Mexican Mint: Health Benefits and Uses to Know

Have you been amazed by the fact that a simple herb, like Mexican mint, may alter your health? Well-known to most people due to its traditionally fragrant leaves and numerous uses, Mexican mint (also known as Plectranthus amboinicus) has been celebrated throughout the ages in folk medicine for its remarkable healing properties. 

Enhancing the digestion process or triggering the immune system, this super herb is much more than a culinary delight. Mexican mint is a rich source of vital vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, which is why it is a compound with multiple benefits that remains largely unknown to most people.

Whether it is skin, mind, or stress, this herb might be the natural solution you have been looking for. In this post, we will discuss the fabulous applications and functions of Mexican mint and how you can incorporate it into your life to make it healthier. Be ready to feel Mexican mint like you never had!

About Mexican Mint

Mexican mint, also known as Cuban oregano or Indian borage, is a versatile perennial herb that is both gastronomic and medicinal. It is a vigorous plant with thick, curved, rounded, and velvety leaves, which gives it a distinctive appearance.

The Mexican mint leaves are juicy, with a nutritious flavour and aroma, thus forming the key ingredient in most recipes, especially those of Latin America and Asia. It is a fast-growing, easy-to-grow plant that grows in well-drained soils and tolerates partial shade.

Mexican mint, due to its medicinal properties and culinary uses, will continue to be a valuable addition to gardens and kitchens.

Regional Names of Mexican Mint in India

The table below shows a list of names by which the Mexican mint is called in various states in India:

Health Benefits of Mexican Mint

The Mexican mint contains essential nutrients, including antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and is therefore considered a healthy option. That is what makes it a digestive aid, an immune booster, an anti-inflammatory, and a stress reducer.

#1 Digestive Health

Mexican mint offers several benefits for digestive health. It is anti-inflammatory and carminative, and could be beneficial to the digestive tract. Mexican mint, when used in regular doses, may also help manage frequent complaints of indigestion, bloating, and gas.

The herb should likely aid in the production of digestive enzymes, thereby facilitating a faster digestive process by helping us break down food more efficiently.  It may help manage the formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract, facilitate the expulsion of gas, and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Managing nausea and promoting regular bowel movements is also one thing that may be a feature of Mexican minty.

Whether served as a tea or added to the diet, Mexican mint can contribute to healthy digestion and a balanced intestinal flora. ^[1]   ,

Aashirvaad Atta, in collaboration with a group of knowledgeable dietitians, has developed the Digestion Quotient, which calculates your digestion score on a scale of 1 to 100. To find out your Digestive Quotient, take this little 2-minute test.

#2 Boosts Immunity

Mexican mint may be able to strengthen the immune system due to its abundance of antioxidants. Such antioxidants have the potential to prevent oxidative stress, which compromises the body’s immune system. The herb may also possess natural antibacterial and antiviral properties, which have been discovered to aid in the fight against infections and diseases.^[2]

The consumption of Mexican mint in the form of tea or a fresh leaf, daily, is perhaps helpful in boosting the immune system, which would enable it to combat common ailments like the cold, flu, and so on.

#3 Manages Stress 

Mexican mint can be a natural solution that may help manage stress. It has been argued that the plant contains substances that can help regulate stress within a person’s body. Mexican mint tea may help relax the nervous system and may ease stress after consumption, even by simply sweetening its aroma.^[3]

The Mexican mint would also help improve concentration and focus as it enhances mental awareness and elicits a sense of calmness. It also possesses moderating characteristics, helpful to those who have had a tough day or those who wish to relax and continue their day-to-day routines more efficiently.

#4 Manages the Common Cold

Mexican mint can help alleviate the symptoms of a common cold, cough, and asthma. It contains essential biochemicals in its leaves, which are thought to be valuable natural compounds. ^[4]

This implies that they will be capable of loosening secretions in the respiratory tract, allowing them to breathe easily and clear their nose. The leaves can be chewed or made into a tea that helps control congestion and maintain respiratory system health.

Yet, it must be kept in mind that it is not designed to substitute for a full-fledged medical treatment, but rather to supplement the existing one.

Ways to Include Mexican Mint into Your Diet

You can add Mexican mint to your everyday diet with no issues, benefiting from it and achieving its health benefits. Among the ideas are the following:

• Mexican Mint Tea: The most effortless way to take Mexican mint is through a soothing tea. To make it, simply place a fresh or dried leaf in hot water and let it rest for a few minutes. When possible, add a few drops of honey or lemon to enhance the flavour. The tea is refreshing and can be enjoyed hot or cold, leaving one feeling calm and energised.
• Cooking: You can add Mexican mint to foods, which typically contains herbs like oregano and thyme. Use chopped fresh leaves in soups, stews, or salads, or in marinades to add flavour. Its taste is intense and minty, and it goes well with the majority of savoury foods.
• Seasoning: Fresh Mexican mint can be used as a garnish, chopped and poured over curries, grilled meat or cooked vegetables. The incoming leaves will add some spice and a touch of green to liven up the dining process.
• Smoothies: To add a twist to a tweet, try adding a few leaves of mint to your favourite smoothie ingredient. It pairs well with pineapple, lemons, or berries, and the minty flavour provides your beverage with an icy-cold kick.
• Sauces and Dips: In Mexico, Mexican mint is also used to flavour sauces, salsas, and dips, adding zing to these meals, so that they do not dominate the other flavours with its fresh taste.

Incorporating Mexican mint in your foods in these ways, you will be able to make full use of its wide range of health benefits and add taste to the dishes that you prepare.

Takeaway

Mexican mint is an herb with several significant potential health benefits, including digestive aids and immune system support. It potentially has all of the positive effects on a healthy lifestyle, specifically exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. 

Mexican mint can be incorporated into teas, salads, soups, or even smoothies, making it easy to add to your diet according to your preferences and enjoy new flavours while improving your health. One can also easily incorporate this herb into daily foods or mouth fresheners.

However, along with all the health benefits that Mexican mint delivers, it is also necessary to remember that a balanced diet is a core concept. Consuming a well-balanced diet that consists of a wide range of various nutrients will also ensure that your body has all the essential vitamins and minerals it needs to function optimally.

There is no one particular ingredient or food that can cure any ailment or disease. So, consuming Mexican mint should be done in moderation to avoid any discomfort/ allergies.

 You should consult a healthcare professional before you make any drastic alterations in your diet, particularly when you have some existing health issues or when you are on some kind of medication.

Frequently Asked Questions