Our conversation today will be about mint. I was walking, it was so warm, the cherries and apricots were blooming, it was simply beautiful, the lilacs would soon bloom. I really love flowers, admiring or inhaling their scent. There is such a smell of spring in the air that a smile involuntarily appears on your face.
Today I want to pay attention to mint. Peppermint grows in my mother's garden. Mom loves the aroma of mint and lemon balm, and loves to drink tea. I already wrote about lemon balm on the blog in the article ““. And today I want to consider beneficial features and contraindications for peppermint.
Now there are many varieties of mint: lemon mint, apple mint, green mint, curly mint. Mint is native to the Mediterranean. In Rome, for example, they rubbed tables with mint when they were waiting for guests, and sprinkled the rooms with mint water, thus filling the room with the aroma of freshness and peace. Mint came to Russia from England and was introduced in the 19th century. Mint was grown and used for soap making, from it essential oil.
Mint can now be easily purchased at a pharmacy. But my mother never bought mint at the pharmacy. It grew in our garden beds. Mom cut it and dried it, and then brewed mint tea or used it in herbal teas.
Let's take a closer look at the beneficial properties of peppermint and contraindications for use. To be honest, although I love mint tea, I rarely drink it because I have low blood pressure. But sometimes I add a sprig of mint to green tea when I brew green tea in a teapot.
Mint contains a lot of menthol, which gives it characteristic aroma and taste, but this is if we talk about infusions, decoctions and tea.
It is impossible not to note the cooling property of mint.
Peppermint essential oil is obtained from fresh mint and used in folk medicine, cosmetology, perfumery. Mint is used in the alcoholic beverage industry and in pharmaceuticals.
In cooking, mint is used as a seasoning, both dry and fresh.
Mint goes well with meat dishes and vegetables.
Peppermint. Beneficial features
- Decoctions and infusions of mint are used for nausea, as well as to improve digestion.
- Mint leaves contain menthol, ascorbic acid, carotene, flavonoids, tannins and ethers.
- Mint is used as a sedative and analgesic for nervous agitation.
- Mint is used for insomnia; mint is a great calming agent.
- Mint is useful because it improves the functioning of our intestines.
- Mint has an antiemetic effect.
- Mint also has sedative properties, which allows it to be used for nervous disorders.
- Mint decoctions and infusions have an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Mint is used for stomach and intestinal spasms, as mint relieves spasms well.
- Mint is used for flatulence.
- Mint is used for cardiovascular diseases.
- Mint tea with honey is useful for colds.
- It's mint excellent remedy for skin diseases, for skin itching.
- Mint is used in the form of decoctions for oral care.
- Mint has a choleretic effect.
- Decoctions and infusions made from mint are used to treat the bladder.
- Peppermint tea is used to combat migraines.
Also, mint leaves are applied to sore spots, for example, to the temples, for headaches; the essential oils contained in mint have healing effects.
Speaking about the beneficial properties of mint, you also need to take into account contraindications to the use of this medicinal herb. But mint does not have many contraindications.
Peppermint. Contraindications
- Mint is contraindicated for people suffering low blood pressure. I drink mint tea, even though I have low blood pressure, but I drink it, as they say, with caution.
- Mint is contraindicated for pregnant women and nursing mothers. But, mint copes well with toxicosis of pregnant women and, if necessary, you can consult a doctor about its use during pregnancy.
- Mint is contraindicated in case of allergies or individual intolerance to mint.
- Follow the dosage when preparing mint decoctions and infusions, as if you exceed the dosage it may cause drowsiness.
It is advisable to refrain from treating children with mint. And for children infancy, mint is generally strictly contraindicated, since menthol, which is contained in mint, causes depression and respiratory arrest.
In any case, consult your doctor before using mint.
Mint collection
Mint is collected during the budding period (beginning of flowering) from June to July. Cut the mint with a knife or scissors.
Before drying the mint, you can wash it and shake off the water. To be honest, my mother never did this, but my friend always rinses the mint with water before drying it.
You can also dry mint in a well-ventilated area. After the mint has dried, it must be collected in a cotton bag.
You can store dried mint in a glass jar, which must be closed with a lid, or in a cotton bag.
