← Back
Nutrition and daily life

Mint: freshness and relief from nausea

Mint appears in Azerbaijani cooking in dovga and in tea. Its fresh aroma can help with nausea and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. This section covers mint infusion.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Mint, a fresh infusion
Figure 1.Mint, a fresh infusion.

01Short answer

Mint infusion is a fresh, caffeine-free drink. Some people find it pleasant during nausea or a metallic taste. Peppermint oil may help irritable bowel syndrome, but evidence for chemotherapy nausea is limited. Mint can worsen reflux and heartburn. During neutropenia wash fresh leaves well and brew them in boiling water.

02Simple explanation

A fresh, caffeine-free infusion.

May feel pleasant during nausea.

Can worsen heartburn.

Fresh leaves: in boiling water.

03Scientific explanation

NCCIH: peppermint oil may help irritable bowel syndrome; heartburn and reflux are the main side effects.

NCI: there is no evidence that herbal infusions treat leukemia.

MSK: herbal products can affect how the liver breaks down medicines, so tell your oncologist.

04What happens in the body?

Nausea

The aroma and a warm infusion bring some people relief; it does not replace anti-sickness medicines.

A cup of mint after a light meal.
Figure 2.Warm mint after a meal.

Fresh and dried mint

Rinse fresh mint under running water and brew it in boiling water; during neutropenia do not add raw mint to salads.

A sealed jar of dried mint and a steaming cup.
Figure 3.Dried mint in a sealed jar.

Safe brewing

Sealed bag, freshly boiled water, 5 minutes covered, drink hot. Do not drink an infusion that has stood for hours.

With medicines

1–2 cups of a mild infusion a day usually cause no problems; capsules and extracts only with your doctor.

05Brewing: four steps

Sealed bag, swap market herbs, boiling water, drink hot.

Sealed bag — Factory-made.1Sealed bagFactory-made.
Not loose — A bag instead.2Not looseA bag instead.
Boiling water — Covered.3Boiling waterCovered.
Drink soon — Do not keep.4Drink soonDo not keep.
ComfortA warm drink.
FluidsThrough the day.
SafetyBoiling water.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
NauseaThe aroma and a warm infusion bring some people relief; it does not replace anti-sickness medicines.
Fresh and dried mintRinse fresh mint under running water and brew it in boiling water; during neutropenia do not add raw mint to salads.
Safe brewingSealed bag, freshly boiled water, 5 minutes covered, drink hot. Do not drink an infusion that has stood for hours.
With medicines1–2 cups of a mild infusion a day usually cause no problems; capsules and extracts only with your doctor.

07Key terms

Menthol
The compound that makes mint feel cool.
Reflux
Stomach acid rising into the gullet.
Infusion
A herb steeped in boiling water.
Extract
A concentrated plant substance.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • Mint is a fresh drink.
  • It may ease nausea.
  • Be careful with reflux.
  • Sealed bag and boiling water.
  • Capsules only with your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Does it stop nausea?

Some people feel better, but it does not replace medicines.

Can I use garden mint?

Well washed and brewed in boiling water, usually yes; not raw during neutropenia.

Does this infusion treat leukemia?

No. It is a warm, pleasant drink, not a treatment.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Does it stop nausea?

  2. Can I use garden mint?

  3. Does this infusion treat leukemia?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Peppermint Oil
  2. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Herbs at a Glance
  3. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products
  4. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Diet Guidelines for Immunosuppressed Patients
  5. National Cancer Institute. Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  6. MedlinePlus. Herbal Medicine
  7. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Folate — Fact Sheet for Consumers
  8. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health — The Nutrition Source. Vitamins and Minerals
  9. Clinical Nutrition (ESPEN), 2022. Berger MM et al. ESPEN micronutrient guideline
  10. World Health Organization (WHO). Micronutrients
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Last updated: ← Back to the list

Open the interactive site →