[[File:Mint.jpg|thumb|290px|left|Menta haplocalyx]]Other Names : Menta haplocalyx, Herba Menthae, Field mint, Wild Mint, Corn Mint, Bo He, 薄荷, Yerba Buena, Herba Menthae Haplocalycis<br>
See also :
* [[Peppermint]]
* [[Spearmint]]
* [[Menthol]]
* [[Mexican Mint]]
==Special Precautions of Mint==
*Peppermint oil can cause heartburn and digestive upset, and should be used with caution by people with heartburn, hiatal hernia, severe liver damage, gallbladder inflammation, or bile duct obstructionAvoid its use during Pregnancy.*Although rare, some people have experienced allergic reaction to topical application Avoid in case of peppermintNursing Mothers as it may cause insufficient Lactation.*People with gallstones It should consult not be overcooked, add it at the end while preparing a physician before taking oral peppermint preparationsdecoction* Contraindicated for debilitated patients with Exterior Deficiency (spontaneous sweat).*The safety of peppermint oil in pregnant or nursing women isn't knownContraindicated for those with Liver Yang Rising.*Peppermint oil shouldn't be applied topically to broken skin. Large amounts shouldn't be applied to skinContraindicated for those with Yin Deficiency with Heat signs.*Peppermint tea can cause choking in children and infants Contraindicated for those with Blood Deficiency due to the mentholYin Deficiency Heat.*Pure peppermint oil is toxic at small dosesContraindicated for those with hiatal hernia. * The pure essential oil should not be taken orallyinhaled by small children.*Call your health practitioner if you experience headache, flushing, skin rash, muscle tremors, or other unusual symptoms.* See also precautions of [[Linalool]]
==The benefits of Mint are==
* Digestion: Mint is a good appetizer and promotes digestion, due to its typical aroma. It also soothes stomach in cases of indigestion, inflammation etc. This aroma of mint activates the saliva glands in our mouth as well as glands which secrete digestive enzymes, thereby facilitating digestion. Thus it is extensively used in culinary.
* Female Sterility: Now, there is a mixed opinion about this. Some say that prolonged use of menthol may cause sterility and induce inability to conceive, by interfering with the production of ova and also killing these gametes, because of its germicidal and insecticidal properties. It is also heard that men who smoke menthol cigarettes are more likely to suffer from impotency than those who smoke normal cigarettes. It is not certain whether it is due the tobacco alone or mint has anything do with it. But menthol certainly has insecticidal properties. While another group suggests that mint may be used to treat sterility in females.
* Oral Care: This is a well known property of mint. Being a germicidal and breathe freshener, it takes care of oral health by inhibiting harmful bacterial growth inside mouth and by cleaning tongue and teeth.
* Cancer: Current researches show that certain enzymes present in mint may help cure cancer : Mint, specifically peppermint, contains a phytonutrient known as amonoterpene which has shown the capability to thwart the growth of tumors in the liver, breasts and pancreas in animals. It has also exhibited the capacity to protect the animals’ lungs, skin and colon against the formation of cancer. * [[Vasoconstrictor]] : Mint contains chemicals that can help reduce bleeding by causing a narrowing of the blood vessels.
*Other Benefits: Besides its wide industrial use in food stuffs such as ice-creams, chocolates etc., alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, cosmetics, medicines, inhalers and mouth and breathe fresheners, it is used as a condiment and decorative item in culinary world-wide. Drinks and food-stuffs containing mint cools you off in summer. It is a good relaxant. One more peculiar property which is very much in contrary to its cooling and soothing effects is that it induces sweating if consumed in fever, thereby curing it. Mint juice can be applied on burns to heal and soothe them.
*It is also beneficial in [[rheumatism]].