Application of mint. Preparation of tea, decoction, infusion
Mint is used both in folk and official medicine, they say tea is made from mint leaves. It is used in various herbal preparations.
Mint tea with honey is very tasty, I really like it myself. Moreover, you can use both fresh and dry mint.
Most often we use dry mint and only fresh mint in the summer. A decoction and infusion is prepared from mint leaves, which is used for various ailments.
Mint tea
It's quite easy to prepare. When we visit friends, they live in their own house. Our friend, especially in the summer, treats us mint tea, since it has a cooling effect, which is especially important in summer.
You need to take a small handful of fresh mint leaves and pour a liter of boiling water over them. Leave for about 15-20 minutes, then strain. Honey or sugar is added to this tea to taste. It turns out to be a very tasty drink.
But, if there is no fresh mint, then tea can be made from dry leaves. For one serving, that is, for a cup of tea, you need to take one teaspoon of mint and pour 250 ml of it. boiling water, leave for 15 minutes. Strain and add honey or sugar to taste.
Mint decoction
To prepare a mint infusion, you need to take a tablespoon of mint and pour half a liter of water over it. Place all this in a saucepan on the fire and simmer for about 10 minutes, preferably over low heat. Then turn off the heat and let the broth brew for 10-15 minutes, then strain.
This decoction is drunk half a glass three times a day before meals. You can add sugar or honey to taste. A friend of ours drinks mint tea or an infusion without any sugar or honey. But, to be honest, I don’t really like mint tea without sugar. Although I understand that this is all for everyone. I always add a little honey, only natural honey or sugar.
Mint infusion
Mint infusion is very easy to prepare. I sometimes make myself a mint infusion. A teaspoon of mint leaves should be poured into 200 ml. boiling water and leave for about 20 minutes. Then strain and add honey or sugar to taste.
This infusion has good action for insomnia, for stress, for headaches, for abdominal pain. The infusion perfectly calms and relieves spasms. For insomnia, this infusion can be prepared and drunk at night.
I know that mint infusion is drunk for heartburn, but I personally tried it myself. It didn't help me. Peppermint made the heartburn even worse.
Recently on my blog I wrote about the use of nettle, its beneficial properties and contraindications. If you are interested in information about nettles, you can read it in my article ““.
I want to say that the beneficial properties of mint are impressive, but before using mint, read the contraindications. After all, mint, like any medicinal plant, has contraindications and all this is very important. It is also better to consult your doctor about the use of mint.
The medicinal properties and contraindications of peppermint have been known for a long time. Even ancient Roman philosophers and thinkers spoke of it as a herb that clears the mind and gives health. IN Ancient Rus' fragrant bunches were hung in the hut to ward off evil spirits. And in Asian countries, mint was used to pay for services and goods.
The plant is still valued today. Wherever they use fragrant herbs - in cooking and cosmetology, medicine and perfumery. But peppermint is especially popular among traditional healers. Teas, decoctions and infusions are prepared from it, used for masks and hair rinsing. Why is this weed, inconspicuous at first glance, so good?
Peppermint helps maintain health and beauty
What grows in the garden?
There are more than a dozen varieties of mint, but the most famous and popular in our country is peppermint. It is this that inexperienced gardeners often confuse with lemon balm. Indeed, these herbs are very similar in appearance, but have some differences in their chemical composition.
The aroma of mint is bright and rich, with a pronounced hint of menthol. This is explained by the high concentration of essential oils in the leaves and flowers of the plant. Melissa has a softer smell and resembles the aroma of lemon. No wonder it is called “lemon grass” or “lemon balm.” There are much fewer esters in lemon balm - no more than 1%.
What is healthier, mint or lemon balm? It is impossible to answer this question unequivocally. Each herb is good in its own way, but they have almost the same effect on the human body. However, despite the high medicinal properties lemon balm, Alternative medicine prefers peppermint. Maybe because of its fresh and slightly tart aroma?
Composition and medicinal properties of peppermint
According to pharmacognosy (a branch of pharmacy that studies raw materials of natural origin), the value of a medicinal plant is determined by high content menthol oil. In mint leaves it is 4–5%, and in inflorescences - a little more than 6%. This is a fairly high concentration and what better conditions growth, the greater the amount of ester present in the soft parts of the grass.
