Focus on Herbs - Mint & Sage
MINT
Scientifically referred to as Mentha, with over two dozen species and hundreds of its varieties, it is amongst the most popular herbs used worldwide that possesses many beneficial properties.
In Greek mythology, Hades the ruler of the Underworld fell (also known as the Roman God Pluto) fell in love with Menthe or Mintha (Mint) who was a wood nymph. When Hades wife Persephone found out, she was very jealous and turned Menthe into a low growing plant that would be trampled on frequently. However, Hades gave her a beautiful aroma that would fill the air every time someone stepped on her so he could always cherish her.
In ancient Greece, people chewed a sprig of mint after feasts to settle the stomach, a tradition that has now evolved into consuming after-dinner mints or mint tea. Mint contains several essential oils including menthol and has a real affinity for the digestive track, helping soothe the stomach in cases of indigestion or irritation and stomach ache by aiding muscle relaxation. The oil is considered to ease irritable bowel syndrome symptoms that include dyspepsia, colonic muscle spasms and indigestion. The aroma of mint is also thought to activate the saliva glands found in our mouth as well as glands which secrete digestive enzymes, and thus has been thought traditionally to help facilitate digestion.
Mint is used as an ingredient in pain products and balms that when rubbed on the forehead and temples, can help give relief for headaches and is also contained in over the counter medicine products (OTC) for headaches. Often nausea is associated with pain and the aroma of mint is an simple and quick ‘old’ remedy for nausea. Even taking some crushed mint leaves on a car or boat journey can help with travel sickness.
It is also helpful for congestion as can open the throat, nose and lungs due to rosmarinic acid content that has antioxidants abilities used in free radical neutralization and is also essential to prostacyclins cells that keep airways open to improve breathing. For this reason, extracts from mint leaves have been seen to help give relief to the nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Mint possesses anti-bacterial properties and freshens the breath, thus the reason why it is so widely used for dental hygiene in mouthwashes, toothpastes, breath mints and chewing gum.
Ultimately, however, is probably most used by herbalists for its anti-spasmodic properties to help ease abdominal pain caused by poor digestion. Drinking mint as a digestive aid can help to reduce these symptoms, especially an infusion with the fresh herb which will soon be available at the Tennis and Health Club.
SAGE
The herb sage has one of the longest histories of use of any culinary or medicinal herb and is used in two recipes available on the menu at the Tennis and Health Club – on the tapas section is mushroom with garlic, sage and thyme and the ever popular meatballs on both the children’s and main menu, also contain sage. Sage was once used to help preserve meat and over the past 2,000 years has been recommended by herbalists to help many illnesses… the French went so far in in medieval times to call the herb toute bonne, which meant, "all is well". However, there are two main areas that the herb has a long history for - respiratory tract infections and the menopause.
Gargling with sage tea made from sage leaves has had a long history of use treating respiratory tract infections such as sore throats and coughs and historically, the Greek physician Dioscorides recommended sage juice in warm water for hoarseness and cough.
It is an excellent remedy for helping to remove mucous congestion in the airways and sage steam inhalations were often used for asthma attacks.
It is well documented that sage leaf has been used to treat some of the most troublesome symptoms of the menopause including hot flushes and night sweats. It is interesting to note that the National Institute of Medical Herbalists sent a questionnaire in 1997 to its member practitioners on the clinical use and experience of sage. Of 49 respondents, 47 used sage in their practice and 45 used it specifically in prescriptions for menopause, including symptoms such as night sweats and hot flushes.
Please note: This article is designed for information purposes only and in no way is it intended to be, and must not be interpreted to be, a substitute for any advice or treatment prescribed by your doctor or other medical professional/ advisor. Information given here must not under any circumstances be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem. If you have a medical condition which may be adversely affected by the practices advocated and provided, then you should consult your doctor before following any information given here.