A voice for
herbal medicine

We share traditional, scientific and practical insights written by experienced herbalists and health experts from the world of herbal medicine and natural health

Mint leaf and the volatile oil are both widely used for digestive upsets

Mint

Mentha x piperita, Mentha arvensis and other species

Lamiaceae

Among the world’s oldest medicinal herbs, mints have been used medicinally and for culinary purposes for many centuries in both eastern and western traditions. The characteristic minty aroma and taste is largely due to their ingredient menthol.

Last reviewed 03/07/2020

Sustainability status

Not currently on risk lists but complete data may be missing on the status of the species. Read more in our sustainability guide.

Sustainability Status
Key benefits
  • Digestive upsets
  • IBS
  • Airways congestion
  • Anxiety
  • Aches and pains

  • How does it feel?

    As you press mint leaves from the garden the first impact is the minty aroma from its menthol. This is a key ingredient of the essential oil of the mint family (it is actually a crystalline solid oil at room temperature, though liquefies at body temperature, i.e. when we taste it). Menthol activates the same nerve receptors that cold does, so even when inhaled there is a sensation of cooling. Certainly the smell of mints is most often described in this way.

    When you make a strong peppermint tea, again there is an immediate cooling effect of the menthol in the mouth. Then other sensations come through: there are more aromatic, almost pungent flavours as the other volatile oils work through to the palate. In the finish you will probably pick up the dryness of the astringent tannins, actually a large fraction of mint constituents.

    Mint (Mentha x piperita)
    Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

  • What can I use it for?

    Mints provide ideal herbal teas to try, for a wide range of digestive disorders including heartburn, dyspepsia, cramping, distension, colic and flatulence, nausea and vomiting. If mint is helpful there will be almost immediate relief and you can be encouraged to increase the strength: perhaps to two or more teabags per cup, steeped for at least 15 minutes (although note the different dosage effects in the next section). If it is not helpful there will be no harm done and you could try a different tea like chamomile, fennel, lemon balm or ginger for example, until you find the one that suits you best.

    The benefits of peppermint oil in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome are well-supported by clinical trials.  It may also have stronger effects in relieving dyspepsia, nausea (so worth trying if mint teas are partially helpful), as well as gallbladder and bile ducts pain. In this case either use proprietary or prescription peppermint oil capsules, or add the oil to peppermint tea in stepped up levels from 3 to 8 drops. Peppermint oil must never be swallowed neat and should be used cautiously if you have inflammatory diseases of the digestive system or have gallstones.

    Due to their menthol component, you will get some benefits for symptoms of coughs and colds from mint teas, particularly if you inhale the steam coming off the hot tea. A stronger effect however will be from inhaling peppermint oil, particularly with steam.

    Mints are uplifting to the mood, yet likely to improve sleep if taken last thing before bed. There is evidence that mint teas can reduce palpitations or other cardiac consequences of anxiety.

    Peppermint oil applied to the skin may relieve neuralgia, pruritus and headaches and can be considered to heal cracked nipples when breastfeeding.

  • Into the heart of mint

    The mint family all have a high levels of essential oil containing menthol, which with another constituent menthone, gives the plant its distinctive scent and taste.

    It is also the component responsible for mints’ medicinal activity. Menthol acts as an analgesic, working by cooling muscle, circulatory and other pains, also separately relieving the strain and tension that may contribute to pain and headaches.

    In the digestive tract, menthol will reduce the contractile responses of the digestive muscles, certainly by stimulating cold receptors in the stomach and possibly by inhibition of calcium influx into the smooth muscle of the gut wall, so relieving heartburn, digestive cramping and colic and even by reflex calming excessive heart activity in anxiety, like palpitations. Menthol may even directly activate calming GABA receptors in the nervous system.

    Confusingly the subjective effect of taking mint has sometimes been described ‘warming’ (‘pungent’ in some traditional descriptions). When taken, especially in high doses, during colds and fever it has diaphoretic properties, ie it encourages perspiration and feels warming to the person concerned. Nevertheless by increasing sweat production mints actually reduce fever and so the net effect remains cooling.

    Menthol is a volatile aromatic and when inhaled can decongest and remove excessive levels of phlegm from the airways.

