Mint Benefits and Aphrodisiac Use

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Among the ancient Greeks, there was a bit of discrepancy as far as mint benefits were concerned. Some were emphatic about the aphrodisiac effects of mint while others supported an opposing view.

Hippocrates believed that frequent eating of mint diluted sperm, hindered erection and–worst of all–tired the body. But Aristotle, on the other hand, advised Alexander the Great not to let his warriors partake of any mint while on crusade because of the herb’s potent, aphrodisiac effects.

But there was one thing all Greeks seemed to agree upon when it came to the benefits of mint. They all believed in the use of the refreshing herb in hospitality. The oil from the leaves was rubbed into the dining table as a greeting to welcome guests.

Table of Contents

The myth of Minthe and some mint history

The herb is named after a mythical beauty Minthe, who Hades found irresistible. When Hades’ wife Persephone learned of her husband’s attraction, she turned the irritable beauty into the aromatic plant we use today. In her honor, Greek brides often include mint in their bridal head wreaths.

Common types of mint

Peppermint and spearmint are probably the two most common types of mint. But they are by no means the only types of mint enjoying culinary and medicinal uses. Here are just a few of the easy-to-grow types of mint and the characteristics that make them stand out from the bunch.

Peppermint – Probably the best-known variety of mint, it is commonly used to flavor candies and gum. This is the type of mint typically sold as mint tea leaves.
Spearmint – This variety looks similar to peppermint but its flavor is much sweeter and milder.
Ginger mint – This zesty variety is less known but a good mint to use in baking. Try it in quick breads or scones.
Apple mint – This variety will surprise you with a flavor that is reminiscent of Granny Smith apples.
Chocolate mint – Possibly my favorite variety, this mint tastes like a combination of peppermint and cocoa powder.

Surprising mint medicinal uses

It isn’t just the ancient Greeks who concerned themselves with the medicinal use of mint to treat sexual appetites. The topic has been researched by modern science.

Does mint impact testosterone?

You may have run across one of the many online articles denouncing mint because it can lower a man’s testosterone. It’s true that there’s some initial evidence that mint, specifically spearmint, may cause a dip in testosterone levels. However, the limited published studies on mint and testosterone were performed with female subjects and rats, not human men. So further study is needed to say what and how much of an impact mint could potentially have on a man’s testosterone.

Mint nutrition

I would not be too quick to dismiss mint as an herb with benefits to your romantic life. Mint contains a number of vitamins and minerals that are essential for maintaining sexual health, including vitamins A and C as well as a trace of vitamin B2. This sweet-smelling herb also contains magnesium, calcium and potassium. In addition, one of my favorite benefits of mint is its ability to calm both mind and body.

How mint freshens breath

Used in combination with other aphrodisiac ingredients, mint is the component credited with increasing appetites of all kinds. Best of all, the aromatic impression it leaves on the breath has been shown in case studies to inspire kissing. Studies show that chewing mint leaves can mask bad breath, however, it doesn’t kill mouth bacteria. That being said, there’s evidence that one of the benefits of mint leaves tea could be that it not only sweetens breath but also kill bad bacteria to leave your mouth clean as well as smelling fresh.

Mint benefits as an aid to digestion

Mint is also known for calming digestive issues. There is some evidence that, when taken with a meal, peppermint oil may reduce indigestion. Other studies indicate that mint may be helpful in relieving other types of stomach pain although research seems to be limited at this time.

Mint for weight loss

Some proponents of mint claim that mint leaves and mint oil can boost metabolism. Many propose that the benefits of mint-infused water include not only freshening breath and potentially promoting better digestion but also improving the absorption of food. I can find little scientific evidence to back up the claim but mint water is refreshing and low-calorie so there is little harm in enjoying this hydrating drink.

Using mint in cooking

Mint grows wild all over the world and has been adopted by countless cultures for culinary and medicinal use. Chefs in countries as diverse as France, Turkey, India, Portugal, Cuba and Thailand love to tease their dishes with the herb’s one-of-a-kind freshness.

As great chefs across the globe know, mint comes in enough varieties to suit whatever your style of cooking. (See my guide above.) Mint is wonderful in fruit salads and both sweet and savory yogurt dishes. And you can’t go wrong with a Mojito. But there’s much more you can do with fresh mint. Try it in pesto, Asian noodle salads, with Feta and beets. Add it to rice or sautéed peas and don’t forget to partner it with your chocolate chip ice cream.

Recipes

Blanco Mojito Cocktail

Ricotta Toast with Asparagus, Lemon and Mint

Minted Bulghar Salad with Pine Nuts and Feta

Discover more of the world’s greatest aphrodisiac foods

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Amy Reiley

Eat Something Sexy's Creator & Editor-in-Chief Amy Reiley is the award-winning author of five aphrodisiac cookbooks. She has her Master of Arts in Gastronomy, awarded by Le Cordon Bleu and The University of Adelaide. She is also a Certified Nutrition Coach awarded by the International Sports Sciences Association and she is a California Certified Massage Therapist.

Amy is considered a leading authority on aphrodisiacs. Her work in aphrodisiacs is quoted in publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, Epicurious, Wine Enthusiast, Health and Playboy magazines. She speaks internationally on aphrodisiac foods and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac history and science to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. She is a frequent guest on relationship and lifestyle radio and podcast shows and has been interviewed by BBC and NPR radio, Cosmopolitan radio and popular podcasts including My Dad Wrote a Porno.

Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health researcher and writer as well as a wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is an MSN content provider. And she is also a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine.

Fun fact: Amy was the creator of the first ever comprehensive food and wine apps, Amy Reiley's Pocket Gourmet and Amy Reiley's Pocket Vineyard for Palm.