Mint – “Clearing the Red”

I love mint’s modesty.  It grows easily, is safe to use, and is tasty to the palette.  But, don’t be fooled. Mint’s childproof qualities conceal her medicinal properties that rival the (in)famous bitters.   Mint is also a clever plant. It knows how to spread and thrive. If it weren’t so cute, it might be considered a weed.  (My plant friends know I said the “w” word with air quotes.)  But there mint is -- simple, confident, almost peppy.  And that is the least of what this plant can impart to you.

We all know mint is can help an overeater digest her meal.  It calms the tummy, aids with bloating and flatulence, and soothes hiccups.  In Chinese Medicine, however, my mantra for mint is: “Mint Clears all the Reds (especially from my Head).” 

Clear the Red in Eyes.

Mint brightens the eyes in such a unique way.  Mint gives you clarity of vision with a soft gaze.  No easy task!  Mister Miyagi and Master Po would not give such a task to just any student.  Try it:  clear vision and soft gaze at the same time while you are reading this. Succeed at clarity of vision? Likely your eyes are strained.  Have a soft gaze?  Likely you’re about to nap instead of read this. 

Mint gifts us both of these at the same time. It relieves redness from tired, strained eyes after a long day. Mint also – even just the scent – brings your vision (literally and metaphorically) into sharp focus.  It lets you see clearly.

Clear the Red from Frustration. 

Mint cools irritability and washes away frustrations, soothing tension and constriction of your face and thoughts.  Unlike most relaxing herbs, mint gives you a boost too – almost what the Tai Chi masters refer to as “relaxed readiness”.  You’re relaxed and ready for whatever is before you.

Clear the Red from Inflammation & Irritation. 

Mint relaxes achy, sore muscles and reduces inflammation.  It also clears heat or infection from the head, for example, for sinus infection or sore throat.  For my springtime friends with allergies, add mint to the arsenal when the post-nasal drip irritates the throat. (And drink it with honey.)

Mint is a perfect tea for those of you in high-stress, high thinking environments. For my lawyers, investors, legislators, and thinkers, mint is a perfect afternoon or after work sip. It lifts your spirit from drudgery, sharpens your focus, and invigorates your mind. It’s perfect after a business lunch that is now causing you to lose focus or has left you with heartburn.  It can help lower your blood pressure and reduce your sense of stress.

Mint is also ideal for any of us anytime there is change that interferes with a sense of relaxed readiness.   Sip it, smell it, or eat it.  A perfect treat in spring and summer, mint exhilarates the mind while calming the nerves --  a nice balance to spring’s chest of change.