What is mint in Gujarati, and how is it used in Ayurveda? - #12549
I was looking for natural ways to improve digestion and came across mint. I know it’s commonly used in chutneys, teas, and even Ayurvedic medicine, but I wanted to know what mint in Gujarati is called. Some people say it’s “Phudina,” but is that the correct Gujarati name? Also, apart from knowing mint in Gujarati, I’m curious about its Ayurvedic benefits. I’ve heard that mint helps with bloating, gas, and acidity. But how should it be used? Should I drink it as a tea, or is it better to chew raw mint leaves? Another thing—does mint really help with weight loss? Some articles say that drinking mint water in the morning helps boost metabolism. Has anyone here tried this? If yes, did you notice any real difference? I also get frequent headaches, and someone told me mint oil or fresh leaves can help relieve it. Does that actually work? If yes, how should I use mint for headaches? Would love to hear from people who use mint regularly. What are the best ways to consume it for health benefits? Any traditional Gujarati recipes or home remedies using mint?
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Doctors’ responses
Yes, mint in Gujarati is correctly called Phudina.
Ayurvedic Benefits of Mint: Improves Digestion: Mint helps with bloating, gas, acidity, and indigestion by stimulating the digestive enzymes. It’s known for its cooling properties, which soothe the stomach. Helps with Weight Loss: Drinking mint water or mint tea can boost metabolism. The natural properties of mint help in digestion and may support weight loss by improving your digestive efficiency. Relieves Headaches: Mint oil or fresh mint leaves are known to have a soothing effect and can relieve headaches. Applying mint oil on the temples or inhaling the aroma of crushed leaves can help alleviate tension headaches. How to Use Mint: Mint Tea: Boil water with fresh mint leaves, let it steep, and drink for digestion and cooling. Mint Water: Soak mint leaves in water overnight, and drink it the next morning to boost metabolism and help with bloating. Raw Mint: Chewing raw mint leaves helps freshen the breath and aids digestion. Mint Oil for Headaches: Apply a few drops of mint essential oil on the temples and gently massage. Traditional Gujarati Recipes/Remedies: Phudina Chutney: A popular chutney made with mint, spices, and yogurt. It’s used as a refreshing side dish and helps digestion. Mint Paratha: Mint is used in Gujarati flatbreads (parathas), which can help soothe the stomach after meals. Summary: Mint, or Phudina, is widely used in Ayurveda for its cooling properties, digestive aid, and headache relief. For digestion, it’s great as tea or water, and for headaches, applying mint oil can be very effective. For weight loss, mint boosts metabolism when consumed regularly.
You’re right! In Gujarati, mint is indeed called “Phudina.” It’s quite popular across Indian cuisines and remedies due to versatility. In Ayurveda, Phudina has cooling and soothing properties, which can significantly help improve digestion. You’re spot on there. If you’re dealing with bloating, gas, or acidity, mint can certainly be beneficial.
For digestion, Phudina tea is a good option. You can make this by boiling fresh leaves in water, letting it simmer for around 5-10 minutes and then strain and enjoy that tea. Having this tea after meals can aid in digesting food more efficiently. If you prefer, chewing on raw leaves can also be good, but some folks find the flavor a bit strong that way.
As for weight loss, mint won’t magically shed off pounds but can indirectly help. Mint water might boost metabolism due to it’s ability to improve digestion and absorption of nutrients. Try infusing water with a handful of mint leaves overnight and drinking it in mornings. Don’t expect miracles; it’s more of an aid than a solution.
About headaches, mint oil can be excellent. When you feel a headache coming on, apply a few drops of mint essential oil to your temples and gently massage. Keep your eyes closed for more relief. Also, you might try inhaling steam with mint leaves added; that’s calming too.
For traditional recipes, well, you’ve probably come across mint chutney! It’s pretty common. Just blend fresh phudina leaves with green chili, a bit of ginger, salt, and lemon for a tangy, digestive-aiding dip. It keeps things simple and tasty.
Mint’s a humble plant with powerful benefits, but always ensure any remedy fits well with your body type and conditions. Listen to your body, and enjoy experimenting with what suits you best!

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