When applied topically, menthol oil has an irritating and cooling effect, has a pronounced bactericidal effect, and actively affects nerve endings.
This is interesting. Mint got its name in honor of the ancient nymph Minta, who was killed by the wife of the ruler of the kingdom of the dead, Hades. Therefore, people consider her female grass and is widely used to relieve menstrual cramps.
What else is mint good for? In addition to menthol oil, the medicinal plant contains a whole list of healing components:
- vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, carotene;
- organic acids;
- resinous and tannin compounds;
- bitterness;
- Hesperides;
- fiber, fats, proteins and carbohydrates;
- Sahara;
- microelements - iron, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, potassium;
- saponins.
Peppermint is used as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, vasodilator and sedative. The bitterness it contains improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, restores intestinal motility, and stimulates bile secretion. The smell of menthol helps you concentrate and improves brain activity, activates memory and attention.
Many studies have proven the anti-cancer effects of peppermint. It is also effective in the treatment of herpes, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. The herb is especially useful for women. Traditional healers recommend it to relieve symptoms of menopause, PMS, and various gynecological diseases.
Contraindications to the use of peppermint
Excessive use of mint-based medicines can adversely affect health and general health. Therefore, when starting treatment, you must remember the limitations:
- varicose veins;
- reduced arterial pressure;
- period of breastfeeding (possibly decreased lactation);
- individual reaction to plant components.
There is a popular belief that mint is contraindicated for the stronger sex due to its ability to reduce libido. There is no scientific confirmation of such information. However, men should listen to the advice of traditional healers and not get carried away with herbal medicine. The calming and relaxing effect of the herb may well affect potency.
Attention. Peppermint is not advisable for people employed in hazardous industries or those involved in operating precision machines and mechanisms. The medicinal plant is also not recommended for workers with high emotional stress: dispatchers serving in emergency response teams.
If the dosage or frequency of use of peppermint is exceeded, adverse reactions may occur:
- allergies;
- intestinal disorders, belching;
- heaviness and pain in the gastrointestinal tract, heartburn;
Scope of mint
The beneficial properties of peppermint were studied in detail at the end of the 18th century by British scientists. It was in England that a number of experiments were carried out proving the beneficial effect of the plant on the human body. The studies examined the irritating ability of menthol, its effect on the constriction and dilation of blood vessels. The resulting effect was used to create Validol, which eliminates angina attacks.
What else does mint help with? The scope of its use is very wide - it is various diseases and pathological conditions:
- Headaches, toothaches, bruises, neuralgia.
- Defeats skin- dermatitis, burns, acne, insect bites.
- Dandruff, greasy hair.
- Wrinkles, enlarged pores, facial ptosis.
- Respiratory infections, influenza, acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections, rhinitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis.
- Gynecological ailments, painful and heavy menstruation, menopausal syndrome.
- Ailments of the liver and gastrointestinal tract - spasms, colic, nausea, flatulence, cholecystitis, hepatitis, helminthic infestations.
- Irregularities at work cordially- vascular system- tachycardia, vasospasm of the heart, angina pectoris, increased blood pressure.
- Nervous irritability, insomnia, emotional stress, deterioration of attention and memory.
Peppermint is quite effective in preventing cancer, especially in the area prostate gland, lungs, colon, chest and skin.
Attention. The medicinal plant increases the immunity and resistance of the body during prolonged exposure to radiation, therefore it is often used as additional measure during chemotherapy.
The medicinal properties of mint have made it truly indispensable in many situations. Moreover, the plant is used not only in traditional medicine recipes.
Pharmacy drugs
On pharmacy shelves you can see a lot medicines made from aromatic herbs. These are packaged mint teas and crushed raw materials in cardboard boxes, essential oils in concentrated form.
Menthol, isolated from leaves and flowers, is included in tablets for motion sickness, ointments, pencils for runny nose and headaches, and is also used to make known drugs- Mark, Validol, Pectusin, Valocordin, Corvalol, Doctor Mom, Ingafen, Menovazin, Zelenin drops and many other medications. Menthol oil is widely used to flavor toothpastes, mouth rinses, shampoos, and face creams.
