Ancient Egyptians and Romans prized it for its pleasant aroma, using it to scent the air in homes and temples. During the Middle Ages, people used mint as a cleaning agent and a way to purify drinking water. The early colonists who brought herbs to America praised mint for its therapeutic benefits, using it to treat fevers and influenza.1 Scientifically known as Mentha, this herb has more than two dozen different species and hundreds of distinct varieties making it an extremely valuable all-natural resource. The overall health benefits of mint include: Digestion – Promotes digestion by soothing the stomach in cases of indigestion. For instance, popular drinks like peppermint tea can also help with digestion problems; including bloating, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gallstones.2 Nausea and Headache – Its strong and refreshing aroma is an excellent and quick remedy for nausea. For many people, just the smell of mint oil or crushed fresh mint leaves relieves the feeling of nausea. For headaches, the rubbing of mint oil on the forehead and nose provides quick relief. Respiratory Disorders – The pungent aroma is very effective in opening up congestion of the nose, throat, bronchi and lungs providing relief in respiratory disorders. Skin Care – The range that mint has when discussing its benefits for skin care are far reaching. The oil from mint is a wonderful antiseptic and anti-itch remedy, by placing a small amount on a bite the oil provides a cooling sensation which relieves the itchy feeling, reduces inflammation, and helps the bite heal faster. Mint juice is a great skin cleanser; diluted mint oil applied to the skin can increase the amount of moisture it holds and when added to lotion it is a great source for tired, tough feet. Last, but definitely not least, mint contains vitamin A; it may strengthen skin tissue and help reduce oily skin. It is also helpful in treating inflammations such as acne because of its high content of salicylic acid. This acid, which is found naturally in mint, is an active ingredient used in many skin care products. The acid loosens up dead skin cells, allowing them to shed easier. That has the potential to prevent your pores from clogging up, resulting in fewer pimples and clearer skin.3 It is not uncommon to find mint in a spa these days, whether in a refreshing beverage that is provided for clients, as a calming aroma-therapeutic source to help set the atmosphere, or as an ingredient in a skin care treatment. Therefore, we have included several different treatments that include mint as a primary ingredient in hopes to inspire you with new thoughts and ideas on how to update or revitalize your service menu. Rosemary Mint Awakening Wrap $95 for 60 minutes Renew your client's body and mind in minutes with this stimulating and cool dry body wrap. The treatment begins with an exfoliation and moisturizing massage (Aveda Rosemary Mint Body Lotion). After the body is wrapped, the essences of peppermint and rosemary will awaken the senses. Scalp and foot massages are also performed to balance your client's senses. This is a great solution to feeling tired, heavy or sluggish. Ohana Salon & Spa Scottsdale, Ariz. www.ohanasalonspa.com Cucumber Mint & Oat Pedicure $ 40 for 70 minutes The Cucumber Mint & Oat Pedicure is a relaxing and moisturizing treatment for your client that is great for aching feet. First, soak their feet in fresh cucumber slices and mint leaves. Next, treat their feet with an oatmeal mask that is mixed with sour cream and glycerin. Anoo's Herbal Day Spa Boca Raton, Fla. www.bocaratondayspa.com Mermaid Mint Sea Wrap $180 for 100 minutes This wrap utilizes the richness of sea plants, the stimulating effects of peppermint, and the clarifying properties of clay to both detoxify and re-mineralize the skin and body. Following a gentle loofah exfoliation, the body is painted with warm vibrant green sea clay and wrapped in a nurturing cocoon. While wrapped, your client will be given a neck, face and scalp massage. This treatment ends with a further hydrating mini-massage with refreshing peppermint massage oil. This wrap is beneficial for reducing water retention and appearance of cellulite. Casa de Campo Dominican Republic www.casadecampo.com Invigorating ESPA Salt and Exfoliation $75 for 30 minutes Invigorating menthol oil, grapefruit, lavender and lime extracts are used to create a cooling sensation that revitalizes and refreshes the skin in this carefully blended sea salt and essential oil combination to help remove dead skin cells. The oils are slowly absorbed to help restore lost vitality and protect against dryness. The Peninsula Chicago Chicago, Ill. www.peninsula.com/chicago Mocha Mint Pedicure $69 for 70 minutes This pedicure starts off by soaking your client's feet in a eucalyptus and peppermint whirlpool foot bath followed by a warm chocolate mint wrap. Finally, this treatment is finished with an energizing mocha mint massage. The Spa at Endless Summer Beamsville, Ontario www.endlesssummerbeauty.com Mojito Wrap $110 for 60 minutes This signature body treatment, which revitalizes and rejuvenates the skin, uses many different ingredients that can be found in the favorite drink… the mojito. Pure sugar cane and citrus essential oils are used to exfoliate the body, followed by a mint infused herbal wrap, and also includes aromassage massage. Your clients will feel like they are in a tropical paradise. Skin Therapie Spa Coral Gables, Fla. www.skintherapiespa.com Fresh Mint Pedicure $40 for 45 minutes Relax and soak your client's overworked feet with fresh mint essential oils. This service includes a callus treatment, mint exfoliating scrub and deep cooling gel. This pedicure helps relieve aching muscles and conditions the skin, and includes a cucumber heel therapy if needed which is a rich, restorative heel cream that helps repair dry cracked skin. Then, follow with a spectacular lower leg massage. Finish this pedicure with a hot towel wrap and polish of your client's choice. Splash Nails n Spa Tucson, Ariz. www.splashnailsandspa.com Cucumber Mint Body Treatment $150 for 80 minutes Revitalize the body and spirit with the refreshing benefits of cucumber and mint in a luxurious full body wrap that will purify, moisturize, increase elasticity and enhance the texture of the skin. Pampering begins with an invigorating full body cucumber mint sugar scrub designed to both stimulate and exfoliate. Next, the purifying body wrap is applied. While its warmth rejuvenates the skin, your client will enjoy a gentle head and scalp massage. This treatment is finished with a soothing light massage using moisture-rich cucumber mint soufflé. Purely You Spa Naples, Fla. www.purelyyouspa.com Want to read more? Subscribe to one of our monthly plans to continue reading this article.