The Perfect Mix: Why Mint and CBD Work So Well

Reading time – 15 minutes

From providing toothpaste with it's refreshing flavour to giving mojitos their signature charm, mint is a unique herb that's been used and adored by humans for centuries. Since its origin in the Mediterranean, the plant has accrued a reputation for complementing oral hygiene. In addition to helping our mouths to feel fresh, it's also been a critical ingredient in self-care practices for many years. Despite its extensive list of uses, however, it's possible benefits are increasingly appearing to be supported by another, slightly more contemporary natural agent - CBD.

Otherwise known as cannabidiol, CBD is a herbal extract that derives from the hemp plant. Despite hemp existing as a plant for many years, the chemical compound of CBD was only discovered in 1940, and due to longstanding struggles with legislation, it only started to reach a mainstream audience in recent years. Similarly to the mint plant, however, CBD holds a lot of potential in supporting our physical and mental wellbeing. So in this article, we're setting out to explore the many ways that mint and CBD may work as a powerful pair to support each other's potential benefits. Before this, though, we're going to break down each of these herbal wonders individually, starting off by taking a closer look at the unique herb, mint.

What is mint?

Mint is a type of plant that's native to Europe, although due to ancient migration patterns, in the current day, it's thriving in most temperate areas of the globe. Its appearance is bright green in colour, and its taste is distinctively 'cool' due to the menthol present in its oil. Its unique aroma makes mint an influential staple in a variety of different cuisines across the world, and its scent has also been used as a fragrance for centuries, with civilisations as far back as the ancient Greeks and Romans using it as a base for their perfumes.

With its name supposedly deriving from a mythic nymph named Minthe, according to Greek Mythology, mint, or mentha, is a genus of plants that comprises around 24 species. Even though each type differs slightly in their outward appearance and flavour, they all share a distinctive aroma, and mostly require the same growing conditions. Out of the many species of mint, the most famous and commonly used varieties are peppermint, spearmint, and pennyroyal. The main thing that differentiates these types of mint is the strength of their aromas, with peppermint containing around 40% menthol compared to spearmint only containing 1%. This gives peppermint a much more potent minty taste- which is why it's used more in flavourings, while spearmint has a much more subtle taste, which is why it's utilised more in cooking. 

Potential benefits of mint

The properties of mint plants have been anecdotally shown to support the wellbeing of humans for many years, and luckily research is finally starting to catch up. Mint brewed in hot water is a popular way to consume the herb. It's proven to be a potentially useful supplement for stomach cramps, and certain digestive problems like indigestion and IBS. In addition to this, the menthol in the mint plant can be extracted and rubbed into the skin to impact sore muscles, or inhaled to help clear up clogged up sinuses and to possibly ease tension headaches. When it comes to alternative therapies, many herbalists have also vouched that mint oil may help to calm the mind when it's inhaled. Lastly, mint has also been shown to have the potential to affect skin irritations and insect bites when applied topically.

What is CBD?

CBD is one of over a hundred cannabinoids that are native to the cannabis Sativa plant. It's the second most commonly occurring cannabinoid in the herb, beaten only by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, CBD still accounts for around 40% of its makeup (depending on the variety of the plant). Unlike THC, however, CBD is wholly non-intoxicating and may actually work hard to balance out its psychotropic properties.

CBD oil is created by carefully extracting the cannabinoid from the hemp plant, before placing it into a carrier liquid like hemp-seed, coconut, or MCT oil. It usually comes in three forms: full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, or CBD isolate; depending on how the compound is extracted. Full-spectrum CBD features elements from all over the hemp plant, from flower to seed, which often means it also contains traces of the THC, too. Broad-spectrum extracts contain all the same goodness, apart from the psychotropic cannabinoid THC, and desolate extracts only contain pure CBD, which typically comes in the form of a white powder.

Whichever form you find CBD in, it always boasts a variety of potential benefits and antioxidant properties, which is why it lends itself so perfectly to the wellness, alternative therapy, and skincare industries. And while cannabidiol is most commonly sold in the form of an oil, you can also find it in capsules, edibles, drinkables, and topical products.

How does it work?

The main reason CBD is understood to potentially take effect in our body and mind is because of the way it interacts with something called our endocannabinoid system (ECS). Our ECS is a complex system made up of receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes. It's located throughout our whole body, including areas of our brain, most of our other organs, and our immune and nervous systems. Its chief purpose is to bring balance to a range of our physical and mental processes, including our sleep, memory, stress and immune response, among many others.

When CBD is consumed, it may affect the function of this system, and this is predominantly why the compound is understood to possibly elicit calming and even therapeutic effects. Alongside CBD's supposed relaxing qualities, it also holds potential in easing symptoms of many health issues associated with things such as heart disease, chronic pain, acne, anxiety, and depression. However, it should be noted that due to the relatively new nature of CBD, much more research into the compound should be conducted before we are certain of its supposed benefits.