The use of mint in folk medicine - popular recipes
All parts of peppermint - leaves, flowers and stems - have beneficial properties. They are used in dry or fresh form, both internally and externally. From healing herb prepare infusions, decoctions, teas, make extracts and essential oils. Each of dosage forms used according to its indications, it has its own peculiarities of reception and limitations.
Mint tea
A medicinal drink with a refreshing and soothing aroma, used for nervous breakdowns, physical and emotional stress, insomnia, irritability and fatigue. Mint tea eliminates cramps and colic in the abdomen, has a choleretic effect, and improves appetite. This infusion is especially useful for respiratory diseases and sore throat.
Attention. Patients with hypotension should take peppermint tea infrequently and in small quantities.
Cooking medicinal infusion in the following way:
- a spoonful of dried leaves and flowers (required) is poured with a glass of boiling water;
- keep in a sealed container for 15 minutes;
- filter and take in small sips half an hour before meals.
Mint decoction
It is better to prepare the product from the hard parts of the plant, which are difficult to part with beneficial substances - stems, branches, lower leaves. It is used to combat constipation and increased stomach acidity, sour belching. Prescribed as additional remedy with pulmonary hemorrhages.
Attention. Decoctions, unlike teas and infusions, are always filtered only when hot.
For the mint drink you will need:
- 2 tbsp. l. crushed raw materials;
- 500 ml water.
The herb is poured into a thermos and filled with hot liquid, left for 30 minutes, and filtered. The decoction is taken cooled, 2-3 sips before meals.
For sore throat, rhinitis or adenoiditis, the product is used for inhalation. Healing vapors are inhaled hot for 10–12 minutes. When skin diseases soothing baths are prescribed based on a water extract from the plant - 70 grams of dry herb are taken per 10 liters of liquid.
Peppermint tincture
The medicine is prepared using alcohol or vodka. Used for rinsing and inhalation when infectious diseases ENT organs, eliminating headaches and migraines.
The following ingredients are used to create the extract:
- 50 grams of dry mint;
- 250 ml of alcohol or vodka.
The grass is poured with alcohol and kept in a closed vessel for 25–30 days. Ready tincture filter and consume 15–25 drops per dose.
A similar extract is prepared from fresh mint. The whole bush is torn off, chopped and poured with boiling water to just cover parts of the plant. Sugar and 0.75 vodka or alcohol are added to the mixture. Leave in a dark and cool place for at least a month.
Attention. Mint tincture helps with sleep disorders, hiccups, toothache and headaches. It improves the functioning of the heart muscle and is used for women's diseases. The drug is not recommended for use by pregnant women, hypotensive patients and children.
Peppermint essential oil
The drug is actively used for diseases of the nervous, digestive and cardiovascular systems:
- tachycardia, arrhythmia, angina pectoris;
- hypertension;
- heartburn, belching and nausea, pain in the gastrointestinal tract;
- flu, sore throat, laryngitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, tuberculosis;
- irritability, insomnia, emotional stress.
Peppermint essential oil is used for diseases of the heart, central nervous system and respiratory system. Methods of using menthol oil can be different:
- A little ether is dripped onto a piece of sugar or into a spoon of honey and taken together with tea, juice or lactic acid drinks.
- Inhalations using a nebulizer or a regular pan of hot water are done once a day.
- In soothing baths add 7-10 drops of menthol concentrate to the entire volume of liquid;
- For rinsing in a glass warm water dissolve 3–4 drops of ether;
- Compresses are prepared from ¼ tsp. products and 25 ml of alcohol or vodka.
Concentrated mint oil perfectly cleanses and aromas the air in the room. To do this, just drop a little ether into the aroma lamp.
Beauty Recipes
The beneficial properties of peppermint are widely used in cosmetology and the perfume industry. Based on it, many skincare products with a soothing, tonic and cooling effect are made. Well, since the plant has an aseptic effect and perfectly eliminates unpleasant odors, it is often included in deodorants, antiperspirants and mouth rinses.
Skin care for face and hands
Peppermint is good for the skin different types. It tightens, tones and smoothes dull and wrinkled skin, cleanses oily skin and reduces sebum secretion, fights acne and pimples. With regular use, the dermis is saturated with vitamins and microelements, and the complexion improves.