    The dose and method of taking the remedy are important. A low dose is relaxing, a medium dose benefits inflammatory conditions and high dosages clear excess congestion.

  • Traditional uses

    Mints have been traditionally used in the relief of digestive disorders, and to balance the effects of stronger remedies, especially stimulating laxatives. Their beneficial actions on the digestive system extend to the use of the tea for nausea, as well as morning and travel sickness. Members of the mint family are also widely used as diaphoretics (to stimulate perspiration in fevers and so help keep high temperatures in check – one reason why they are universally seen as ‘cooling’).

    With a key constituent menthol, mints not surprisingly have also been widely used for respiratory symptoms, to clear nasal passages, to relieve coughing in bronchial conditions and pneumonia, and for the temporary relief of sore throats. They have also seen to promote digestive, kidney and liver detox functions. Women have used mint teas to relieve painful periods.  Externally, peppermint oil has been used to relieve pain and itching, and as a mouthwash.  Bruised fresh mint and peppermint oil have a use in relieving headaches.  They have a reputation as mildly sedative, and were used in combination with other herbs to relieve nervous upsets.  They also have a long history as flavouring agents for teas, medicines, food and drink.

  • Traditional actions

    Herbal actions describe therapeutic changes that occur in the body in response to taking a herb. These actions are used to express how a herb physiologically influences cells, tissues, organs or systems. Clinical observations are traditionally what have defined these actions: an increase in urine output, diuretic; improved wound healing, vulnerary; or a reduction in fever, antipyretic. These descriptors too have become a means to group herbs by their effects on the body — herbs with a nervine action have become the nervines, herbs with a bitter action are the bitters. Recognising herbs as members of these groups provides a preliminary familiarity with their mechanisms from which to then develop an understanding of their affinities and nuance and discern their clinical significance.

    Western actions

    Chinese actions

  • Traditional energetic actions

    Herbal energetics are the descriptions Herbalists have given to plants, mushrooms, lichens, foods, and some minerals based on the direct experience of how they taste, feel, and work in the body. All traditional health systems use these principles to explain how the environment we live in and absorb, impacts our health. Find out more about traditional energetic actions in our article “An introduction to herbal energetics“.

  • What practitioners say

    The most useful role of peppermint is as a tea in the treatment of various digestive upsets. Individuals with dyspeptic, flatulent or colicky symptoms divide approximately evenly between those who are relieved by peppermint and those who are not. It is a simple first step for anyone to find out in which category they fall: if there is any relief at all from taking a cup of simple tea then it is worth making it stronger, by steeping the teabag for 15 minutes and possibly using two per cup. If there is no relief it probably is worth trying a ‘warming’ remedy like fennel or ginger instead. If peppermint is helpful then chamomile may also work and more substantial benefits made be had with the stronger ‘cooling’ digestive remedies, the bitters (eg dandelion, artichoke, gentian root or wormwood). Practitioners may use the oil, particularly in enteric-coated capsules, for bowel irritability and as an ingredient of liniments or other topical applications. However there are gentler and as effective oils for inhalation purposes (such as oils of pine and aniseed).

    Digestion

    Indicated in heartburn, nervous digestion, flatulence, bloating, IBS, ulcers, nausea and anorexia. The tea (though probably not the oil) can relieve gastritis and enteritis. The aromatic essential oils can help to alleviate morning sickness, vomiting and spasms in the gastrointestinal tract. The oil may relieve gallbladder pain, though should be used with caution with gallstones themselves.

    Infections

    Commonly used as a hot tea to influence diaphoresis (sweating) in colds and flu. Especially when also inhaled it can help unblock airways congestion and is indicated where the lungs are congested with catarrh and constricted by spasms, wheezing or asthma.

    Mental health

    Mint teas may relieve mental and emotional tension and especially cardiac effects of anxiety.

    Women’s health

    Indicated in menstrual congestion, pain and amenorrhoea due to its ability to reduce congestion in the body. There is some evidence to point to the use of the tea in PCOS and other hormonal problems.

    Topical

    Peppermint oil when applied to the skin can cool and soothe skin inflammation, hot flushes and allergic itching. It is a prime remedy to relive headaches and ‘hot’ neuralgic pain. It should be considered for cracked nipples in breastfeeding mothers.