How CBD and mint complement each other

They are both rich in nutrients and minerals

Since both mint and hemp are both natural herbs with well-documented potential uses, it's no surprise that they're bursting full of essential nutrients. The hemp plant contains all nine amino acids, which means it's able to form a complete protein chain. This makes cannabidiol an excellent supplement for those on plant-based diets, because if the hemp-extract is taken at a big enough dose, it may provide us with the amount of protein we require to stay healthy. On top of this, CBD contains a host of B-complex vitamins, such as Vitamin B12, B6, niacin, thiamine, and riboflavin, which can help to prevent infections and promote cell health, as well as a variety of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great at potentially affecting your heart health and immune system!

Far from being outshined, mint also contains an abundance of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, B-6, C, E, K, and folate, which collectively act to repair cellular damage and improve immune functioning. Mint also features a host of minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. While these minerals are valuable on their own, when they are consumed together, their potential benefits may be impacted, and they're incredibly effective at improving muscle function and lowering blood pressure.

They both have antioxidant qualities

If this wasn't enough, both mint and CBD are potent antioxidants, which means they both have properties in them that may help your body fight off free radicals. This is due to antioxidants' ability to protect your cells against the cellular damage that can be caused by  free radicals, which are unstable atoms produced by bodily processes and external sources like pollution and cigarettes. Since free radicals are linked to ageing, and a range of diseases and some chronic illnesses, consuming substances rich in antioxidants is an effective way to limit their damage and improve your body's overall health.

They both purportedly reduce nausea

Another thing that mint and the cannabinoid CBD have in common is that they have both been anecdotally reported to reduce symptoms of nausea and queasiness. Mint is understood to do so because of its purported ability to relax our stomach muscles. By soothing the stomach, bile is able to break down fats more efficiently so food can travel through the stomach faster, and this helps to improve the function of the digestive tract, which is often a cause of nausea. While there are many ways to consume mint for this purpose, peppermint tea is understood to be one of the most effective herbal methods to settle the stomach and to counteract feelings of queasiness.

Much like its aromatic companion, CBD has also shown potential in soothing nausea and vomiting symptoms. Cannabidiol's anti-emetic effects have been highlighted in this 2011 study, where the cannabinoid was shown to reduce instances of nausea symptoms in rats and mice, due to the possible effect of the substance on their endocannabinoid systems. While it is clear that much more research on human participants needs to be conducted before a direct relationship between CBD and nausea relief can be found, preclinical research does show that cannabidiol, much like mint, may indeed have clinical applications for reducing nausea.

Mint perfectly masks CBD's earthy taste

Since cannabidiol is a direct derivative of cannabis, most CBD-infused products often come with that distinctive, earthy aroma that the plant is famous for. While this flavour isn't necessarily unpleasant, many people find the taste rather acquired. This is where mint comes in. As we've addressed, mint's palatable and refreshing taste has helped it to be used as a flavouring for many years, so there's no reason why it wouldn't be a perfect flavouring for CBD products too. Mint flavoured CBD oils, or CBD infused mints, may help to give your mouth a blast of freshness while you're giving your body its trusty dose of cannabinoids, so it's a great way to look after your wellbeing if you're often on the go.

They both have potential in clearing sinuses

We've all experienced that irritating 'bunged-up' feeling when your sinuses get congested, especially during cold and flu season. So, except for providing yourself with a never-ending supply of tissues and waiting for it to pass, there are ways to take these symptoms into your own hands. For example, both mint and CBD have both been shown to possibly clear blocked sinuses, so finding products that combine their potential benefits is likely to be an effective way to break up excessive amounts of phlegm and mucus.

First of all, mint has been proven to be a natural decongestant, primarily because of the high quantities of menthol the plant contains. Products that are infused with menthols, such as oils, cough drops, or vapour rubs, have been shown to thin out the sinus blockages to help restore breathing, as usual, while also supposedly soothing other cold-like symptoms. Likewise, CBD has also been shown to have the potential to improve symptoms of sinusitis, which is a condition that features the swelling of sinuses. This is largely understood to be because of cannabidiol's purported anti-inflammatory properties, and its interplay with our bodies' endocannabinoid system. However, more research into mint and CBD's decongestant potential is required before they can be scientifically-backed as a reliable way to clear sinuses.

They both support general digestive function

Ever been offered a mint tea when you've had an upset stomach? That's because throughout mint has often been used as a key way to aid digestion, which also makes mint a useful ingredient for those looking to relieve conditions like indigestion or abdominal bloating. The reason why mint appears to improve digestive functioning is because of its purported ability to lower inflammation and to relax muscles in the colon, which subsequently may decrease the pain experienced during bowel movements. This process is referenced in this 2019 review that outlines peppermint oil as a possible supplement for a range of gastrointestinal conditions, which opens up the possibility for mint to be further studied with regard to future applications.