Lotions and creams, nourishing and moisturizing masks are prepared from mint. For example, to combat oily, acne-prone skin, prepare a product from 5 tbsp. l. dry inflorescences and a glass of boiling water. The mixture is infused, filtered, poured into ice trays and frozen. Every morning, wipe the face with a cold product and apply a suitable cream.
For flabby and wrinkled skin, a mask of crushed fresh leaves, yolk and sour cream is suitable. The ingredients are mixed and applied to the face. Leave for 15–20 minutes and rinse with cool water.
Attention. Peppermint will help sunburned and inflamed skin. The herb will quickly calm and restore the epidermis and eliminate redness.
The medicinal plant is no less useful for the skin of the hands. Creams based on menthol oil will quickly restore the whiteness and softness of your brushes, add a pleasant aroma, and strengthen your nails. And hot baths will relieve pain in the presence of arthrosis and arthritis of the joints of the fingers and wrists.
Peppermint for hair
Fragrant herb is especially useful for oily curls. It reduces sebum production, eliminates dandruff, moisturizes hair and nourishes the scalp. For treatment, you can use menthol oil, which is added to shampoo and rinse water or herbal infusions, which are used to wash clean strands.
Peppermint restores hair well after curling and coloring, adds shine and a pleasant aroma, and accelerates growth. Regular use of the herb will help keep your hair healthy and full.
Peppermint during pregnancy
The effect of mint on the body of pregnant women has been fully studied, so no one doubts the benefits of the herb for the expectant mother. Remedies based on aromatic herbs help in many situations:
- excellent fight against early and late toxicosis;
- eliminate discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract;
- improve intestinal motility and food digestion;
- relieve spasms and pain of unknown etiology;
- calm nerves, help cope with stress and irritability, and improve sleep.
It must be remembered that you should take peppermint-based products only after consulting a doctor, since the herb has a number of contraindications, which were mentioned above.
Attention. If a woman suffers from varicose veins or low blood pressure, which is very common during pregnancy, it is advisable to limit the use of mint.
Particularly interesting is the effect of the medicinal plant on lactation. In small doses, the herb can increase the amount of milk, and in excessive doses, on the contrary, it can reduce it. Thus, if a woman wants to stop lactation, she should increase the use of infusions and teas.
The medicinal properties and contraindications of peppermint have been well studied for a long time. It has been proven that this unique plant capable of fighting many diseases and long years support feminine beauty. However, taking the herb in medicinal purposes It is recommended to consult a doctor, since the plant has a number of contraindications.
Attention. The article is for informational purposes only. Specialist consultation is required.
Mint has several dozen varieties, but the most popular in use is peppermint. This is due to the large amount of menthol in the stems and leaves of the plant, especially before the flowering period.
Menthol is a valuable essential oil and its range of uses is quite wide.
The chemical composition of peppermint stems and leaves is quite rich healthy oils, vitamins and microelements:
- Peppermint contains the most menthol. The leaves contain about 2.5% menthol, and the stems about 5%;
- more than 20% fatty oils;
- tannins;
- resins;
- about 0.01% carotene in leaves;
- hesperidin;
- a small amount of useful acids: oleic, ursolic, coffee, chlorogenic and ascorbic;
- routine
To concentrate everything useful material, peppermint oil is released artificially or is released naturally when cooked various compositions and tinctures.
Indications for use in folk medicine
The easiest way to use mint for medicinal purposes is externally. You can rub the leaves on inflamed areas of the skin and menthol soothes it and relieves swelling and inflammation. You can treat tired areas of your arms and legs in the same way.
Providing irritant effect on the nerve endings, menthol will cool them and tingle pleasantly, relieving fatigue and muscle tone. If you have a headache, you can rub the leaves of the plant on your temples, and if you have a stuffy nose, you can rub it on your sinuses.
The plant is also used in the same way to treat symptoms of angina pectoris, if indicated. When menthol irritates the vessels that are on the surface of the skin, the vessels inside the body dilate. In this case, the pain begins to go away almost instantly. For pain in the heart area, mint can also be taken orally. Usually the leaf is chewed with a piece of sugar. It has an anesthetic effect and relieves pain.
The use of mint internally for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is very effective. When consumed, it irritates the mucous membrane, thereby stimulating the functioning of internal organs.
