Ask Ayurveda

/
/
/
What is the meaning of mint leaves in Gujarati, and how are they used in traditional remedies?
FREE! Ask 1000+ Ayurvedic Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Ayurvedic doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Ayurveda Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 34M : 04S
background-image
Click Here
background image
General Medicine
Question #11371
264 days ago
300

What is the meaning of mint leaves in Gujarati, and how are they used in traditional remedies? - #11371

Matthew

I’ve recently started using mint leaves in my cooking and for herbal teas, but I’m curious to know what mint leaves meaning in Gujarati is and how they’re traditionally used in Gujarat. While I know that mint is called "phudina" in Hindi, is it referred to by the same name in Gujarati, or does it have a different term? Mint leaves are well-known for their cooling and refreshing properties. In Gujarat, are mint leaves primarily used in culinary preparations, like chutneys, drinks, or refreshing side dishes, or are they also part of traditional home remedies? For instance, I’ve heard that phudina chutney is commonly served with meals to aid digestion. How is this chutney prepared, and does it have any specific benefits apart from enhancing flavor? I’m particularly curious about the medicinal uses of mint leaves in Gujarati households. Are they used to treat common issues like indigestion, nausea, or headaches? For example, does mint tea (phudina chai) provide relief from bloating and stomach discomfort? If so, how should it be prepared for maximum benefits? Another aspect I’m interested in is whether mint leaves meaning in Gujarati extends to any cultural or Ayurvedic significance. Do Gujarati traditions recommend specific remedies or drinks made with mint to beat the heat during summer? I’ve also read about mint leaves being used for skincare, such as in face masks to soothe acne and irritation. Is this practice common in Gujarat, and are there traditional recipes for mint-based skincare treatments? Lastly, are there any precautions to keep in mind when using mint leaves medicinally? For example, is excessive consumption of mint harmful, or does it have any side effects for people with sensitive stomachs? If anyone from Gujarat has insights into how mint leaves are used in traditional remedies or cooking, I’d love to hear about your experience and favorite recipes.

FREE
Question is closed

Shop Now in Our Store

FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign‑up needed.
background-image
background-image
background image
banner-image
banner-image

Doctors’ responses

In Gujarati, mint leaves are also referred to as “phudina”, just like in Hindi. Mint is widely used in both culinary and medicinal practices in Gujarat.

Culinary uses: Mint is commonly added to chutneys (like phudina chutney), which is often served with meals to aid digestion. The chutney is typically made by blending mint leaves, green chilies, garlic, and spices. Medicinal uses: Mint tea (phudina chai) is popular for relieving indigestion, nausea, and headaches. It can be made by steeping fresh mint leaves in hot water and adding honey or lemon for extra benefits. Summer cooling: Mint is used in cooling drinks like mint lemonade or added to buttermilk during hot weather to refresh the body and beat the heat. Skincare: Mint leaves are sometimes used in face masks for acne relief and skin irritation, a practice common in many Gujarati households. Precautions: Excessive mint may cause digestive discomfort for sensitive individuals, so it should be consumed in moderation.

11913 answered questions
78% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

In Gujarati, mint leaves are indeed called “phudina,” similar to Hindi. It’s a household name and very well loved for its zesty aroma and coolness. In Gujarat, while mint is often used in culinary delights like chutneys, drinks, and side salads, it does play a role beyond just flavor – it’s a staple in home remedies too!

Now about the chutney, phudina chutney is is a classic accompaniment in Gujarati meals, known not just for its tangy taste but its digestive benefits too. The preparation is straightforward: blend fresh mint leaves, coriander, green chilies, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and optionally, a bit of jaggery for sweetness. This concoction isn’t just about taste; it helps stimulate your digestive fire (agni), easing digestion and offering relief from bloating.

Mint tea, or phudina chai, is an old remedy for upset stomachs. To make, just steep a handful of mint leaves in hot water, maybe add some ginger if you’re feeling adventurous. Sip slowly, and it works wonders for calming indigestion and flatulence.

