Peppermint / Pudina / Mentha piperita: Classification, Health Benefits & Ayurvedic Uses

Abstract

The aromatic ayurvedic herb is a natural coolant with a sweet and pungent taste. There are so many hybrid varieties of mint; spearmint and peppermint are the two common varieties of mint, which are distributed and grow in wet, moist land across India, Africa, Europe and other Asian countries. This is one of the oldest herbs and is widely used in global cuisines. Although mint leaves are also used as a mouth freshener due to the presence of bioactive compounds and their healing properties. It is a fast growing herb that can easily be grown in a kitchen garden.

Peppermint, Pudina, Mentha piperita, Systemic Classification, Synonyms Of Peppermint, Habitat, Morphology, Chemical Composition Of Peppermint, Ayurvedic Properties, Practical Uses And Benefits, Part Used

Introduction

Mentha piperita, commonly known as Pudina, belongs to the plant family Lamiaceae. This is one of the best mints that is used for flavours. Fresh as well as dried leaves have equal importance. The essential nutrients present in mint are potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C and A, and iron.

Systemic Classification Of Peppermint

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Mentha
Species epithet: Piperita

Synonyms Of Peppermint

1. Sanskrit Synonyms

Pudina, Putiha, Podinaka, Phudino, and Podina.

2. Latin Synonyms

Mentha aquatica L., Mentha crispa L., Mentha dumetorum, and Mentha spicata.

Other Vernacular Names Of Peppermint

Hindi: Pudina Patta
English: Mint
Telugu: Pudina
Tamil: Puthina/Pudhinaa
Gujarati: Lavanga
Punjabi: Hara Pudina
Gujarati: Fudino/Phodina
Kashmir: Pudyanu
Arabic: Phujanaj
Burmese: Bhudina

Habitat

Peppermint is native to Europe and Asia, and it is now naturalized in North America. It is often found near streams and wet areas. The hybrid variety of mint is usually sterile, which means it reproduces vegetatively and spreads via runners. Peppermint is usually found in moist areas like stream banks and drainage ditches. This herb can also grow at elevations ranging from low to high in the mountains.

Morphology

Peppermint has square stems and smooth, dark green opposite leaves. This perennial herb has a strong odour and grows at a height of 1-2 feet. The flowers are pinkish lavender in colour. The peppermint plant is a hybrid between watermint and spearmint. The peppermint leaves have a sweetish odor and a spicy flavour.

Chemical Composition Of Peppermint

The major chemical compounds present in peppermint oil are: menthol, menthyl acetate and menthone. Eriocitrin, luteolin and hesperidin are the flavonoids present in peppermint. The phenolic constituents present in leaves are rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid and salvianolic acid.

Ayurvedic Properties

Rasa (Taste) – Katu (Pungent)
Guna (qualities) – Laghu (light to digest), Ruksha (Dry in nature), Teekshna (Strong)
Vipaka- Katu (after digestion, it tastes pungent.)
Veerya (potency) – Ushna (hot).
Karma (Actions) – Kapha Vata shamak (reduces vitiated Kapha and Vata dosha).

Practical Uses And Benefits

Improves Digestion: This herb is best known for its ability to treat digestive issues. This can help with symptoms like gas, bloating, and indigestion. This aromatic herb activates the salivary glands in the mouth, stimulating the secretion of gut enzymes, which improves digestion. According to research, peppermint oil may alleviate the pain associated with IBS. Furthermore, the chemical constituents in mint have a beneficial effect in the treatment of diarrhoea and nausea caused by motion sickness.
Improves Dental Disorders And Oral Hygiene: Menthol, found in peppermint leaves, is an active compound that is commonly used in mouth fresheners, chewing gum, toothpaste, and mouth washes to reduce dental plaque and help clean the teeth and gums. Chewing mint leaves improves oral health by stimulating saliva production and acting as an antibacterial.
Improves Weight: Mint leaves are low in calories, making them an excellent choice for adding flavor to meals without adding calories. Mint tea is a better alternative to milk tea and can satisfy cravings. This herb relaxes stomach muscles and stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes, which improves the flow of bile, which is used to digest fat.
Improves Skin Problems: Peppermint contains key ingredients that are used to treat inflammation, irritation, and itchiness on the skin. When applied topically, menthol creates a cooling sensation against your skin. Peppermint treats skin issues.
Acne Reduction: This herb can control the oil production from the skin, which then lowers the chances of acne. Also, mint leaves contain vitamin A and salicyclic acid, which control the secretion of sebum oil. Thus, it controls oil production.
Skin Tone And Complexation: The leaves of peppermint are mildly astringent, which helps in toning the skin naturally. It can remove dirt from pores, cleanse dead skin cells, improve skin complexion and hydrate the skin.
Rejuvenation: The main active ingredient, rosmarinic acid, present in mint, helps promote better blood circulation, which stimulates the skin to glow and fades away wrinkles.
Improves Arthritis Pain: Peppermint oil helps to ease inflammation and joint pains, because it acts as both analgesic and anaesthetic. Mechanisms of action include smooth muscle relaxation via calcium channel blockage, visceral sensitivity modulation and certain anti-inflammatory activities.
Improves Headache: Peppermint oil contains menthol, which helps soothe pain and relax muscles. Topically applying peppermint oil can help relieve pain from headaches and certain migraine attacks.

Parts Used

Leaf and oil extract

Conclusion

In Ayurveda, peppermint is regarded as a cooling herb that gently stimulates the agni (digestive fire), thereby balancing the pitta. Peppermint has numerous health benefits and has been used since ancient times. Peppermint’s chemical components have been shown to significantly reduce IBS symptoms and other digestive disorders. During the summer, people drank mint syrups, chutneys, and lemon juices, and used mint in other recipes. It has the most calming and soothing effects. The best part is that peppermint is easy to grow and can be incorporated into any diet.