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Herb library

Pudina (Mint / Spearmint)

Mint (Mint / Spearmint)

Mentha spicata / Mentha piperita

Pudina — the cooling leaf for acidity, nausea and summer heat.

Mint plant · Herb · Parts: Leaf, Essential oil

Taste (rasa)
Pungent, Sweet
Energy (virya)
Cooling
Balances
Pitta, Kapha

What it is used for

Benefits

  • Relaxes gut spasm — well studied for IBS-type cramping
  • Settles nausea, acidity and bad breath
  • Cooling in heat, and clears the head when inhaled as steam

How it has been used

Traditional uses & benefits

Pudina is deepana-pachana with a cooling finish: it kindles digestion without adding heat, which makes it the Pitta-safe stomach herb.

Traditional uses

  • Cramping, spasm and IBS-type discomfort
  • Nausea, acidity and bad breath
  • Summer heat, headache and blocked sinuses

Practical guidance

  1. 1Fresh leaf is far better than dried for digestion; dried is mostly aroma.
  2. 2If mint tea worsens your reflux, that is expected — switch to fennel or coriander.
  3. 3Ground with coriander, cumin and lemon, it becomes the everyday cooling chutney.

How much

Dosage

A handful of fresh leaves daily, or 1-2 cups of mint tea.

How to take it

Preparation & usage

Mint tea

Steep a small handful of fresh leaves in hot water for 5 minutes.

After meals

Pudina chutney

Grind mint with coriander, cumin, lemon and a little salt.

With lunch

Read this first

Precautions

  • Peppermint can worsen reflux by relaxing the valve at the top of the stomach
  • Do not apply mint oil to the face of infants or small children
  • Avoid concentrated oil with gallstones or severe liver disease

Where this comes from

Sources

Used forDigestion & GutImmunity & RecoverySkin & Hair

Common questions

What is Mint used for?

Pudina — the cooling leaf for acidity, nausea and summer heat. In traditional use the main applications are: Relaxes gut spasm — well studied for IBS-type cramping; Settles nausea, acidity and bad breath; Cooling in heat, and clears the head when inhaled as steam.

What is the typical dosage of Mint?

A handful of fresh leaves daily, or 1-2 cups of mint tea. Amounts vary with age, constitution and health status, so confirm your own dose with a qualified practitioner.

How and when should Mint be taken?

Mint tea: Steep a small handful of fresh leaves in hot water for 5 minutes. Timing — After meals

Are there any precautions with Mint?

Peppermint can worsen reflux by relaxing the valve at the top of the stomach Do not apply mint oil to the face of infants or small children Avoid concentrated oil with gallstones or severe liver disease Speak to a doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you take prescription medication.

Does Mint replace medical treatment?

No. This page documents traditional Ayurvedic use for education; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace prescribed medication or professional advice.

Where to buy

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If you buy, look for a batch-tested product that states the botanical name and tests for heavy metals. Check with your doctor first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding.