
Mint (Mentha arvensis / Mentha piperita) is a popular aromatic herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It is cultivated widely for its refreshing fragrance and therapeutic properties. In Ayurveda and other traditional systems, mint is valued for its digestive, carminative, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, and cooling actions. The leaves and essential oil are used in herbal remedies, teas, and formulations for digestive, respiratory, and skin-related ailments.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Angiosperms
- Class: Eudicots
- Order: Lamiales
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Genus: Mentha
- Species: Mentha arvensis / Mentha piperita
Common Names
- English: Mint, Peppermint, Field Mint
- Sanskrit: Pudina, Phudina Patra
- Hindi: Pudina
- Tamil: Pudina
- Telugu: Pudina Aku
- Bengali: Pudina Pata
- Marathi: Pudina
Daily Routine & Wellness Uses of Mint (Mentha arvensis)
Mint is one of the easiest herbs to use every single day. Whether you want better digestion, a cooling effect during summer, or simple home remedies for daily wellness, mint fits effortlessly into your routine. Here are some effective, practical daily wellness mint uses that anyone can follow:
1. Mint-Infused Water (Daily Cooling Detox)
If you’re wondering how to use mint daily in the simplest way, this is the best start.
Just add 5–6 fresh mint leaves to your everyday drinking water bottle.
Benefits:- Naturally cools the body
- Helps digestion throughout the day
- Keeps you hydrated with a refreshing taste
- Supports mild detoxification
This is one of the most simple home uses of mint, perfect for summers or for people with excess heat (Pitta).
2. Post-Meal Mint Chew (Natural Digestive)
If you often deal with heaviness or gas after meals, chew 2–3 mint leaves or crushed dried mint.
Benefits:- Boosts digestive enzyme activity
- Reduces bloating & discomfort
- Works as a natural mouth freshener
This is one of the easiest answers to how to use mint daily without any preparation.
3. Mint Steam Inhalation (For Congestion Relief)
Boil water → add a handful of mint leaves → inhale steam under a towel.
Benefits:- Opens blocked nose
- Clears sinus congestion
- Refreshes the mind and melts fatigue
- Helps during seasonal changes
4. Cool Mint Face Mist / Toner (For Skin Calmness)
Infuse mint leaves in warm distilled water → cool → strain → use as a facial spray.
Benefits:- Calms irritated or overheated skin
- Controls mild oiliness
- Refreshes the face instantly
5. DIY Mint Bath (Relaxing Night Routine)
Add crushed mint leaves or 1–2 drops of diluted mint essential oil to your bath.
Benefits:- Relaxes mind and body
- Reduces fatigue
- Cools down after a hot day
- Helps with mild muscle tension
A great way to unwind while embracing simple home uses of mint.
Kitchen & Culinary Uses of Mint
Mint is one of the most versatile herbs in the kitchen. Its refreshing aroma and cooling taste give life to many dishes — both Indian and international. If you’re exploring mint uses in kitchen or searching for unique recipes using mint, here are the most practical and popular ways:
1. Chutneys & Sauces (The #1 Mint Culinary Spice Use)
Mint chutney is a classic in almost every Indian home.
It pairs perfectly with snacks, sandwiches, parathas, rice bowls, and salads.
Why it’s useful:- Adds freshness to any dish
- Improves digestion
- Acts as a natural flavor enhancer
2. Salads & Dressings (Refreshing Flavor Boost)
Chop a few mint leaves and add them to fruit salads, vegetable salads, or homemade dressings.
What it does:- Elevates flavor
- Adds cooling energy
- Enhances aroma
- Improves digestion of heavy foods
This is one of the healthiest recipes using mint for daily meals.
3. Soups & Broths (Hot or Cold)
Mint works surprisingly well in both refreshing cold soups and warm broths.
Benefits:- Brightens flavor without overpowering
- Supports digestion
- Adds a soothing cooling element
Use it in tomato soup, cucumber cold soup, lentil broths, or herbal detox broths.
4. Beverages & Cooling Drinks
Mint is widely used in summer drinks and detox beverages.
You can add it to:- Mint Sharbat
- Mojito-style drinks (non-alcoholic)
- Mint lemonades
- Detox water jars (mint + lemon + cucumber)
- Iced teas
Mint is a top choice for people searching for recipes using mint for summer hydration.
5. Desserts & Sweets (Refreshing Twist)
Mint pairs wonderfully with desserts — especially cold ones.
Best uses:- Mint ice cream
- Sorbets
- Sweet mint syrups
- Chocolate–mint sweets
- Mint-infused milkshakes
6. Baking (For Aroma & Freshness)
Mint can be used lightly in baking as well.
Use in:- Cookies
- Cupcakes
- Cakes
- Chocolate brownies
Traditional & Medicinal Uses of Mint (Pudina)
- Digestive Health - Acts as a carminative and digestive stimulant, helping relieve bloating, nausea, and indigestion. Commonly used in formulations for flatulence and colic.
- Respiratory Health - The menthol in mint provides a cooling sensation and acts as a decongestant, useful in cough, cold, bronchitis, and asthma.
- Skin and Oral Care - Possesses antibacterial and antiseptic properties beneficial for skin irritations, acne, and mouth ulcers.
- Nervous System Benefits - Provides a soothing and calming effect on the nerves, helping reduce headache, stress, and fatigue.
References
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Govt. of India.
- British Pharmacopoeia, 2023 Edition, British Pharmacopoeia Commission.
- Kamatou, G.P.P., & Viljoen, A.M. (2010). “A review of the application and pharmacological properties of Mentha species.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 128(2), 377–384.
- Singh, R., Shushni, M.A.M., & Belkheir, A. (2015). “Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Mentha piperita L..” Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 5(5), 358–361.
- McKay, D.L., & Blumberg, J.B. (2006). “A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.).” Phytotherapy Research, 20(8), 619–633.
- The Wealth of India: A Dictionary of Indian Raw Materials and Industrial Products. (CSIR, New Delhi).
- Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia, Revised Edition, 2019, RRL Jammu & IDMA.
- Kamatou, G. P. P., & Viljoen, A. (2008). Mentha as a ‘functional’ herb: review of the medicinal properties of Mentha species. Food Chemistry.
- World Health Organization (WHO). Mentha arvensis L. — monograph.
- Patel, J., & Pandya, K. (2016). Pharmacognostic and Pharmacological Review on Mentha arvensis. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research.
- PubChem. Menthol – structure & biological activity.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Herbs at a Glance: Peppermint.