Herbs & Business Management Series - Part 5: Peppermint & Emotional Conflict Management

Mint is one of the most studied herbs related to its cooling sensation and neuroregulation. In daily life, mint is often associated with a pleasant, lightheaded, and refreshing feeling. From a neuroscience perspective, this characteristic is not merely sensory but has a clear physiological basis.

Therefore, mint becomes a fitting metaphor for an increasingly important management skill in modern organizations: managing emotional conflict.

Mint, menthol, and the brain's "cooling" reflex mechanism

The main active compound in mint is menthol. Menthol has been shown to activate TRPM8 (Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 8) – a cold-sensing ion channel located in the peripheral and central nervous systems.

Neuroscientific studies show that when TRPM8 is activated, the brain registers a "cool" signal, leading to changes in temperature perception and stress levels. This process is associated with reducing immediate excitatory responses and supporting the nervous system's shift to a more regulated state.

In situations of emotional conflict, the amygdala is often overactive, triggering defensive responses, anger, or avoidance. When the amygdala predominates, the activity of the prefrontal cortex – the area responsible for logical thinking, behavioral control, and decision-making – is impaired.

Mint, both physiologically and symbolically, represents a necessary condition for this "cooling down" process to occur, creating space for the prefrontal cortex to regain its leading role.

Emotional Conflict and Organizational Cognitive Performance

Research on stress and emotions shows that prolonged stress increases cortisol levels in the body, thereby negatively impacting concentration, memory, and decision-making. In an organizational environment, this is not just a personal issue, but a systemic risk. Common manifestations include:

– Defensive communication

– Avoidance of face-to-face dialogue

– Decreased trust between individuals and departments

Unmanaged emotional conflict weakens the organization's "collective brain," making strategic decisions more susceptible to short-term reactions rather than long-term thinking.

Mint and the ability to create emotional pauses

A key principle in emotional neuroscience is that the brain needs pauses to transition from reaction to reflection. These pauses reduce amygdala activity and reactivate areas involved in cognitive control.

In leadership coaching, effective practices often revolve around facilitating this pause:

– Temporarily suspending dialogue when emotions exceed safe limits

– Changing the context of the exchange to reduce psychological pressure

– Allowing each party to adjust their state before returning to dialogue

Mint represents the ability to manage this pause: not eliminating conflict, but ensuring that conflict is handled when the brain is in an appropriate state.

From cooling down emotions to restructuring dialogue

After the tension subsides, the activity of the prefrontal cortex is restored. This is the point at which people are able to:

– Listen without defensiveness

– Separate the problem from personal emotions

– Evaluate options based on long-term values ​​and goals

A mature leader does not avoid conflict, but also does not let emotions guide decisions. Managing emotional conflict, therefore, becomes a core competency for maintaining psychological safety and long-term effectiveness in the organization.

Mint doesn't resolve conflict for people. Its value lies in its ability to support the mental state necessary for conflict to be handled calmly. In leadership, managing emotional conflict is managing the conditions for the individual and collective brains to function effectively. An organization that knows when to de-escalate will maintain trust, psychological safety, and sustainable growth.

Applications of mint in daily life (for reference only)

Mint is often used to support mental and physical well-being in a gentle way:

– Mint tea provides a cooling sensation, suitable for periods of mental stress or intense work.

– The subtle aroma of diffused mint can help alleviate mild headaches and increase alertness.

– Mint is often found in folk remedies to reduce nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort, which are closely linked to emotional states.

– A space scented with mint creates a clean, light, and breathable atmosphere, suitable for moments when collective emotional cooling is needed.

Note: The above information is for sharing general scientific knowledge and life experiences; it does not replace medical advice or professional treatment.

Interesting Facts About Mint: Biodiversity and Nomenclature

Mint isn't just one type. In botany, mint belongs to the genus Mentha (family Lamiaceae). Taxonomic records show between 20 and over 40 species and subspecies, not including numerous natural hybrids formed over time. This diversity gives mint a wide range of aromas, flavors, and sensory effects, from mildly cool to intensely cool.

Some typical species and nomenclature:

– Mentha × piperita (Peppermint): a hybrid between Mentha aquatica and Mentha spicata, high in menthol, with a strong cooling sensation, often used in neuroscience research and alertness-enhancing products.

– Mentha spicata (Spearmint): a milder, less menthol-rich aroma, popular in cuisine and herbal teas.

– Mentha arvensis (Japanese mint / Corn mint): an important source of menthol extract in the pharmaceutical and essential oil industries.

– Mentha aquatica (Water mint): grows near water sources, has a deep herbal scent, and is often used in European folk medicine.

– Mentha longifolia (Wild mint / Horse mint): has a strong, slightly spicy scent and is traditionally used in the Middle East and North Africa.

In Vietnam, the concept of "mint" in everyday life may include:

– Common mint (often close to Mentha arvensis or Mentha spicata)

– Húng lủi (a local variety, widely used in cuisine)

The fact that many species are collectively called "mint" reflects a folk naming convention based on scent and perception, not entirely consistent with scientific classification.

Scientific References

McKemy, D. D., Neuhausser, W. M., & Julius, D. (2002). Identification of a cold receptor reveals a general role for TRP channels in thermosensation. Nature, 416, 52–58.

Bautista, D. M., Siemens, J., Glazer, J. M., et al. (2007). The menthol receptor TRPM8 is the principal detector of environmental cold. Nature, 448, 204–208.

Eccles, R. (1994). Menthol and related cooling compounds. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 46(8), 618–630.

Craig, A. D. (2009). How do you feel — now? The anterior insula and human awareness. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 10, 59–70.

HERBAL MALLORCA