  • Research

    The vast majority of modern research literature for mints relates to peppermint oil. As a strong extract of the menthol-containing mint family, this supports all their traditional reputations to some extent (1). Peppermint oil exerts a significant antispasmodic, carminative effect on the gastrointestinal tract, with a range of evidence pointing to the relief of dyspepsia (2), stomach spasm (3) and nausea (4). There seems also to be an improvement in stomach performance generally (5). There is evidence that peppermint oil can reduce bloating, flatulent and colicky symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (6,7), with plausible mechanisms of action as an antispasmodic (8,9). This benefit extends to children (10), and more widely in helping children suffering from undifferentiated functional abdominal pain (11). Inhaling peppermint oil is sufficient to reduce nausea and vomiting (12).

    Mints are demonstrably cooling (13,14). Their constituent menthol has this effect by acting on transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in sensory nerves, effectively stimulating ‘cold receptors’ in the stomach (15). The consequent cooling is systemic as well as local: for example, peppermint oil not only reduces heartburn faster (16), but also reduces heart rate and other cardiac consequences of anxiety (17). The cooling effect may in part explain the symptomatic relief of nasal congestion (18).

    Topically, peppermint oil is analgesic (pain relieving) (19), and has been shown to be useful in the treatment of neuralgia and pruritis e.g. in shingles, as well as in the relief of headaches (20).  As a healing agent, peppermint gel was shown to be a superior treatment for cracked nipples in breastfeeding mothers (21).

    Inhaling peppermint oil was found to enhance memory and to increase alertness in healthy volunteers (22,23), and may also improve sleep quality (24).

    In a notable exception to the peppermint oil dominance of the research literature spearmint leaf tea was found to decrease free testosterone and increase luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and oestradiol levels in mildly hirsute women, some with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (25).

  • Did you know?

    After-dinner mints started out as simple home remedies to relieve indigestion: they can still be used for this purpose!

Additional information

  • Botanical description

    Mints are perennial herbs distinguished easily by the fresh minty scent and taste of their leaves. All mints have creeping rhizomes, from which new shoots grow up to 50-60cm in height. (If you are growing mints you should use a container or bucket to prevent them encroaching on other plants.) Mint leaves are finely serrated, and like other labiates the stems of the plant are square. The flowers of mint plants are often a pale purple and will form tight whorls around the stem. Several members of the mint family were introduced to Britain by the Romans and have become naturalised throughout Europe, often found growing in the wild close to water or waste ground. 

    Many familiar mints are actually botanical hybrids. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is a hybrid of M. spicata (spearmint) – itself a hybrid of M. longifolia and M. suaveolens – and M. aquatica (water mint).  The two most common cultivated varieties of peppermint are M. piperita var. vulgaris Sole (‘black mint’) and M. piperita var. officinalis Sole (‘white mint’).  Black mint has darker purplish stems and purple-tinged leaves.

    Alternate botanical names:

    • Mentha piperata var vulgaris Sole (black peppermint)
    • M. piperata var officinalis Sole (white peppermint)
    • Mentha spicata (spearmint)
    • Mentha aquatica (water mint)

  • Common names

    • Peppermint
    • Horsemint (Eng)
    • Pfefferminze (Ger)
    • Pfefferminzblätter (Ger)
    • Katzenkraut (Ger)
    • Edelminze (Ger)
    • Englische Minze (Ger)
    • Menthe anglaise (Fr)
    • Menthe poivrée (Fr)
    • Feuilles de menthe (Fr)
    • Menta prima (Ital)
    • Menta piemonte (Ital)
    • Menta peperina (Ital)
    • Hierbabuena (Sp)
    • Pudina (Hindi)
    • Puthia (Hindi)
    • Paparaminta (Sanskrit)
    • Bo he (Chin)
    • Pak hom ho (Chin)
    • Bok hoh (Chin)
    • Heung-fa-chio (Chin)
    • Xiang hua cai (Chin)
    • Po ho (Chin)

  • Safety

    Mints are very well tolerated, and adverse effects are mostly associated with peppermint oil, and may include contact dermatitis in some (26).  However even here, a major review of the toxicity of peppermint oil as a cosmetic concluded that apart from sensitivity reactions the product was essentially safe, as long as pulegone content is kept below 1% (27).

