Therapeutic Effects and Actions of Mint Leaves
Disease description:
I’ve been speaking too much lately, and my throat is so sore it feels like it’s about to smoke—I can’t even speak loudly, and my mouth won’t open fully. My mom suggested I drink water steeped with mint leaves. What are the medicinal properties and effects of mint leaves?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lu Chaohui
Hello! Peppermint is a plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family and is one of the commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. It is effective in treating symptoms such as influenza, headache, red eyes, fever, and gingival swelling and pain. Externally, it can be applied to relieve neuralgia, pruritus, rashes, and eczema. Regularly brewing peppermint leaves as tea helps clear the mind and improve vision. So, what are the pharmacological effects and clinical applications of peppermint leaves?
1. Dispersing wind-heat: Primarily used to treat wind-heat type common cold, clinically presenting with fever, aversion to cold, sore throat, headache, and cough.
2. Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial: Topical application of peppermint leaf extract exerts antipruritic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects on the skin.
3. Refreshing and invigorating: The menthol in peppermint leaves possesses a pungent-cool, aromatic odor that stimulates the central nervous system.
