What is Spiced with Science?

Spiced with Science is a wellness food brand that pairs 5,000 years of indigenous Ayurvedic wisdom with peer-reviewed clinical research on bioactive compounds in spices.

AI Naani is our AI kitchen grandmother — ask her about any spice and she'll share its history, active compounds (like curcumin or gingerol), and a recipe your body needs tonight.

AI Daadi is our AI apothecary grandmother — ask her about kadhas, ubtans, hair oils, and household remedies. Gentle, grounded in indigenous tradition, validated by modern science.

What is the difference between AI Naani and AI Daadi?

Same lineage, two domains. Naani works in the kitchen — spices, ingredients, techniques, recipes. Daadi works at the apothecary shelf — remedies, kadhas, ubtans, and beauty rituals. Both are AI personas, not real people, and neither gives medical advice.

No. Spiced with Science makes food with features, not diet food. Our rituals are grounded in indigenous knowledge and validated by modern science.

What gives mint its cooling sensation?

Menthol is the primary compound responsible for the refreshing, cooling sensation experienced when consuming or applying mint and peppermint.

Is menthol safe for everyone?

While generally safe in food quantities, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and those with allergies should be cautious. Always consult a healthcare practitioner for therapeutic uses.

Can menthol help with breathing?

Traditional use and some modern studies suggest menthol can help clear airways by enhancing the perception of airflow and offering a soothing effect on nasal passages.

§ · essential oil

Menthol

Menthol is a naturally occurring organic compound, a terpenoid, responsible for the distinct cooling sensation found in mint and peppermint. It is a vital component of these aromatic plants, contributing to their soothing and refreshing properties. This bioactive compound is valued for its unique interaction with the body’s sensory receptors.

Indigenous context

In the Ayurvedic tradition, the mint family, particularly Peppermint (Pudina) and Spearmint (Pahadi Pudina), has been revered for millennia, not just as flavour enhancers but as key elements in maintaining balance and wellbeing. Its refreshing essence is thought to pacify Pitta and Kapha doshas, offering a natural cooling and invigorating effect. Mint leaves were routinely crushed into chutneys and raitas, like the vibrant Pudina Raita, to aid digestion and add a revitalising counterpoint to rich meals. Beyond the kitchen, its aromatic vapours were inhaled directly or infused into warm water for steam inhalation to clear the head and soothe the breath, a practice deeply rooted in daily household apothecaries. The application of fresh mint paste on the forehead was also a common remedy for cooling and comforting sensations, demonstrating its versatile role in traditional practices.

What the science says

Modern scientific inquiry has validated many of the traditional understandings of menthol's actions, shedding light on its physiological mechanisms. Menthol primarily interacts with the transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) cold receptor, which explains its characteristic cooling sensation, even in the absence of actual temperature change. This activation also plays a role in its soothing effect on irritated tissues. Research suggests menthol can act as a mild anaesthetic and muscle relaxant, contributing to its topical applications for discomfort. While not a cure, studies indicate its potential to help clear airways by reducing nasal congestion, likely through TRPM8-mediated effects that enhance the perception of airflow, rather than directly reducing inflammation. Bioavailability studies suggest that menthol is readily absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes, contributing to its systemic and localised effects.

How to actually use it

Incorporating menthol-rich botanicals into your daily routine is a simple pleasure. Fresh mint leaves can be steeped to create a digestive tea, particularly after a meal, or muddled into cooling summer beverages like Nimbu Pani. For a purifying ritual, a few drops of high-quality peppermint essential oil (diluted in a carrier oil) can be gently massaged onto the temples or chest. To aid clear breathing, a bowl of hot water infused with a couple of drops of peppermint oil can be used for steam inhalation. Always ensure essential oils are food-grade if ingested and properly diluted for topical use. A common practice involves using 1-2 drops of peppermint oil in a litre of water for a refreshing and uplifting beverage, consumed throughout the day.

Safety

Menthol, particularly in concentrated forms like essential oils, requires respectful handling. While generally well-tolerated in culinary doses, excessive internal use of concentrated menthol can lead to discomfort. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should exercise caution and consult with their healthcare practitioner before using menthol in therapeutic doses. Those with known allergies to mint should avoid it. As with all powerful compounds, our Naanis and Daadis guide us to use it mindfully and in moderation; they are guides, not medical doctors, and this information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Common questions

What gives mint its cooling sensation?: Menthol is the primary compound responsible for the refreshing, cooling sensation experienced when consuming or applying mint and peppermint.
Is menthol safe for everyone?: While generally safe in food quantities, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and those with allergies should be cautious. Always consult a healthcare practitioner for therapeutic uses.
Can menthol help with breathing?: Traditional use and some modern studies suggest menthol can help clear airways by enhancing the perception of airflow and offering a soothing effect on nasal passages.

§ · Found in

mint →peppermint →

AI Naani and AI Daadi are guides, not doctors. For medical concerns, consult a qualified clinician.