    Sensitivity reactions rarely occur in the mouth and airways: young children are more susceptible than adults. The oil should generally not be used as a topical application or neat inhalation in infants.  Perianal burning occasionally occurs following ingestion of peppermint oil capsules – this may be due to rapid bowel transit time, and may be avoided with adjustment of dosage.

    The tannin-content may be associated with gastrointestinal irritation in some individuals. One clinical trial suggests that, due to its tannin content, peppermint inhibited iron absorption by 84%. People with anaemia should be advised not to take peppermint simultaneously with meals or iron supplementation. Studies from Nigeria where glucose-6-phosphate deficiency is relatively common have associated menthol-containing skin applications with jaundice in infants with this deficiency.

    There is no evidence of harmful effects from use in pregnant women although such evidence is limited. Mint is probably compatible with breastfeeding.

  • Dosage

    6-9 g of dried leaf for therapeutic effect.

  • Constituents

    • Essential oil (0.5–4%) consisting predominantly of menthol (35–45%) and (–)-menthone (10–30%)
    • Tannins (6–12%)
    • Flavonoids primarily eriocitrin, luteolin and hesperidin
    • Triterpenes
    • Bitter substances.

    The most obvious constituent of mints is menthol, responsible for the majority of their therapeutic actions, although the flavonoid and tannin components are also significant. For example the tannins may add to the calming effect of mints in diarrhoea or other irritation of the bowel.

Mint Peppermint

  • Recipe

    Majestic Mint tea

    When you make this lovely mint tea, the first thing you can feel is the immediate cooling effect of the menthol in the mouth. Then other sensations come through: there are more aromatic, almost pungent flavours as the other volatile oils work through to the palate. As the last sensation you will probably pick up the dryness of the astringent tannins.

    Ingredients:

    As many types of fresh mint as you can find (try peppermint, spearmint, horsemint and fieldmint) 10–20g, about 2 handfuls

    This will serve 2–3 cups of minty tea.

    Method:

    Put all of the ingredients in a pot.
    Add 500ml/18fl oz of freshly boiled filtered water.
    Leave to steep for 5–10 minutes, then strain.
    Some people like a little sweetener with the mint – honey works a treat.

    Let me glow tea

    This delicious recipe is a healing blend of chlorophyll-rich herbs that purify the blood, soothe the liver and cleanse the skin, helping you glow from the inside out. Good for anyone with pimples, acne or other skin blemishes.

    Ingredients:

    • Nettle leaf 3g
    • Fennel seed 2g
    • Peppermint leaf 2g
    • Dandelion root 2g
    • Burdock root 2g
    • Red clover 2g
    • Turmeric root powder 1g
    • Licorice root 1g
    • Lemon juice a twist per cup

    This will serve 2 cups of beautifying tea.

    Method:

    • Put all of the ingredients in a pot (except the lemon). Add 500ml (18fl oz) freshly boiled filtered water.
    • Leave to steep for 10–15 minutes, then strain and add the lemon.

