We all love the fragrance of mint leaves. Not just refreshing, they have holistic benefits that make them an everyday kitchen essential across the world. From the mint family comes another fragrant herb Watermint, scientifically known as Mentha aquatica-a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family, Lamiaceae. Native to Europe, Asia, and parts of North America, watermint thrives in moist environments such as marshes, riverbanks, and wetlands. With aromatic leaves, square stems, and small clusters of pink or purple flowers; watermint has been valued for centuries for its culinary and medicinal, properties, making it a versatile herb with a wide range of applications.
Also Read: Pudina/Mint Leaves: Health Benefits Of Pudina Juice, Uses For Skin, Hair And Side Effects
Whether consumed internally or applied topically, watermint can be incorporated into daily routines to enhance health and augment skin vitality. With its refreshing aroma and potent medicinal properties, the herb continues to be valued in traditional and modern wellness practices. Drinking watermint tea or adding fresh watermint leaves to meals can promote healthy digestion.
Health Benefits Watermint Leaves Bring Along
Thanks to its rich array of phytochemicals and essential oils, some of the notable health benefits associated with watermint are:
Digestive Aid: Watermint has been traditionally used to alleviate digestive discomfort, including indigestion and bloating. The menthol content in the herb has a soothing effect on the digestive tract, helping to relax muscles and ease gastrointestinal spasms.
Relie From Respiratory Symptoms: The menthol aroma of watermint can help clear nasal passages and alleviate symptoms of respiratory congestion, such as coughing and sinus congestion. Drinking watermint tea can provide relief from respiratory discomfort and promote easier breathing.
Pain Relief: Watermint possesses analgesic properties that alleviate v headaches, muscle aches, and menstrual cramps. Applying watermint essential oil topically to the affected area or adding dried watermint leaves to bathwater can provide immense relief.
Soothes IBD: The anti-inflammatory compounds found in watermint, such as rosmarinic acid and flavonoids, can help reduce inflammation and swelling associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
Bolsters Immunity: Watermint exhibits strong antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria and fungi. The antimicrobial compounds found in watermint, such as menthol and pulegone, help inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms and support the body's natural defense mechanisms. This helps in preventing infections and promoting immune health.
Shop From Our Array Of Herbal And Beauty Supplements To Augment Your Skin Health
Just the way you use 'pudina' or the famous Indian Mint, try consuming watermint regularly as part of a balanced diet. Alternatively, you can use watermint essential oil in aromatherapy too. It will help manage inflammatory conditions and promote overall well-being. While the herb is indeed fantastic for health, it also brings many benefits to the skin. Using watermint-infused skincare products or applying diluted watermint essential oil to the skin is a great idea since the leaves contain compounds that help hydrate the dermis. Foray into this infographic to know the sassy skin incentives of this aromatic herb.
References:
- Evaluation of the phytochemical profile of water mint (Mentha aquatica L.) from Bulgaria
Hafize Fidan; Stanko Stankov; Nadezhda Petkova; Ivayla Dincheva; Albena Stoyanova; Hulya Dogan
https://pubs.aip.org/aip/acp/article-abstract/2889/1/080002/2928344/Evaluation-of-the-phytochemical-profile-of-water?redirectedFrom=fulltext
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/mentha-aquatica
