As per Roman mythology “mentha” the damsel lover of God “Pluto” was transformed into this herb due to the anger of “Prosarpain”, the wife of “Pluto” and Goddess of wealth, therefore, mint is called ‘mentha’ in Latin.

Mint known as “pudina” in most of the Indian Languages is a great carminative herb.

Fresh leaf juice of mint mixed with a teaspoonful of lime juice and honey given 2-3 times in the day cures indigestion, biliousness, flatulent colic, threadworms, morning sickness, iron deficiency, anaemia, summer diarrhoea etc.

A half cup of mint tea taken twice a day is a good remedy for hiccough, colic, indigestion and cold mint tea taken 3-4 times, for 4 days before expected menstrual periods cures spasmodic dysmenorrhea in young girls.

Gargling with mint tea mixed with salt clears hoarseness of throat which gets strained due to excess of talking/singing/shouting etc.

A teaspoonful of fresh mint juice is an excellent tonic for the patients of T.B., Asthma, and Bronchitis. It liquefies the sputum, nourishes the lungs improves body resistance against infections. It prevents asthmatic attack by its secrolytic action and reduces congestion in air passages.

Chew fresh mint leaves every day to improve dental health. The chlorophyll combined with other antiseptic chemicals present in the herb kills all harmful odour producing germs, strengthen’ the gums and prevents tooth decay, pyorrhoea etc. It also improves the sense of taste of the tongue.

Eat regularly mint leaves dressed vegetable salad to kill harmful bacteria present in the food, ease digestion, supplies fresh natural vitamins, minerals and enzymes. It improves urinary output.

Apply fresh mint juice to face every day in the night to cure pimples and prevent dryness of the skin.

Fresh juice application helps in curing insect stings, eczema, scabies, etc.

Adding few mint leaves to lemon juice or buttermilk improves digestion and relieves gases and makes an excellent drink. Pudina chutney is an added attraction on the dining plate and improves digestion.

 

Probiotics:

Probiotics are live microorganisms (in most cases, bacteria) that are similar to beneficial microorganisms found in the human gut. They are also called “friendly bacteria” or “good bacteria.” Probiotics are available mainly in the form of dietary supplements and foods. One widely used definition, developed by the WorId Health Organization is that probiotics are “live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.”

Foods containing probiotics are yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, tempeh, and many juices and soy beverages. In probiotic foods and supplements, the bacteria may have been present originally or added during preparation.

Most probiotics are bacteria similar to those naturally found in human guts, especially in those of breastfed infants. Most often, the bacteria come from two groups, Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium.

The digestive tract of an adult human being contains about 100 trillion micro organisms. This highly complex micro flora exists as a delicate balance of beneficial and potentially harmful organisms. Under certain conditions such as stress, extensive travelling and antibiotic treatment, the balance of this natural eco system can be upset. During these periods the number of beneficial organisms declines and harmful organisms increases, which often results in stomach problems such as diarrhea and constipation. This unbalanced micro flora can in turn affect the other bodily functions including the immune system.

 

Benefits:

There are several health benefits of probiotics. They are useful in:

  • Infectious diarrhea, Irritable bowel syndrome, colitis and colon cancer.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease).
  • Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacterium that causes ulcers.
  • Tooth decay and periodontal disease.
  • Vaginal infections.
  • Skin infection and lactose intolerance.
  • Lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
  • Improving immune function and preventing infections.
  • Antibiotic-associated diarrhea, reducing inflammation.
  • Improving mineral absorption.
  • Preventing harmful bacterial growth under stress.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome.

 

In view of the benefits, include probiotic foods in your daily diet without fail.