Summertime brings another traditional Gujarati favorite – mint-infused water, known as ‘pudina pani’. It’s basically mint leaves soaked in water, sometimes with a dash of cumin, offering a refreshing and heat-beating drink during those intense summer days.

On to skincare, mint’s cooling properties can soothe acne and irritation. A simple face mask can be made by grinding mint leaves into a paste with rose water. Apply it on the face, leave on for around 10-15 minutes before washing off. It leaves your skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated!

But, let’s not forget, while mint is generally safe, excessive consumption might cause acidity or heartburn in some with sensitive stomachs. It’s always good to use it in moderation and pay attention to how it feels for your body.

As always, the key with using anything – be it food or remedy – is balance. Mint can sometimes interact with medications, so if you’re on them, a quick check with your doc is a smart move. But overall, enjoy exploring mint, it’s a gem in the culinary and herbal world!

1742 answered questions
27% best answers

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions

Doctors online

Dr. Maitri Bhavesh Kumar Acharya
I am Dr. Maitri, currently in my 2nd year of MD in Dravyaguna, and yeah, I run my own Ayurvedic clinic in Ranoli where I’ve been seeing patients for 2 years now. Honestly, what pulled me into this path deeper is how powerful herbs really are—when used right. Not just randomly mixing churnas but actually understanding their rasa, virya, vipaka etc. That’s kinda my zone, where textbook knowledge meets day-to-day case handling. My practice revolves around helping people with PCOD, acne, dandruff, back pain, stiffness in knees or joints that never seem to go away. And I don’t jump to giving a long list of medicines straight away—first I spend time figuring out their prakriti, their habits, food cycle, what triggers what… basically all the small stuff that gets missed. Then comes the plan—herbs (single or compound), some diet reshuffling, and always some lifestyle nudges. Sometimes they’re tiny, like sleep timing. Sometimes big like proper seasonal detox. Being into Dravyaguna helps me get into the depth of herbs more confidently. I don’t just look at the symptom—I think okay what guna will counter this? Should the drug be snigdha, ushna, tikta? Is there a reverse vipaka that’ll hurt the agni? I ask these questions before writing any combo. That’s made a huge diff in outcomes. Like I had this case of chronic urticaria that would flare up every week, and just tweaking the herbs based on sheetala vs ushna nature... helped calm the system in 3 weeks flat. Not magic, just logic. I also work with women who are struggling with hormonal swings, mood, delayed periods or even unexplained breakouts. When hormones go haywire, the skin shows, digestion slows, and mind gets foggy too. I keep my approach full-circle—cleansing, balancing, rejuvenating. No quick fixes, I tell them early on. What I’m hoping to do more of now is make Ayurveda feel practical. Not overwhelming. Just simple tools—ahara, vihara, aushadha—used consistently, with some trust in the body’s own healing. I’m still learning, still refining, but honestly, seeing people feel in control of their health again—that’s what keeps me rooted to this.
5
404 reviews
Dr. Ayush Varma
I am an Ayurvedic physician with an MD from AIIMS—yeah, the 2008 batch. That time kinda shaped everything for me... learning at that level really forces you to think deeper, not just follow protocol. Now, with 15+ years in this field, I mostly work with chronic stuff—autoimmune issues, gut-related problems, metabolic syndrome... those complex cases where symptoms overlap n patients usually end up confused after years of going in circles. I don’t rush to treat symptoms—I try to dig into what’s actually causing the system to go off-track. I guess that’s where my training really helps, especially when blending classical Ayurveda with updated diagnostics. I did get certified in Panchakarma & Rasayana therapy, which I use quite a lot—especially in cases where tissue-level nourishment or deep detox is needed. Rasayana has this underrated role in post-illness recovery n immune stabilization, which most people miss. I’m pretty active in clinical research too—not a full-time academic or anything, but I’ve contributed to studies on how Ayurveda helps manage diabetes, immunity burnout, stress dysregulation, things like that. It’s been important for me to keep a foot in that evidence-based space—not just because of credibility but because it keeps me from becoming too rigid in practice. I also get invited to speak at wellness events n some integrative health conferences—sharing ideas around patient-centered treatment models or chronic care via Ayurvedic frameworks. I practice full-time at a wellness centre that’s serious about Ayurveda—not just the spa kind—but real, protocol-driven, yet personalised medicine. Most of my patients come to me after trying a lot of other options, which makes trust-building a huge part of what I do every single day.