    These recipes are from the book Cleanse, Nurture, Restore by Sebastian Pole

  • References

    1. McKay DL, Blumberg JB. (2006) A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.). Phytother Res. 2006;20(8): 619–633.
    2. Thompson Coon J, Ernst E. (2002) Systematic review: herbal medicinal products for non-ulcer dyspepsia. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 16(10): 1689–1699.
    3. Hiki N, Kurosaka H, Tatsutomi Y, et al. (2003) Peppermint oil reduces gastric spasm during upper endoscopy: a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy controlled trial. Gastrointest Endosc. 57(4):475–482
    4. Tate S. (1997) Peppermint oil: a treatment for postoperative nausea. J Adv Nurs. 26(3): 543–549.
    5. Inamori M, Akiyama T, Akimoto K, et al. (2007) Early effects of peppermint oil on gastric emptying: a crossover study using a continuous real-time 13C breath test (BreathID system). J Gastroenterol. 42(7): 539–542
    6. Khanna R, MacDonald JK, Levesque BG. (2014) Peppermint oil for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Gastroenterol. 48(6): 505–512.
    7. Grigoleit HG, Grigoleit P. (2005) Peppermint oil in irritable bowel syndrome. Phytomedicine. 12(8): 601–606
    8. Kligler B, Chaudhary S. (2007) Peppermint oil. Am Fam Physician. 2007;75(7):1027–1030
    9. Grigoleit HG, Grigoleit P. (2005) Pharmacology and preclinical pharmacokinetics of peppermint oil. Phytomedicine. 12(8): 612–616. 
    10. Kline RM, Kline JJ, Di Palma J, Barbero GJ. (2001) Enteric-coated, pH-dependent peppermint oil capsules for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in children. J Pediatr. 138(1):125–128
    11. Anheyer D, Frawley J, Koch AK, et al. (2017) Herbal Medicines for Gastrointestinal Disorders in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics 139(6): e20170062
    12. Sites DS, Johnson NT, Miller JA, et al. (2014) Controlled breathing with or without peppermint aromatherapy for postoperative nausea and/or vomiting symptom relief: a randomized controlled trial. J Perianesth Nurs. 29(1): 12–19
    13. Knowlton WM, McKemy DD. (2011) TRPM8: from cold to cancer, peppermint to pain. Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 12(1): 68–77
    14. Jordt SE, McKemy DD, Julius D. (2003) Lessons from peppers and peppermint: the molecular logic of thermosensation. Curr Opin Neurobiol. 13(4): 487–492
    15. Farco JA, Grundmann O. (2013) Menthol–pharmacology of an important naturally medicinal “cool”. Mini Rev Med Chem. 13(1): 124–131
    16. Strugala V, Dettmar PW, Sarratt K, et al. (2010) A Randomized, controlled, crossover trial to investigate times to onset of the perception of soothing and cooling by over-the-counter heartburn treatments. J Int Med Res. 38(2): 449–457
    17. Kazadi LC, Fletcher J, Barrow PA. (2018) Gastric cooling and menthol cause an increase in cardiac parasympathetic efferent activity in healthy adult human volunteers. Exp Physiol. 103(10): 1302–1308
    18. Eccles R, Griffiths DH, Newton CG, Tolley NS. (1988) The effects of menthol isomers on nasal sensation of airflow. Clin Otolaryngol Allied Sci. 13(1): 25–29
    19. Göbel H, Heinze A, Heinze-Kuhn K, et al. (2016) Oleum menthae piperitae (Pfefferminzöl) in der Akuttherapie des Kopfschmerzes vom Spannungstyp [Peppermint oil in the acute treatment of tension-type headache]. Schmerz. 30(3): 295–310
    20. Borhani Haghighi A, Motazedian S, Rezaii R, et al. (2010) Cutaneous application of menthol 10% solution as an abortive treatment of migraine without aura: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossed-over study. Int J Clin Pract. 64(4): 451–456
    21. Melli MS, Rashidi MR, Nokhoodchi A, et al. (2007) A randomized trial of peppermint gel, lanolin ointment, and placebo gel to prevent nipple crack in primiparous breastfeeding women. Med Sci Monit. 13(9): CR406–CR411
    22. Kennedy D, Okello E, Chazot P, et al. (2018) Volatile Terpenes and Brain Function: Investigation of the Cognitive and Mood Effects of Mentha × Piperita L. Essential Oil with In Vitro Properties Relevant to Central Nervous System Function. Nutrients. 10(8): 1029
    23. Moss M, Hewitt S, Moss L, Wesnes K. (2008) Modulation of cognitive performance and mood by aromas of peppermint and ylang-ylang. Int J Neurosci. 118(1): 59–77
    24. Goel N, Lao RP. (2006) Sleep changes vary by odor perception in young adults. Biol Psychol. 71(3): 341–349
    25. Akdoğan M, Tamer MN, Cüre E, et al (2007). Effect of spearmint (Mentha spicata Labiatae) teas on androgen levels in women with hirsutism. Phytother Res. 21(5): 444–447
    26. Jack AR, Norris PL, Storrs FJ. (2013) Allergic contact dermatitis to plant extracts in cosmetics. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 32(3): 140–146
    27. Nair B. (2001) Final report on the safety assessment of Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf, and Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Water. Int J Toxicol. 20 Suppl 3: 61–73

Related herbs

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia)

Bitter melon

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Catnip

Related conditions

Cold and flu

Cold and flu

Sinusitis

Sinusitis

Related articles

A beginner’s guide to growing medicinal herbs

A beginner’s guide to growing medicinal herbs

Do you know where your herbs come from?

