Is Mint an Example of a Cooling Herb That Can Affect Digestion and Skin? - #11841

I’ve been using a lot of mint lately in my daily diet, thinking it’s a healthy herb. I drink mint tea almost every night because I thought it was good for bloating and stomach issues. I also add fresh mint to chutneys, raita, and even just chew the leaves because they make my mouth feel fresh. But then, I read that mint is an example of a cooling herb in Ayurveda and that it might not always be good for digestion, especially if consumed in excess. This really confused me because I always thought mint helped digestion. Lately, I’ve been feeling some stomach discomfort. My digestion, which was usually very fast, now feels sluggish. I feel bloated, and sometimes my stomach feels heavy even after light meals. Could it be because mint is an example of a cooling herb that affects digestion in certain body types? I have a vata-pitta constitution, and I read that cooling herbs can sometimes disturb the balance. Another thing that’s concerning me is my throat. Ever since I started drinking mint tea every night, I wake up with a dry throat. At first, I thought it was just dehydration, but now I’m wondering if mint is an example of an herb that can dry out the throat. Is this a known issue in Ayurveda? Should I avoid it if I already have dryness in my throat? I also started applying fresh mint leaves to my face after reading that mint is an example of a great herb for skin problems like acne and pimples. It does feel refreshing, but I have naturally dry skin, and now I feel like it might be making my skin even drier. Some say mint clears the skin, while others warn that it can strip away natural oils. Which one is true? There’s so much mixed information about mint. If mint is an example of a cooling herb, does that mean people with vata-pitta dosha should use it carefully? Can it slow down digestion if overused? Here are my questions: If mint is an example of a cooling herb, can it actually slow digestion if overused? Should people with a vata-pitta constitution avoid daily consumption of mint? Can mint cause dryness in the throat if taken regularly? Is mint paste actually beneficial for the skin, or can it worsen dryness? I really don’t want to stop using mint completely, but I also don’t want to harm my digestion or skin. Looking forward to expert advice.