With its green and scented leaves, mint is a very popular plant, both in gardens and in vegetable gardens. But there are different types of mint. The most common is certainly peppermint, but we cannot forget spearmint and the topic of today's article, mentha arvensis. Perhaps the scientific term mentha arvensis says little, but you have surely heard of Japanese mint. In fact, Japanese mint, or mentha arvensis, is one of the mints most sought-after by experts as it has a very particular aroma and properties that make it unique. So let's see the applications and effects of the essential oil of mentha arvensis or Japanese mint, obtained by steam distillation of the plant. Before starting, however, it is good to make some recommendations. Do not use Japanese mint in case of pregnancy and on small children. Given the presence of menthol and its refreshing action, do not add this essential oil in the bath to avoid excessively lowering the body temperature. Also, do not use in case of cardiac arrhythmias .
Japanese mint, pain
Japanese mint is characterized by its anti inflammatory action thanks to the presence of rosmarinic acid (Tian et al, Int J Mol Sci, 2018). For this reason, it can be used to soothe rheumatic and muscle pain and stiff neck by diluting a drop of this essential oil in a tablespoon of a plant based oil such as sweet almond oil. Moreover, Japanese mint acts also by counteracting stress and has a beneficial effect in case of pain, such as headache, caused by an excess of nervousness (Tian et al, Int J Mol Sci, 2018). Also in this case you can massage a drop of Japanese mint essential oil diluted in a tablespoon of a plant based oil on the temples and forehead.
Japanese mint, digestion
Japanese mint essential oil may help in case of poor digestion, stomach and belly pain thanks to its antispasmodic and carminative action (Londonkar et al, World J Gastrointest Oncol, 2009). Dilute two drops of Japanese mint essential oil in a tablespoon of a plant based oil, such as jojoba or sunflower oil, and massage the stomach and the belly with slow circular movements.
Japanese mint, problems of the respiratory tract
Japanese mint acts as an antispasmodic and therefore helps to soothe cough (Londonkar et al, World J Gastrointest Oncol, 2009). Japanese mint contains menthol (Kalemba et al, Moelcules, 2020) and, for this reason, shows a decongestant action on the nasal mucosa in case of rhinitis (Eccles et al, Curr Allergy Asthma Rep, 2003). In addition to this, this essential oil may play a role in inhibiting the sense of irritation in the nose and airways caused by irritating agents in the air, such as smoke or pollution. You can pour a couple of drops of mentha arvensis essential oil on a handkerchief and breathe throughout the day. Alternatively, you can prepare a steam bath. Heat a saucepan full of water. Remove from the heat and add a couple of drops of essential oil, breathe with the head covered by a cloth.