Do you know where your herbs come from?

Aromatic
An ‘aromatic’ remedy, high in volatile essential oils, was most often associated with calming and sometimes ‘warming’ the digestion. Most kitchen spices and herbs have this quality: they were used both as flavouring and to ease the digestion of sometimes challenging pre-industrial foods. Many aromatics are classed as ‘carminatives’ and are used to reduce colic, bloating and agitated digestion. They also often feature in respiratory remedies for colds, chest and other airway infections. They are also classic calming inhalants and massage oils, and are the basis of aromatherapy for their mental benefits.
Astringent
The astringent taste you get with many plants (the most familiar is black tea after being stewed too long, or some red wines) is produced by complex polyphenols such as tannins. Tannins are used in concentrated form (eg from oak bark) to make leather from animal skins. The process of ‘tanning’ involves the coagulation of relatively fluid proteins in living tissues into tight clotted fibres (similar to the process of boiling an egg). Tannins in effect turn exposed surfaces on the body into leather. In the case of the lining of mouth and upper digestive tract this is only temporary as new mucosa are replenished, but in the meantime can calm inflamed or irritated surfaces. In the case of open wounds tannins can be a life-saver – when strong (as in the bark of broadleaved trees) they can seal a damaged surface. One group of tannins, the reddish-brown ‘condensed tannins’ are procyanidins, which can reduce inflammation and oxidative damage.
Bitter
Bitters are a very complex group of phytochemicals that stimulate the bitter receptors in the mouth. They were some of the most valuable remedies in ancient medicine. They were experienced as stimulating appetite and switching on a wide range of key digestive functions, including increasing bile clearance from the liver (as bile is a key factor in bowel health this can be translated into improving bowel functions and the microbiome). Many of these reputations are being supported by new research on the role of bitter receptors in the mouth and elsewhere round the body. Bitters were also seen as ‘cooling’ reducing the intensity of some fevers and inflammatory diseases.
Cooling
Traditional ‘cold’ or cooling’ remedies often contain bitter phytonutrients such a iridoids (gentian), sesiquterpenes (chamomile), anthraquinones (rhubarb root), mucilages (marshmallow), some alkaloids and flavonoids. They tend to influence the digestive system, liver and kidneys. Cooling herbs do just that; they diffuse, drain and clear heat from areas of inflammation, redness and irritation. Sweet, bitter and astringent herbs tend to be cooling.
Hot
Traditional ‘hot’ or ‘heating’ remedies, often containing spice ingredients like capsaicin, the gingerols (ginger), piperine (black or long pepper), curcumin (turmeric) or the sulfurous isothiocyanates from mustard, horseradich or wasabi, generate warmth when taken. In modern times this might translate as thermogenic and circulatory stimulant effects. There is evidence of improved tissue blood flow with such remedies: this would lead to a reduction in build-up of metabolites and tissue damage. Heating remedies were used to counter the impact of cold, reducing any symptoms made worse in the cold. .
Mucilaginous
Mucilages are complex carbohydrate based plant constituents with a slimy or ‘unctuous’ feel especially when chewed or macerated in water. Their effect is due simply to their physical coating exposed surfaces. From prehistory they were most often used as wound remedies for their soothing and healing effects on damaged tissues. Nowadays they are used more for these effects on the digestive lining, from the throat to the stomach, where they can relieve irritation and inflammation such as pharyngitis and gastritis. Some of the prominent mucilaginous remedies like slippery elm, aloe vera and the seaweeds can be used as physical buffers to reduce the harm and pain caused by reflux of excess stomach acid. Mucilages are also widely used to reduce dry coughing. Here the effect seems to be by reflex through embryonic nerve connections: reduced signals from the upper digestive wall appear to translate as reduced activity of airway muscles and increased activity of airway mucus cells. Some seed mucilages, such as in psyllium seed, flaxseed (linseed) or guar bean survive digestion to provide bulking laxative effects in the bowel. These can also reduce rate of absorption of sugar and cholesterol. .
Pungent
