It is said that consuming any food item in right quantity is advantageous but, over-eating of the same can be harmful. Every food item around us has some pros and cons. We usually tend to look only at the benefits of a foodstuff and are ignorant about its side effects. Mint is one such specie which is highly beneficial in various fields but, it is harmful if taken in excessive quantity.
Mint and its Characteristics
The word mint is derived from the Latin word herba which means green crops. Mint, a herbal plant belongs to the Lamiaceae (mint family). It is a native plant of Australia, Europe, Asia and North America. Leaves, seeds and flowers are the parts of the plant that are used in flavoring the food as well as in medicine. Mint is also very rich in its nutritional value. It contains a large number of vitamins and minerals like vitamin A and C which are vital for good health. Some amount of vitamin B2 is also found in it. It is the fragrant family of herbs that has medicinal and culinary uses also.
Peppermint
Peppermint also known as mentha piperita has the authentic minty smell that can be obtained on rubbing the leaves. These leaves are dried and used to prepare mint tea. From ancient times, peppermint has been used as a breath freshener. It is found in chewing gums, mouth wash, soaps, sweets, balms or creams etc., that gives us the refreshing fragrance. The main constituents in peppermint that are responsible for giving the aromatic qualities to it are menthol and menthyl.
Spearmint
Spearmint also called as mentha spicata. The leaves are dark green in color, oval shaped with pointed ends. The herb contains essential menthol oil but, not in high amounts as it is contained in peppermint. It is not as strong in flavor as peppermint and hence, can be used in regular cooking. It can be added to sauces, dressings and cakes. Chopped leaves can be added to salads.
Other varieties of mint are bergamot or lemon mint, catnip or catmint and basil, ginger mint, chocolate mint used in deserts, garden mint used in regular cooking and pineapple mint used in salads and deserts.
Does Eating too much Mint has Side Effects?
Though mint is a widely used herbal plant, it is safe only when consumed in small amount and for short period. It has some negative effects if it is consumed too much. Mint leaves are used in preparing mint tea, one of the most popular herbal teas consumed worldwide. It has been used for several years due to its various health benefits. It cures indigestion. The potent smell of mint helps to relieve headache as well. But, consuming mint tea excessively can cause various health problems. Internal use of peppermint tea can cause skin irritation, flushing (reddening of the skin), headache, irritated mucous membranes and heart burn. Menthol is one of the active chemicals in mint tea and can cause throat closure in small children and adults also. A person who is allergic to asthma should avoid the use of food products containing mint. Women who are pregnant or nursing a baby should strictly avoid consumption of mint tea. Taking mint tea during pregnancy may lead to a miscarriage. Applying peppermint oil on a child's face can create severe breathing problems.
To avoid negative effects of mint, one should take it in recommended amount of doses. Both peppermint and spearmint are available in capsules, liquids, tea and oil. Experts discourage the use of spearmint dose and recommend correct dosage for peppermint. Following are the experts recommended doses for peppermint:
As Tea: Soak 1 tsp of dried peppermint leaves in a boiling cup of water for at least ten minutes and cool it. Drink it two or three times daily between the meals.
As Capsules: 1 to 2 capsules three times per day to cure irritable bowel syndrome.
As Oil or Ointment: Apply cream or ointment containing the active menthol to treat skin irritation and itching.
As Spirit (tincture): It is useful to treat headache caused by tension. Take the tincture containing about 10% of peppermint oil, about 90% of ethanol apply it softly n the forehead. Allow the tincture or spirit to evaporate.
I hope the above article helps you to understand the need to consume mint in right amount to gain its benefits. Follow the above experts recommended doses and avoid its negative effects. Have a healthy and happy life!