In addition, the herb eliminates spasms and kills pathogenic bacteria, because often the cause of diseases of the digestive system is the development of putrefactive processes or the spread of microbes that cause fermentation. Mint stops unfavorable processes and improves production gastric juice.
Mint is a popular ingredient in many preparations. For example, for the treatment of diseases of the liver, gall bladder, and cardiovascular system. Independently and in combination with others medicinal herbs mint has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system, relieves mental stress, eliminates insomnia, calms.
Mint extract helps remove mucus from the bronchi, which is why it is often added to antitussive medications. In addition, menthol softens the throat. affected by the cough reflex.
Mint has occupied a very important place in dentistry for many years. It was the most common pain reliever and to this day many anti-dental pain medications include menthol. In addition, menthol is included in almost all toothpastes. This has an analgesic and antiseptic effect in the oral cavity.
The herb effectively fights dandruff; it is added to some anti-dandruff shampoos, and at home you can prepare a mask for the scalp or a decoction for rinsing.
Thus, the plant is an excellent decongestant, analgesic and antiseptic. It is included in many medicines and is used in the treatment of various diseases.
Herbal Recipes
To get maximum benefits for the body from medicinal plant, it is important to prepare it correctly.
How to brew medicinal tea?
The most common use is peppermint tea. However, the brewing process is significantly different from preparing regular tea. In order for the plant to release more oils, it must first be prepared. At first fresh leaves Together with the stems, you need to rinse well and dry with a towel.
Then put the mint in a teapot for brewing, add a little sugar, grind them and leave for 10 minutes. The mint needs to be infused, it will release its juice and then you can pour boiling water over it. Brew for 15 minutes. That is, much longer than regular tea.
Dry leaf decoction
You can also make tea from dried mint. This drink will be no less useful, but it is better to prepare dry mint in the form of a decoction. A tablespoon of dry leaves should be poured into two glasses. cold water and put on medium heat. After boiling, it is recommended to wait a couple of minutes and leave the broth to cool. The recommended dose remains the same - 250 ml.
Mint with lemon and honey as a mask for face and hair
When preparing tea or infusion, you can add various ingredients depending on the effect you want to achieve. Lemon and honey - strengthen the immune system, soften sore throat, chamomile - soothes the stomach and nervous system, sage helps with coughs. Together with additional components mint will be more effective.
Therapeutic cosmetology is also full of recipes with mint. For example, when treating dandruff, you can make a scalp mask based on olive oil and peppermint essential oil. In addition to dandruff, mint will kill fungi and visually increase hair volume. You can rinse your hair with a mint decoction diluted ¼ after washing your hair. They will become more magnificent and will not get dirty for a long time.
For treatment oily skin For your face, you can make a mask based on blue cosmetic clay, water and menthol. Menthol will dry out small pimples and cleanses pores.
Benefits of peppermint oil for the body
Oil obtained from mint leaves and stems is added to various medicines:
- Peppermint tablets, which are used for nausea or stomach upsets;
- Pectussin - tablets that are used to treat symptoms of acute respiratory infections;
- Kameton - a spray that relieves inflammation in the throat;
- Evkator - a means for rinsing the mouth and throat during inflammatory processes;
- Menovazin is a rubbing agent that has an analgesic effect and relieves itching;
- Validol - drops for the treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system.
In addition to this list, there are a large number of analogues of the listed drugs with similar effects and the presence of peppermint oil in the base.
From the video you can learn about healing properties mint, its use in medicine and cooking.
Contraindications for use and harm
In addition to its beneficial properties, mint, like any plant, has its contraindications:
- Individual intolerance, which can be expressed both in allergic reactions and in rejection of smell and taste;
- Since mint lowers blood pressure, it is not recommended for hypotensive people, that is, people with low blood pressure, since their general state may worsen rapidly;
- For varicose veins, mint can also be harmful, so it is not recommended to use it even for medicinal purposes;
- There are studies that prove that regular use mint can adversely affect potency in men, so men should use it with caution or completely exclude it from the diet;
- Mint reduces reaction and causes drowsiness, so it should not be consumed before driving or doing activities. dangerous species activities;
- Children under 12 years of age should also not consume mint on a regular basis. Since it has a depressant effect on the central nervous system;
- There is an opinion that overuse mint helps to terminate pregnancy. Therefore, women in interesting position It is better to avoid soothing tea.