4.95
20 reviews
Dr. Anirudh Deshmukh
I am Dr Anurag Sharma, done with BAMS and also PGDHCM from IMS BHU, which honestly shaped a lot of how I approach things now in clinic. Working as a physician and also as an anorectal surgeon, I’ve got around 2 to 3 years of solid experience—tho like, every day still teaches me something new. I mainly focus on anorectal care (like piles, fissure, fistula stuff), plus I work with chronic pain cases too. Pain management is something I feel really invested in—seeing someone walk in barely managing and then leave with actual relief, that hits different. I’m not really the fancy talk type, but I try to keep my patients super informed, not just hand out meds n move on. Each case needs a bit of thinking—some need Ksharasutra or minor para surgical stuff, while others are just lifestyle tweaks and herbal meds. I like mixing the Ayurved principles with modern insights when I can, coz both sides got value really. It’s like—knowing when to go gentle and when to be precise. Right now I’m working hard on getting even better with surgical skills, but also want to help people get to me before surgery's the only option. Had few complicated cases where patience n consistency paid off—no shortcuts but yeah, worth it. The whole point for me is to actually listen first, like proper listen. People talk about symptoms but also say what they feel—and that helps in understanding more than any lab report sometimes. I just want to stay grounded in my work, and keep growing while doing what I can to make someone's pain bit less every day.
0 reviews
Dr. Keerthana PV
I am an Ayurvedic doctor who kinda grew into this path naturally—my roots are in Kerala, and I did my internship at VPSV Ayurveda College in Kottakkal, which honestly was one of the most eye-opening stages of my life. That place isn’t just a college, it’s a deep well of real Ayurveda. The kind that’s lived, not just studied. During my time there, I didn’t just observe—I *practiced*. Diagnosing, treating, understanding the patient beyond their symptoms, all that hands-on stuff that textbooks don’t really teach. It’s where I learned the rhythm of classical Kerala Ayurveda, the art of pulse reading, and how Panchakarma ain’t just about detox but more about deep repair. I work closely with patients—always felt more like a guide than just a doctor tbh. Whether it's about fixing a chronic issue or preventing one from happening, I focus on the full picture. I give a lot of attention to diet (pathya), routine, mental clutter, and stress stuff. Counseling on these isn’t an ‘extra’—I see it as a part of healing. And not the preachy kind either, more like what works *for you*, your lifestyle, your space. Also yeah—I’m a certified Smrithi Meditation Consultant from Kottakkal Ayurveda School of Excellence. This kinda allowed me to mix mindfulness with medicine, which I find super important, especially in today’s distracted world. I integrate meditation where needed—some patients need a virechana, some just need to breathe better before they sleep. There’s no one-size-fits-all and I kinda like that part of my job the most. I don’t claim to know it all, but I listen deeply, treat with care, and stay true to the Ayurvedic principles I was trained in. My role feels less about ‘curing’ and more about nudging people back to their natural balance... it’s not quick or flashy, but it feels right.
5
133 reviews
Dr. M.Sushma
