What Is the Malayalam Name of Mint Leaves?

Question

I’ve been trying to learn more about herbs and their local names, and one thing that confused me is mint leaves. I often use mint in tea, chutneys, and for digestion, but when I asked for it in a local Kerala market, the shopkeeper didn’t immediately understand what I meant. This made me wonder—what is the correct Malayalam name of mint leaves?

I did some searching, and I found that mint is sometimes referred to as "Pudina" in India. But is "Pudina" the same in Malayalam, or does it have a different regional name? Also, are there multiple types of mint used in Kerala cuisine and Ayurveda?

I also read that mint leaves are widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for digestion, cooling the body, and treating acidity. If I go to an Ayurvedic shop in Kerala and ask for mint, should I say "Pudina," or is there another term they use locally?

Another thing I’m curious about is whether mint is used in traditional Kerala dishes. I’ve mostly used it for tea and chutneys, but I’ve seen some Kerala recipes that include mint in gravies and rice dishes. Is there a specific type of mint leaf that is preferred in Kerala cooking?

I also saw that mint is great for skin health and can help with acne and sunburn. In Ayurveda, it is often used in face packs and herbal tonics. Has anyone tried using mint leaves for skin care? Should fresh mint be crushed and applied directly, or is it better to use dried mint powder?

Lastly, does mint have any Ayurvedic benefits beyond digestion? I read that it is good for headaches and nausea, but I’m not sure how to use it for that purpose. Should it be taken as tea, or can the leaves be chewed directly?

If anyone knows the correct Malayalam name of mint leaves and how it is used in Kerala, I’d love to learn more! Also, if you’ve used mint for health or cooking, please share your experience.

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

In Malayalam, mint leaves are commonly referred to as "Pudina" (പുദിന). This term is widely understood in Kerala, and you can ask for it in local markets or Ayurvedic shops. While "Pudina" is the general name, there may be some variations in local dialects or specific types of mint used for different purposes in Kerala cuisine and Ayurveda.

Mint leaves, especially Pudina, are frequently used in Kerala for digestive issues, cooling the body, and treating acidity. They are also an essential ingredient in many Kerala dishes, including rice preparations, gravies, and chutneys. The mint used in cooking is often the Spearmint variety, and it can be used fresh or dried depending on the dish. In Ayurveda, mint is valued for its ability to ease digestion, cool inflammation, and relieve headaches and nausea. It is also applied in skincare for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

For skin health, fresh mint leaves can be crushed and applied directly to the skin, particularly for acne or sunburn. Mint can also be used in face packs or herbal tonics. If you're looking to use mint for digestion, headaches, or nausea, drinking mint tea is one of the most common methods, but you can also chew on fresh leaves or prepare a soothing decoction.

What Is the Malayalam Name of Mint Leaves? - #11750

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