Much like mint, the hemp extract CBD has similarly been shown to potentially improve digestive function in humans, and this is predominantly due to the large number of endocannabinoid receptors that are located within our guts. Since the digestive tract features so many CB1 and CB1 receptors, when CBD is consumed, the endocannabinoid system's ability to regulate levels of inflammation in the area may be affected. This is crucial, because an overly inflamed gut can contribute to a variety of symptoms like constipation and fatigue, so safeguarding the digestive system against inflammatory damage is a vital step in looking after its overall wellbeing.

What is the best way to sample mint and CBD together?

Now we've explored all the weird and wonderful ways CBD and mint can work in tandem, you may be wondering - how can I get my fix? The simple answer is, there's not just one way. There's actually a range of products out there that combine the possible natural benefits of cannabidiol and mint, as well as lots of different ways to take them. So let's guide you through the three most popular products out there: mint-infused CBD oil, CBD infused mints, and CBD infused mint tea, to help you find the perfect method for you.

Mint infused CBD oil

Mint infused CBD oil is a great way to reap the potential benefits of cannabidiol and mint together because it can be used in a variety of different ways. If you consume CBD oil sublingually, by squeezing a couple of drops under your tongue and waiting for it to absorb into your system (usually by holding it there for just under 60 seconds), it offers super-high rates of bioavailability and reaches your bloodstream much faster than other methods. This type of application is perfect for those who require a stronger and more immediate effect from the CBD and mint, and the flavour of the mint can also perfectly mask the natural earthlike flavour of CBD so you can savour the refreshing taste while you're waiting for the product to absorb.

However, if you're looking for an even more appetising way to try mint and CBD together, you can infuse a range of food and beverages with the CBD oil, and transform just about anything into a tasty minty treat. From mint chocolate brownies to mocktails with an edge, creating your own edibles and drinkables can be a great excuse to flex your culinary muscles. If you'd like to learn more, or if you're stuck for ideas, take a look at our guide to CBD edibles here. Finally, if you're turning to CBD and mint to tackle pain or soothe a certain skin condition, applying the oil topically by rubbing it into your skin is the best way to elicit notable results. This is because the cooling properties of the mint may help to lower symptoms of inflammation, and the CBD will get picked up more directly by the endocannabinoid receptors that are located under the surface of the skin, helping it to potentially provide targeted relief to the area.

CBD mints

Remember those mints that your mum used to carry around in the car? They've finally been made a little more interesting. CBD infused mints come with all the advantages of normal mints: helping your mouth to feel fresh, supposedly reducing nausea, and tasting delicious - and now, they can come with the many possible perks of CBD.

CBD infused mints always come with convenient pre-measured doses of CBD, so they're a great option for people who often find themselves on the go. They are super easy to transport and look perfectly inconspicuous, so you could take them anywhere from the office to a lunch date. And, most importantly, due to the way edibles travel through our bodies, CBD is slowly released into our systems, meaning the purported benefits of CBD and mint can be felt for a more extended amount of time when compared with other methods of administering CBD.

CBD infused mint tea

Probably the most relaxing way to consume these two herbal wonders, CBD infused mint tea is a more traditional alternative for those who are looking for a healthy way to enjoy cannabinoids. Since peppermint tea has been climbing in popularity for its unique taste and potential properties, it's a tried and tested way to sample the herb, and it seems to be especially good for possibly soothing certain stomach conditions.

Due to the way peppermint tea travels through our bodies, it's been shown to be particularly possibly effective at relieving digestion-related symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, and gas. If the tea is infused with the gut-friendly purported benefits of cannabidiol, too, it's possible that this function could be advanced. So, if you're looking for a digestif to consume after a big meal, CBD-infused mint tea could be your new go-to. Additionally, Since mint and CBD are both naturally decaffeinated while featuring their own potentially energising qualities, CBD infused mint tea could be a tremendous herbal replacement for a morning coffee, or a way to pick up your energy levels throughout the day.

CBD at Amphora

If you're keen to incorporate mint and CBD into your wellness journey, it's super important that you find high-quality products that are able to do the natural agents justice. Luckily, we've got the CBD side of that covered. Here at Amphora, we specialise in producing organic, safe and effective CBD products that are made from CBD distillate and an abundance of purportedly beneficial plant-based terpenes. Everything we manufacture has been third party tested to ensure the highest levels of quality on the market, and we also ensure all of our products are 100% free of THC, nicotine, and harmful toxins.

So if you're looking to use CBD to further your wellbeing, or you're interested in what we do here at Amphora, you can take a browse of our site here.