I am Dr. Sushma M and yeah, I’ve been in Ayurveda for over 20 yrs now—honestly still learning from it every day. I mostly work with preventive care, diet logic, and prakriti-based guidance. I mean, why wait for full-blown disease when your body’s been whispering for years, right? I’m kinda obsessed with that early correction part—spotting vata-pitta-kapha imbalances before they spiral into something deeper. Most ppl don’t realize how much power food timing, digestion rhythm, & basic routine actually have… until they shift it. Alongside all that classical Ayurveda, I also use energy medicine & color therapy—those subtle layers matter too, esp when someone’s dealing with long-term fatigue or emotional heaviness. These things help reconnect not just the body, but the inner self too. Some ppl are skeptical at first—but when you treat *beyond* the doshas, they feel it. And I don’t force anything… I just kinda match what fits their nature. I usually take time understanding a person’s prakriti—not just from pulse or skin or tongue—but how they react to stress, sleep patterns, their relationship with food. That whole package tells the story. I don’t do textbook treatment lines—I build a plan that adjusts *with* the person, not on top of them. Over the years, watching patients slowly return to their baseline harmony—that's what keeps me in it. I’ve seen folks come in feeling lost in symptoms no one explained… and then walk out weeks later understanding their body better than they ever did. That, to me, is healing. Not chasing symptoms, but restoring rhythm. I believe true care doesn’t look rushed, or mechanical. It listens, observes, tweaks gently. That's the kind of Ayurveda I try to practice—not loud, but deeply rooted.
5
184 reviews
Dr. Shaniba P
I am an Ayurvedic doctor, someone who’s pretty much built her clinical journey around natural healing, balance and yeah—just trying to help ppl feel a bit more whole again. I work mostly with conditions that kinda stay with people... like joint pain that won’t go away, periods all over the place, kids falling sick again n again, or just the kind of stress that messes up digestion n sleep n everything in between. A lot of my practice circles around arthritis, lower back pain, PCOD-ish symptoms, antenatal care, immunity problems in kids, and those quiet mental health imbalances ppl often don't talk much about. My approach isn’t just pulling herbs off a shelf and calling it a day. I spend time with classical diagnosis—checking Prakriti, figuring out doshas, seeing how much of this is physical and how much is coming from daily routine or emotional burnout. And treatments? Usually a mix of traditional Ayurvedic meds, Panchakarma (only if needed!!), changing food habits, tweaking the daily rhythm, and honestly... just slowing down sometimes. I’m also really into helping ppl understand themselves better—like once someone gets how their body is wired, things make more sense. I talk to patients about what actually suits their dosha, what throws them off balance, and how they can stop chasing quick fixes that don’t stick. Education's a big part of it. And yes, I’ve had patients walk in for constant cold and walk out realizing it’s more about weak agni n poor gut routines than just low immunity. Every case’s diff. Some are simple. Some not. But whether it’s a young woman trying to fix her cycles without hormones or a 6-year-old catching colds every week, I try building plans that last—not just short term relief stuff. Healing takes time and needs trust from both sides. End of the day, I try to keep it rooted—classical where it matters but flexible enough to blend with the world we're livin in rn. That balance is tricky, but worth it.
5
90 reviews
Dr. Snehal Vidhate
I am Dr. Snehal Vidhate, born n brought up in Maharashtra—and honestly, for as long as I remember I’ve felt this pull towards Ayurveda. Not the fancy version ppl throw around, but the deep, real kind that actually helps ppl. I did my BAMS from YMT Ayurvedic Medical College in Kharghar. That’s where I got my basics strong—like really studied the shastras, understood prakriti, doshas, the whole deal. Not just crammed theory but started to see how it shows up in real lives. After finishing BAMS, I got into this one-year certificate course at Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, Delhi—honestly a turning point. I was super lucky to learn Kerala Ayurveda from my Guru, Prof. Dr. G.G. Gangadharan. He’s got this way of seeing things... simple but deep. That time with him taught me more than any textbook ever could. It kinda reshaped how I look at health, healing n how precise Ayurveda can be when you respect its roots. Right now I’m doing my MD in Panchakarma from SDM Ayurveda College, Bangalore. This place is like a hub for serious Ayurveda work. The Panchakarma training here? Super intense. We go deep into detoxification & rasayana therapy—not just theory again, but hands-on. I’m learning to blend classical techniques with today’s clinical demands.. like how to make Vamana or Basti actually doable in modern patient setups. My current practice is really about merging tradition with logic. Whether it’s chronic skin issues, gut problems, stress burnout or hormone stuff—my goal is to get to the root, not just hush the symptoms. I use Panchakarma when needed, but also a lot of ahara-vihara tweaks, medhya herbs, sometimes just slowing ppl down a bit helps. I really believe Ayurveda’s power is in its simplicity when done right. I don’t try to fix ppl—I work *with* them. And honestly, every patient teaches me something back.
