Holistic Benefits of Mint

One of the most common uses of mint today is as an oral health aid, because of its germicidal qualities. Not only is mint found in chewing gum, toothpaste and mouthwashes, but chewing it can also cleanse the mouth of harmful bacteria.

As well as being a fantastic palate cleanser, mint is beneficial to digestive health. By soothing the stomach and reducing inflammation, it can eliminate indigestion and flatulence while promoting healthy digestion in the gut by helping food to pass through the stomach more quickly. The aroma released when mint is chewed also promotes the secretion of enzymes in the mouth, as the salivary glands respond to the herb. This also makes mint great for weight loss, as it promotes the breakdown of food and fats by increasing the number of digestive enzymes released during meals. The menthol in mint is believed to relax the muscles of the digestive tract and alleviate symptoms of IBS.