If not one point concerns you, then feel free to add mint teas and decoctions to your diet. However, it should be borne in mind that everything is good in moderation and should not be abused. herbal tea and exceed the indicated dose.
How to prepare mint for the winter
In addition to the fact that proper preparation is very important in preserving medicinal properties plants, it is equally important to collect it correctly and on time. Collection is best done during the period just before flowering. At this point, mint is most saturated with beneficial oils.
Mint stems must be trimmed with scissors to 2-/3 of total length plants. Before harvesting, mint needs to be processed. First you need to wash it under running water. cold water to wash away dirt, dust and small insects. Then the stems are dried with a paper towel and air-dried.
The most popular way to prepare mint for the winter is drying. Dry mint for 10 to 20 days, depending on conditions. Drying should be done in a dry and ventilated place at high temperature.
To keep mint leaves in their original form and make tea from them or decorate a dish with them, mint can be frozen. To do this, washed and dried stems and leaves can be placed in a plastic bag and placed in the freezer. However, storing the plant in this form for more than 6 months is not recommended, nor is re-freezing it.
Using these methods, you can preserve mint for the long winter months and enjoy its aroma all year round.
Mint is one of the most common medicinal plants. It is not fussy to grow and can take root in almost any garden. But how much benefit can you get from it? It is not for nothing that from time immemorial pharmacists around the world have been adding extracts from mint leaves and stems to medicines for various diseases.
At correct use mint can cope with many ailments. Therefore, in the absence of contraindications, it can be actively used by the whole family.
Today, quite a large number of various types mint, the main difference of which is the composition of essential oils and the properties they have on the human body. As Wikipedia points out, there are about 25 species and 10 natural hybrids. We will consider only 2 - the most popular.
Peppermint, whose leaves contain a large amount of menthol, has gained maximum popularity. Thanks to menthol essential oils, this type of plant is used in traditional and folk medicine, as well as cosmetology. Menthol is added to various means, used to treat certain skin conditions, is found in toothpaste, helping to eliminate oral cavity unpleasant aroma.
Medicinal mint has a lot of positive properties:
- This is an excellent diuretic, thanks to which excess fluid is removed from the body. If you consume a lot of pickles, drinking fresh mint tea daily may be helpful;
- turns out choleretic effect, therefore can be used as a means for;
- used as an antiemetic - mix a few drops of pomegranate and mint juice. This composition helps relieve nausea, stop vomiting and can be taken during pregnancy;
- has a calming effect on the nervous system, helps relieve anxiety. To do this, it will be enough to drink a cup of tea, for the preparation of which dried or fresh mint can be used;
- the plant has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. For this purpose it is brewed fresh grass, the mint should be boiled for several minutes and the finished tea can be taken for migraines and headaches;
- peppermint can be used in cosmetology to strengthen and treat hair. It is useful to regularly rinse your strands with warm broth after each wash. However, if such a natural rinse is used, it is strictly forbidden to use a hair dryer to dry your hair. This product perfectly nourishes the strands, restores natural shine, stimulates hair growth, and eliminates the problem of split ends;
- It is recommended to use peppermint decoction lotions to eliminate inflammation and relieve itching of the scalp.
Regular mint
This type includes several species, usually the most used: Japanese mint (Mentha japonica), water mint (Mentha aquatica), marsh mint (Mentha pulegium) and apple mint (lat. Mentha rotundifolia).
Mint leaves contain a large amount of menthol, which has an antiseptic, antispasmodic and local anesthetic effect. Regular mint can be taken internally as tea or externally.
Mint is beneficial for angina pectoris severe pain in the stomach, intestines - taken orally. If the concern is severe toothache, diagnosed with neuralgia, bronchitis or other disease respiratory tract, the plant is used externally. It is thanks to its properties that mint is added to a variety of ointments, tablets and other medications.
Mint infusions help relieve inflammation in the oral cavity, eliminate abdominal cramps, heartburn, and heart pain. This plant has an excellent tonic effect and can relieve rapid heartbeat, bringing it back to normal. Often used during treatment of ulcerative colitis and constipation.
And due to the presence of bitterness, the plant helps stimulate the functioning of the gallbladder and liver. Used for removing stones formed in gallbladder, helps to gently but effectively cleanse the liver.