5
172 reviews
Dr. Anjali Sehrawat
I am Dr. Anjali Sehrawat. Graduated BAMS from National College of Ayurveda & Hospital, Barwala (Hisar) in 2023—and right now I'm doing my residency, learning a lot everyday under senior clinicians who’ve been in the field way longer than me. It’s kind of intense but also really grounding. Like, it makes you pause before assuming anything about a patient. During my UG and clinical rotations, I got good hands-on exposure... not just in diagnosing through Ayurvedic nidan but also understanding where and when Allopathic tools (like lab reports or acute interventions) help fill the gap. I really believe that if you *actually* want to heal someone, you gotta see the whole picture—Ayurveda gives you that depth, but you also need to know when modern input is useful, right? I’m more interested in chronic & lifestyle disorders—stuff like metabolic imbalances, stress-linked issues, digestive problems that linger and slowly pull energy down. I don’t rush into giving churnas or kashayams just bcz the texts say so... I try to see what fits the patient’s prakriti, daily habits, emotional pattern etc. It’s not textbook-perfect every time, but that’s where the real skill grows I guess. I do a lot of thinking abt cause vs symptom—sometimes it's not the problem you see that actually needs solving first. What I care about most is making sure the treatment is safe, ethical, practical, and honest. No overpromising, no pushing meds that don’t fit. And I’m always reading or discussing sth—old Samhitas or recent journals, depends what the case demands. My goal really is to build a practice where people feel seen & understood, not just “managed.” That's where healing actually begins, right?
5
189 reviews
Dr. Surya Bhagwati
I am a Senior Ayurveda Physician with more than 28 years in this field — and trust me, it still surprises me how much there is to learn every single day. Over these years, I’ve had the chance to treat over 1 lakh patients (probably more by now honestly), both through in-person consults and online. Some come in with a mild cough, others with conditions no one’s been able to figure out for years. Each case brings its own rhythm, and that’s where real Ayurveda begins. I still rely deeply on classical tools — *Nadi Pariksha*, *Roga-Rogi Pariksha*, proper *prakriti-vikriti* mapping — not just ticking symptoms into a list. I don’t believe in ready-made cures or generic charts. Diagnosis needs attention. I look at how the disease behaves *inside* that specific person, which doshas are triggering what, and where the imbalance actually started (hint: it’s usually not where the pain is). Over the years I’ve worked with pretty much all age groups and all kinds of health challenges — from digestive upsets & fevers to chronic, autoimmune, hormonal, metabolic and degenerative disorders. Arthritis, diabetes, PCOD, asthma, thyroid... but also things like unexplained fatigue or joint swelling that comes and goes randomly. Many of my patients had already “tried everything else” before they walked into Ayurveda, and watching their systems respond slowly—but surely—is something I don’t take lightly. My line of treatment usually combines herbal formulations (classical ones, not trendy ones), Panchakarma detox when needed, and realistic dietary and lifestyle corrections. Long-term healing needs long-term clarity — not just short bursts of symptom relief. And honestly, I tell patients that too. I also believe patient education isn’t optional. I explain things. Why we’re doing virechana, why the oil changed mid-protocol, why we pause or shift the meds after a few weeks. I want people to feel involved, not confused. Ayurveda works best when the patient is part of the process, not just receiving instructions. Even now I keep learning — through texts, talks, patient follow-ups, sometimes even mistakes that taught me what not to do. And I’m still committed, still fully into it. Because for me, this isn’t just a job. It’s a lifelong responsibility — to restore balance, protect *ojas*, and help each person live in tune with themselves. That’s the real goal.
5
825 reviews
Dr. Prasad Pentakota
