Mint: Why This Ancient Herb Belongs in Your Snack
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Mint is one of the world's oldest and most widely used medicinal herbs. Found in Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese, and Mediterranean medicine traditions for over 3,000 years, mint (Mentha spp.) remains one of the most studied plant ingredients for its functional health properties.
At Everything Good Singapore, mint appears as both a standalone flavour and a supporting note in several of our 12 flavours, including our Kumquat and Loquat pastilles. Here is why!
What Is Mint?
Mint is a genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae, encompassing over 30 species including peppermint (Mentha × piperita) and spearmint (Mentha spicata). The primary bioactive compound in peppermint is menthol, a natural terpene that produces the characteristic cooling sensation and carries the majority of mint's functional benefits.
Mint leaves have been used medicinally since at least 1,000 BCE, appearing in records across ancient Egypt, Greece, and China. Today, the science of what mint does in the body is well-established.
7 Science-Backed Benefits of Mint
1. Digestive relief: Peppermint oil and menthol have been extensively studied for their ability to relax the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that peppermint oil was significantly more effective than placebo for relieving symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), including bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. Mint consumed after meals is effective at reducing indigestion and nausea.
2. Breath freshness. Menthol is the most effective natural breath freshener known. It inhibits the growth of bacteria responsible for halitosis (bad breath) while delivering the characteristic clean, cool sensation. This is why mint has been the world's dominant flavour in oral care products for over a century.
3. Headache and tension relief. Applied topically, peppermint oil has been shown to relax muscles and improve blood flow, reducing the intensity of tension headaches. Research from the journal Cephalalgia found that peppermint oil applied to the forehead was as effective as acetaminophen (paracetamol) for tension headache relief. When consumed, menthol's relaxing properties extend to the muscles of the throat and neck.
4. Antioxidant protection: Mint is a surprisingly potent source of antioxidants. Rosmarinic acid and other phenolic compounds in mint have been found to neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, the cellular damage associated with ageing, inflammation, and chronic disease.
5. Respiratory support: Menthol acts as a natural decongestant by temporarily relaxing the muscles of the airways and reducing the perception of nasal congestion. This is why menthol-containing lozenges and pastilles have been used for generations as throat comfort remedies, particularly popular in Singapore's humid climate.
6. Antimicrobial properties. Studies published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology have found that peppermint extract demonstrates antimicrobial activity against a range of bacteria and fungi, including E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus. This makes mint a natural food-safe ingredient with functional protection beyond just flavour.
7. Mental alertness and focus. Research from Northumbria University in the UK found that peppermint aroma improved memory and alertness in study participants. Even consuming mint, not just smelling it, is associated with an uptick in cognitive performance, likely related to menthol's effects on blood flow.
Why Mint Works So Well in Pastilles
The pastille format is ideal for mint delivery. Unlike a hard candy that dissolves instantly or a capsule you swallow whole, a pastille's slow-chew release allows menthol to coat the mouth, throat, and airways gradually, extending the functional benefits across several minutes of consumption.
This is why mint pastilles have been a traditional remedy in Southeast Asia, Europe, and China for generations. Everything Good's pastilles use mint leaves as a natural ingredient, not synthetic menthol or artificial peppermint flavouring.
FAQ: Mint and Everything Good Pastilles
Q: Is the mint in Everything Good pastilles natural or artificial? Natural. We use mint leaves as an ingredient, no synthetic menthol or artificial mint flavouring.
Q: Can I eat mint pastilles if I have acid reflux? Mint can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter, which may worsen acid reflux in some individuals. If you have GERD or frequent reflux, consume mint-containing pastilles in moderation and consult your doctor.
Q: Are mint pastilles good after meals? Yes. Mint's digestive-relaxing properties make it an ideal post-meal snack, and the breath-freshening effect of menthol is most effective immediately after eating.
Q: How much mint is in each pastille? Everything Good pastilles use mint leaves as part of our natural plant-based ingredient list. The precise concentration is proprietary, but the mint note is present in every piece.
Try Everything Good's Kumquat or Loquat pastilles for a flavour that combines the functional benefits of stronger mint with the health properties of Asian fruits. Available at everythinggood.com.sg.