Mint or Mentha is a perennial aromatic herb with dark to gray-green leaves.
This finds application in a number of ways through its leaves, both fresh and dried.
This is usually associated with aroma, freshness and a cooling aftertaste.
It contains menthol as the active ingredient which makes it suitable for the preparation of menthol candies and chewing gums to avoid bad breath and foul odour.
In fact, toothpastes are now based upon mint preparations, combined with fluorine and cloves.
Mint leaves are greatly used in many culinary preparations.
Both dried and fresh leaves are added to dishes to get a unique flavour.
Specially prepared mint jelly is served with lamb dishes in many countries.
It's leaves are also used in tea, beverages and other jelly and ice cream based preparations.
This is commonly used to treat stomach ache and digestive problems.
It alleviates bowel syndrome and constipation matters.
Mint leaves prepared drinks are consumed during summers to lower the body temperature.
Because of its cooling and refreshing effect, it is used in many cosmetics and perfumes.
It is used in common cold to get relief from blocked nose and throat.
This contains such smell and properties that it is used as an effective pesticide and insecticide to keep mosquitoes and bees away from home.
Mint plant in the house is also considered good as it purifies the surrounding air.
This is a very useful and investment free mode of getting benefits in daily usage.
Daily intake of 4-5 leaves of this can refresh your breath and also improve the digestive system.
Flavour of food can be increased by adding some fresh leaves.