Pudina for spring allergies: 10 reasons why you must include it in your diet now

Spring is a beautiful time of year, but it also brings with it many seasonal allergies. The best way to fortify yourself now is to add pudina or mint to your daily diet.

By: Editorial Team | Edited by: Jahnavi Sarma | | Updated: February 20, 2021 1:10 pm

The methanol in pudina acts as a decongestant, it helps loosen mucus collected in the lung and also shrinks swollen membranes in the nose to allow you to breathe easier.

As the cold winter gives way to warmer days and pleasant nights, you know that spring has arrived. But along with the pleasant climes, you are also exposed to many allergens and pathogens during this time of the year. The change of season can leave you sniffling and coughing, and you may also experience fever and more serious health issues like asthma. But if you are one who does not like to reach for drugs and medications at the sign of any discomfort then you can turn to home remedies. Mint is a herb which comes back in the spring season. Also known as pudina, this is one of the oldest culinary herbs known to humans. Besides its remarkable medicinal properties, Indians have been using it in chutneys, raitas, and sherbets. Pudina is a rich source of polyphenols and it has a pungent taste and aromatic odor. Besides, these leaves are low on calories and contain only trace amounts of proteins and fats. Also Read - Survival guide for seasonal allergies: Get rid of your runny nose, sore throat with these expert tips

HEALTH BENEFITS OF PUDINA/MINT LEAVES

Pudina helps get rid of indigestion. It has carminative and antispasmodic properties. Chewing pudina helps in getting relief from bloating and gas. The essential oils present in pudina can be beneficial for toothache problems. These leaves are loaded with vitamin A, C and B-complex, which enhance skin and boost immunity. Another nutritional benefit of pudina is that it is rich in iron, potassium, and manganese that increase haemoglobin, and improve brain function. Also Read - Get relief from dust allergy with our simple home remedies

Here are the 10 health benefits of pudina that you must know. Also Read - Seasonal allergies could be mistaken as COVID-19 symptoms: Know the difference

Helps in Digestion

Pudina is rich in antioxidants, menthol, and phytonutrients that help the enzymes to digest food. The essential oils in pudina possess strong antibacterial and antiseptic effects that calm stomach cramps and help ease acidity and flatulence.

Treats Asthma

Regularly taking pudina can ease chest congestion. The methanol in pudina acts as a decongestant, it helps loosen mucus collected in the lung and also shrinks swollen membranes in the nose to allow you to breathe easier. While using pudina, make sure that you don’t overdose it, otherwise, your air passage will become irritated.

Cures Headache

Pudina contains menthol that can help relax muscles and ease the pain. Applying pudina juice on your forehead and temples can give you relief from headache. Also, balms of pudina base or mint oil are effective in curing headaches.

Eases Stress and Depression

One of the main advantages of mint is that it is the most widely used herb in aromatherapy. Pudina or mint has a strong, refreshing smell that can ease stress and refresh the body and mind. The apoptogenic activity of mint helps regulate the cortisol levels in the blood that triggers the body’s natural response to ease the stress. Inhaling pudina essential oil can instantly release serotonin in the blood which is a neurotransmitter that is well known for easing symptoms of stress and depression.

Makes Your Skin Healthy

Pudina has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that help treat acne and pimple on the skin. Pudina leaves contain a high amount of salicylic acid which acts as anti-acne. It also acts as an effective skin cleanser. Pudina has antioxidant properties that help you get clean and youthful skin by removing free-radicals from the body. Other ways pudina makes your skin healthy is that it retains the moisture in the skin, clear off dead skin cells, and dirt from the skin pores, and makes the skin look radiant and toned.

Oral Care

Chewing pudina leaves is a great way to improve oral hygiene and dental health. The essential oils in pudina can help you get fresh breath. Also, using the mouthwash containing peppermint oil can help you kill bacteria in the mouth and provide you with healthy gums and teeth.

Improves Memory

According to research, pudina can improve memory and retrieve the cognitive function of the brain. Consuming pudina regularly can increase brain power by improving alertness, and memory retention, and other cognitive functions.

Promotes Weight Loss

The aromatic herb pudina could help you in weight loss. The essential oils of pudina stimulate digestive enzymes to increase the bile flow and promote digestion. It also helps in improved nutrient absorption from the food. When the body is able to assimilate and absorb nutrients properly, your metabolism increases. The increase in metabolism promotes weight loss.

Treats Common Cold

If you are struggling with cold and finding it difficult to breathe, pudina is the best remedy for it. Most of the vapor rubs and inhalers contain mint. Mint naturally clears nose throat, bronchi, and lung congestion. Apart from respiratory channels, mint also eases irritation caused by chronic coughing.

Eases Symptoms of Nausea

Pudina is an effective treatment for nausea that often occurs in morning sickness. Eating a few pudina leaves or smelling it every morning can help pregnant women prevent the nauseous feeling or cope with it better.

(This article is authored by Dr. Saurabh Arora, Director, Arbro Pharmaceuticals)

Published : February 20, 2021 11:27 am | Updated:February 20, 2021 1:10 pm

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