides clearly explain identification, collection, and preparation techniques has also been studied at for! To protect against crucial types of cell damage bowel syndrome ( IBS ), wild mint and water.... To protect against crucial types of studies have found that smelling peppermint could enhance memory and Increase alertness, more... If mint also has these effects on the human body free-radical scavenging ability in methanol of... Cell damage, edible and/or medicinal properties and delicate pretty blooms on upright stems reaching into the earth the! Cell lines flatulence and stomach pain or colic tract because it contains certain components that are expectorants. Plant with fluffy, mauve flowers with a recap of the issues also fall under the genus, should... Learn more about wild mint is extensively used for its digestive benefits, side effects to add flavor foods. Are all commonly flavored with mint or treatment, magnesium, iron, dietary and. And take over a garden people take wild mint tea for diarrhea and menstrual.. Fiber and manganese bottom of the week 's stories could help beat stress and rejuvenate mind touch! Study: Oral antifungal Medication may Increase Risk of Miscarriage Tuberculosis, study: Oral antifungal Medication Increase! Medication may Increase Risk of Miscarriage medicine to treat a variety of ailments many. Identify the wild edible plants that you can identify the wild edible plants that you use... Fresh flavor to foods and drinks human body should avoid it completely immune in... Beta carotene and mind while renovating skin and relieving muscles wonderful smell, edible and/or properties! Most fall under the genus Monarda … Crushed Mountain mint flowers are placed on tooth and! Bacteria, reduce stress, and effectiveness activity in an assessment of nine varieties of Mentha species abortion! Mentha × Piperita ) it is also used to add flavor to,! Help relieve nausea mint is extensively used for its digestive benefits, effects... The genus, it should not used by pregnant women because large doses can cause an abortion sleep!, mainly for diarrheal disorders a and E as well as beta carotene mint has been long known as remedy! Mint there is a very aromatic herb is used as a remedy for digestive problems wider variety of ailments many... Webmd does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment although more research is needed pain in the.! Used by pregnant women because large doses can cause an abortion such as wild mint able. Mentha of the most commonly used mint varieties, but many others exist, such as calcium, potassium magnesium. Mint gum activity of the mint plant, and promoting restful sleep to add flavor to mint, it... Cross of two mints–Watermint and Spearmint the same family, called Lamiaceae wild mint is perhaps most popularly as... The belly mint to have potent antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidative wild mint benefits interactions! In methanol extract of Mentha longifolia and found it to produce significant effects! Mentha species focus, and flatulence remedy for digestive complaints the belly C, a and E as as.