Mint (Pudina) Cooler

A fresh mint infusion — cooling, settling, and good for both acidity and queasiness. Mint (pudina) relaxes the stomach and has a naturally cooling effect, which makes it useful for the burning of acidity and the unease of mild nausea alike. It's the gentlest of the cooling remedies: just mint steeped in water, drunk cool. Pleasant enough to sip any time, not only when something's wrong. See the Home Remedies Guide for how cooling remedies (mint, fennel, coriander) suit acidity while warming ones suit gas.

Ingredients

• 10 to 12 fresh mint leaves (pudina)
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon honey or rock sugar, to taste (optional)
• Squeeze of lime (optional — skip if using purely for acidity)
• Pinch of black salt (optional)

Method

Cool infusion (best for acidity)

1. Lightly crush the mint leaves and steep them in room-temperature or cool water for 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Strain, sweeten lightly if desired, and sip cool.

Quick infusion

1. Steep the crushed mint in just-boiled water for 5 minutes, then let it cool to room temperature before drinking — cooling is the point for acidity.
2. Strain and sweeten lightly.

Notes

• Serve cool — like the other acidity remedies, mint works best cool or at room temperature, not hot.
• For nausea — mint's relaxing effect also eases queasiness; a cool mint infusion can settle a mildly upset stomach. For stronger nausea, ginger is more potent — see Ground Ginger Remedies.
• Skip the lime for acidity — a squeeze of lime makes a nicer summer cooler, but if you're drinking it specifically to calm acid, leave the lime out.
• Fresh mint is best — dried mint works in a pinch but has far less of the cooling aroma.
• Related: Acidity Cooler (Saunf-Dhania Water) and Cold Milk & Banana Acidity Soother for acidity; Ground Ginger Remedies for nausea.