Mint – Mentha spp.

1. General Introduction:

Mint is a genus of herbaceous plants belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae), with the scientific name Mentha spp. It has many different species, the most popular are:

• Field Mint (Mentha arvensis L.): Also known as wild mint or corn mint.
• Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.): Also known as spearmint or black mint.

2. Botanical Characteristics:

• Field Mint (Mentha arvensis L.): Perennial herb with creeping stems, multiple branches, 30-60 cm high. Opposite leaves, ovate or lanceolate, serrated edges, dark green on the top, white hairs on the bottom. Flowers grow in clusters in the leaf axils, light purple.
• Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.): Perennial herb, erect stems, 60-100 cm high. Opposite leaves, oval or lanceolate, serrated edges, dark green on the top, white hairs on the bottom. Flowers grow in clusters in the leaf axils, purple or pale pink.

3. Parts Used:

Stems, branches with leaves and flowers.

4. Chemical Composition:

• Essential Oil (0.5-1.5%): Menthol, menthone, menthyl acetate, menthyl benzoate, pulegone…
• Flavonoids: Rutin, quercetin, apigenin, luteolin…
• Other Compounds: Tannin, organic acids, vitamins…

5. Structure of the Main Component:

• Menthol: An oxygenated monoterpenoid with a ring structure, it has a cooling, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effect.

6. Preparation:

• Harvesting: Harvest when the plant is flowering, cut the stems and leaves, remove impurities.
• Drying: Dry in the shade, avoid direct sunlight.

7. Pharmacological Group:

• Tân lương giải biểu: Cooling, heat clearing, detoxification.
• Phát tán phong nhiệt: Alleviate symptoms caused by wind-heat such as fever, headache, dizziness, muscle aches.

8. Medicinal Properties:

• Reduce cough, clear phlegm: Supports treatment of respiratory diseases such as sore throat, bronchitis, and colds.
• Pain relief, anti-inflammation: Reduces pain and inflammation, especially effective for gastrointestinal diseases.
• Anti-nausea, anti-vomiting: Supports treatment of motion sickness, seasickness.
• Good for digestion: Promotes good digestion, reduces bloating, indigestion, and stomach pain.
• Cool the body: Helps to clear heat, reduce internal heat, detoxify.

9. Forms of Use:

• Inhalation: Use mint essential oil for inhalation to help clear the nose, reduce nasal congestion, and relieve coughs.
• Infusion: Make mint tea to reduce stomach pain, bloating, indigestion, and clear heat.
• Essential Oil: Apply topically, massage, rub.
• Tablet, liquid forms: Available at pharmacies.

Note:

• Do not use for infants: Mint can irritate the respiratory system of infants.
• Do not use for those who are allergic to mint: Some people may be allergic to mint, leading to symptoms such as hives, itching, and difficulty breathing.
• Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should be cautious when using mint: Consult your doctor before using.
• Do not self-medicate with mint: Consult your doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

10. Qualitative Analysis:

• Use color reaction: Use reagents such as chloroform, sulfuric acid, vanillin to identify the presence of menthol in mint essential oil.

11. Quantitative Analysis:

• Steam distillation method: Steam distill mint essential oil, collect the essential oil and determine the content of menthol.

12. Quality Standards:

• Essential oil content: Not less than 1%.

13. Storage:

• Store in a dry, cool place, avoid direct sunlight.

14. Scientific Support:

Many scientific studies have proven the effectiveness of mint in treating certain diseases such as:

• Pain relief, anti-inflammation: Mint has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce pain and inflammation effectively.
• Reduce cough, clear phlegm: Mint helps to thin mucus, clear phlegm, and reduce coughs effectively.
• Anti-nausea, anti-vomiting: Mint helps to reduce nausea and vomiting, especially effective for motion sickness and seasickness.
• Good for digestion: Mint promotes good digestion, reduces bloating, indigestion, and stomach pain.
• Cool the body: Mint has a cooling effect on the body, clears heat, reduces internal heat, and detoxifies.

15. Environmental Impact:

• Mint is an easy-to-grow crop, adaptable to many climates, and does not require the use of many pesticides.
• Mint can be used as green manure, helping to improve the soil.

16. Note:

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor or healthcare professional for advice and appropriate treatment.

17. Conclusion:

Mint is a valuable medicinal herb widely used in traditional medicine and modern medicine. Mint has many health benefits but should be used correctly and according to doctor’s orders to ensure safety.