Mint Consumption in Ayurvedic Perspective

By: Setareh Kiumarsi

Did you know that in Ayurvedic perspective, mint is categorized under cold and dry vegetables?
Did you know that mint and anything that is made with fresh mint (such as mint tea, mojito, fresh mint salad, etc.) is very drying, binding and an effective remedy for diarrhea?!
when you consume it in excess and in raw form,

• You dry up the mucus membrane of your GI tract
• You weaken the sphincter between your esophagus and stomach
• You aggravate Vata and increase the chance of constipation in yourself

So how should we consume mint?!

Occasional consumption of mint tea is harmless; actually, it dries up and cleanses the undigested mucus in your digestive tube. However, it is better not to consume it on a daily basis, especially for those of you who are suffering from Vata aggravation symptoms such as constipation, dryness, cracking joints, anxiety and stress.

• It is better not to consume raw mint.
• Cook it with natural oils (such as coconut oil, olive oil, ghee, etc.) and digestive spices (such as fennel, turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, etc.).
• Also mixing it with hot and dry herbs such as parsley, chives, spinach, basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary, fenugreek leaves, and tarragon) will decrease its coldness and make it more digestible.