Mint belongs to the Lamiaceae family and includes several species such as spearmint (Mentha spicata) and peppermint (Mentha × piperita). It has been cultivated for centuries across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. In Western herbalism, mint is used for digestive support, to freshen breath, and as a tea to relieve colds. Folk medicine also values it for its cooling effect on the body and its role in soothing the stomach. In Ayurveda, mint (Pudina) is considered a cooling herb with light and sharp qualities. It is used to calm Pitta and stimulate digestion, often in chutneys, teas, or medicinal preparations. Its essential oil is also widely applied in aromatherapy and modern pharmaceutical products.
Different varieties of mint, such as spearmint (Mentha spicata), peppermint (Mentha × piperita), and Indian field mint (Mentha arvensis), share cooling and digestive properties but vary in potency. Peppermint, with its high menthol content, is the most intense and can aggravate Vata if overused, while spearmint and Indian mint are milder and more suitable for daily use.