The pungent flavour refers to the powerful taste of hot spices including mustard (Brassica spp.), ginger (Zingiber officinale), horseradish (Amoracia rusticana), chilli (Capsicum spp.), and garlic (Allium sativum). These herbs act to enliven and invigorate the senses, and they often also have heating qualities. Unlike other tastes, the effect is not linked to a specific receptor on the tongue and instead acts through direct irritation of tissues and nerve endings. Energetically, pungent herbs are known to disperse energy (qi) throughout the body. Pharmacologically, pungent herbs dry excess moisture and mucus, as well as stimulate digestion and metabolism.
Resinous
Resins are most familiar as tacky discharges from pine trees (and as the substance in amber, and rosin for violin bows). They were most valued however as the basis of ancient commodities like frankincense and myrrh (two of the three gifts of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus) and getting access to their source was one benefit to Solomon for marrying the Queen of Sheba (now Ethiopia). Resins were the original antiseptic remedies, ground and applied as powders or pastes to wounds or inflamed tissues, and were also used for mummification. With alcohol distillation it was found that they could be dissolved in 90% alcohol and in this form they remain a most powerful mouthwash and gargle, for infected sore throats and gum disease. They never attracted much early research interest because they permanently coat expensive glassware! For use in the mouth, gums and throat hey are best combined with concentrated licorice extracts to keep the resins in suspension and add extra soothing properties. It appears that they work both as local antiseptics and by stimulating white blood cell activity under the mucosal surface. They feel extremely effective!
Salty
The salty flavour is immediately distinctive. A grain dropped onto the tongue is instantly moistening and a sprinkle on food enkindles digestion. This easily recognisable flavour has its receptors right at the front of the tongue. The salty flavor creates moisture and heat, a sinking and heavy effect which is very grounding for the nervous system and encourages stability. People who are solid and reliable become known as ‘the salt of the earth'.
Sharp
The sharp taste of some fruits, and almost all unripe fruits, as well as vinegar and fermented foods, is produced by weak acids (the taste is generated by H+ ions from acids stimulating the sour taste buds). Sour taste buds are hard-wired to generate immediate reflex responses elsewhere in the body. Anyone who likes the refreshing taste of lemon or other citrus in the morning will know that one reflex effect is increased saliva production. Other effects are subjective rather than confirmed by research but there is a consistent view that they include increased digestive activity and contraction of the gallbladder.
Sour
The sour taste occurs because of the stimulation of hydrogen ions which trigger the sour taste receptors on the tongue. The more acidic a substance, the more hydrogen ions will be released. The sour taste comes from acidic substances including citrus, fermented foods, tannins, and vinegars. Sour foods and herbs absorb excess moisture, whilst also increasing the production of saliva. Energetically, sour substances tonify the lungs, playing a role in disease prevention. Excessive use, however, can result in malabsorption of nutrients. Examples of sour herbs include, rosehips (Rosa canina), raspberry (Rubus idaeus), rhubarb (Rheum palmatum), schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba).
Sweet
In the days when most people never tasted sugar, ‘sweetness’ was associated with the taste of basic foods: that of cooked vegetables, cereals and meat. In other words sweet was the quality of nourishment, and ‘tonic’ remedies. Describing a remedy as sweet generally led to that remedy being used in convalescence or recovery from illness. Interestingly, the plant constituents most often found in classic tonics like licorice, ginseng are plant steroids including saponins, which also have a sweet taste.
Umami
The umami taste was originally discovered in 1985 in Japan and is directly translated from the Japanese as a ‘pleasant savoury taste’. It is referred to as the ‘fifth taste’ and is a salty, rich, and meaty flavour. The umami flavour is produced by amino acids (glutamic acid and aspartic acid) found in many food and plant sources including tomatoes, mushrooms, seaweeds and soy-based foods. Umami foods can improve nutritional absorption and digestion as there are also umami receptors in the gut as well as the mouth. Examples of umami herbs include green tea (Camellia sinensis), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), nettle (Urtica dioica), cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), shitake (Lentinula edodes) and bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus).

Sign up to our newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter to receive the very latest in herbal insights.