What is the common name of Pudina, and how is it used in Ayurveda? - #12212

Pudina is most commonly known as "mint" in English, and in Ayurveda, it’s often referred to as "Mentha" with its scientific name being Mentha arvensis or sometimes Mentha piperita, depending on the variety. It's a bit of a mix-up in the mint family, kinda like how all squares are rectangles but not all rectangles are squares, you know? There's peppermint, spearmint, and other kinda mints, but Pudina usually points to the Indian mint. Speaking about Ayurveda, Pudina is cherished for its digestive benefits. It’s a real ally when it comes to tackling issues like bloating, gas, and acidity. Basically, acts as a carminative – helps expel gas from the stomach or intestines according to Ayurvedic wisdom. Drinking Pudina tea, especially after meals, can be pretty effective. Just boil a handful of fresh leaves in water, maybe add a bit of ginger, and sip away. It's also great to chew some fresh leaves or use them ground up, but easy on the dry powder as it is concentrated and could be a bit strong if your pitta is high. Now, about the skin and hair... yes, pudina can be handy here too! Applying a paste of crushed fresh leaves is said to clear up complexion and help with acne, thanks to its anti-microbial properties. Just give it a try, maybe once or twice a week. And for hair, mint-infused oil could stimulate the scalp, possibly promoting hair growth due to improved blood circulation. My cousin swears by it but, of course, no guaranteed miracles. On the side effects part, it's true... too much pudina can actually cause some throat irritation or heartburn due to its strong properties. So, moderation really is key. Roughly, a cup of pudina tea or chewy a few leaves a day should be alright for most folks, unless you’re sensitive to mint. If you get any irritation or if you’re pregnant or have a specific health condition, it might be wise to consult with a healthcare professional first.