I am Dr. P. Prasad, and I’ve been in this field for 20+ years now, working kinda across the board—General Medicine, Neurology, Dermatology, Cardiology—you name it. Didn’t start out thinking I’d end up spanning that wide, but over time, each area sort of pulled me in deeper. And honestly, I like that mix. It lets me look at a patient not just through one lens but a whole system-wide view... makes more sense when treating something that won’t fit neatly in one category. I’ve handled everything from day-to-day stuff like hypertension, diabetes, or skin infections to more serious neuro and cardiac problems. Some cases are quick—diagnose, treat, done. Others take time, repeated check-ins, figuring out what’s really going on beneath those usual symptoms. And that’s where the detail matters. I’m pretty big on thorough diagnosis and patient education—because half the problem is ppl just not knowing what’s happening inside their own body. What’s changed for me over years isn’t just knowledge, it’s how much I lean on listening. If you miss what someone didn’t say, you might also miss their actual illness. And idk, after seeing it play out so many times, I do believe combining updated medical practice with basic empathy really shifts outcomes. Doesn’t have to be complicated... it just has to be consistent. I keep up with research too—new drugs, diagnostics, cross-specialty updates etc., not because it’s trendy, but cuz it’s necessary. Patients come in better read now than ever. You can’t afford to fall behind. The end goal’s the same tho—help them heal right, not just fast. Ethical practice, evidence-based, and sometimes just being there to explain what’s going on. That’s what I stick to.
5
511 reviews
Dr. Vinayak Kamble
I am about 1 year into my practice journey n honestly that feels both small n big at the same time. When I first started, I wasn’t sure how quickly I could adjust from academic space into real clinical care, but gradually with each patient I learnt something more. My main focus is on pain management—conditions like knee joint pain, sciatica, lumbar back ache, spondylitis, tennis elbow, golfer elbow, frozen shoulder, heel pain etc. I try to combine careful diagnosis with treatments rooted in Ayurveda yet explained in practical way so patients don’t feel lost. Sometimes progress is slow, sometimes quick, but always there is learning in it. During this year I also kept my dedication toward research and evidence-based approach. I worked on presenting ideas and papers in academic forums whenever I got chance, and even managed to publish in journals that value Ayurveda in modern context. That gave me confidence that my small contributions can add to bigger discussions in medical field. In my postgraduate study I had finished Medicine with top score in my batch, which felt rewarding but also left me with responsibility to keep proving that I deserve that position. Honestly, academic achievements are good but real test is when someone walks in pain and goes back with relief, even if just partial at first. Sometimes patients expect instant cure, n that is where I try to keep balance—explaining how pain relief in conditions like frozen shoulder or spondylitis may take staged approach, while also keeping them hopeful. Ayurveda gives a framework but patient trust makes the treatment effective. One year is not a long time but it has been enough to show me the value of consistency, clarity and listening more than talking. My aim is not just treating pain but helping people understand their body better, manage lifestyle triggers, and feel supported in the journey of healing!!
5
81 reviews

Latest reviews

Aaliyah
7 hours ago
Really appreciated the advice! Was feeling worried but your response was clear and for that made me feel a lot better. Thanks a lot!
Really appreciated the advice! Was feeling worried but your response was clear and for that made me feel a lot better. Thanks a lot!
Liam
7 hours ago
Thanks a ton for the detailed advice! It was super clear and really helped me understand what to try next. Feeling hopeful that it’ll work!
Thanks a ton for the detailed advice! It was super clear and really helped me understand what to try next. Feeling hopeful that it’ll work!
Elizabeth
7 hours ago
So grateful for the detailed response. Finally understand my symptoms better. The remedy suggestions look promising. Feels like a step toward relief!
So grateful for the detailed response. Finally understand my symptoms better. The remedy suggestions look promising. Feels like a step toward relief!
Isabella
12 hours ago
Not really the kind of response I was looking for. Feels a bit disconnected from my question.
Not really the kind of response I was looking for. Feels a bit disconnected from my question.