Ordinary mint is widely used both in the pharmaceutical and perfume industries, and is added to a variety of confectionery and some alcoholic beverages.
Properties of mint
Mint has a lot of beneficial properties, thanks to which it has been used in folk medicine for many centuries, because our ancestors knew about its positive effect on the body.
The benefits of mint
- Beautiful and natural depressant. Mint leaves are brewed like simple tea, the drink is infused for 10 minutes and is ready to drink.
- It has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, therefore it is found in various medications.
- It has an analgesic, astringent and expectorant effect. Mint is useful to use during the treatment of various diseases of the stomach, rheumatism and tuberculosis.
- A tincture made from peppermint quickly removes even severe attacks headache.
- Helps with flatulence.
- Peppermint essential oil stimulates hair growth. To do this, you need to prepare a simple decoction - take the leaves of the plant (300 g) and pour boiling water (1 l), boil the mixture for 30 minutes. The decoction is infused for another half hour and used to rinse the strands.
Chemical composition and calorie content
The calorie content of fresh mint per 100 g is 70 kcal, and also:
- Proteins - 3.75 g
- Fat - 0.94 g
- Carbohydrates - 6.89 g
- Ash - 1.76 g
- Water - 78.65 g
- Dietary fiber - 8 g
- A - 212 mcg
- B1 - 0.082 mg
- B2 - 0.266 mg
- B5 - 0.338 mg
- B6 - 0.129 mg
- B9 - 114 mcg
- C - 31.8 mg
- PP - 1.706 mg
- Calcium - 243 mg
- Potassium - 569 mg
- Phosphorus - 73 mg
- Magnesium - 80 mg
- - 31 mg
- Iron - 5.08 mg
- Manganese - 1.176 mg
- Iron - 5.08 mg
- Copper - 329 mcg
- Zinc - 1.11 mg
Mint treatment
- Blood circulation improves, mint is used to slow down and normalize rapid heartbeat.
- Recommended for diseases of the vascular system and heart.
- Plant oil is used during cooking large quantity medicines used for stomach diseases.
- Regular consumption of mint helps normalize digestion, eliminate attacks of nausea and flatulence.
- If there are no contraindications, mint can be used to treat asthma and various inflammatory processes occurring in the bronchi and lungs.
Contraindication
- The presence of individual intolerance to the plant.
- With severe nervous excitability, insomnia.
- If infertility has been diagnosed, since regular use of mint can aggravate the situation.
- Low pressure.
- During breastfeeding(milk supply may decrease).
- Not recommended for men, as there is a decrease in libido.
- Children under 3 years of age.
Useful properties of Mint
- blood pressure decreases;
- the heart rhythm is brought back to normal;
- recommended for angina pectoris, arrhythmia, atherosclerosis;
- the tone of the vascular walls increases;
- has an antiseptic and disinfectant effect;
- relieves headaches;
- breathing becomes easier;
- body temperature decreases;
- relieves sore throat;
- has a cooling and anesthetic effect during the treatment of pharyngitis, sore throat;
- are eliminated inflammatory processes flowing in the maxillary sinuses;
- the work of the kidneys and gall bladder is facilitated;
- normalizes intestinal functioning;
- stomach acidity decreases;
- prevents the development of peptic ulcers;
- the development of pathogenic bacteria is prevented;
- relieves heartburn attacks;
- liver cells have a strengthening effect, thereby increasing their protective functions;
- the development of cholelithiasis is prevented;
- the outflow of bile is normalized.
Harm
Uncontrolled use of mint leads to not the most pleasant consequences and allergic reaction, manifested by the following symptoms:
- itching, skin rashes;
- breathing is impaired;
- redness of the skin;
- bronchospasm;
- Strong headache;
- nausea;
- vomit.
Application of the plant
Mint has a lot of positive properties and becomes almost irreplaceable. medicinal plant, which can be used in various fields.
Mint in cooking: recipes
This plant gives dishes an interesting aroma. Mint perfectly calms and refreshes, gives a boost of vigor and energy. Most often it is used in the preparation of a variety of refreshing drinks. Mint tea can be brewed at any time of the year using fresh or dried raw materials.
A variety of dishes can be prepared with this herb - meat, fish, main dishes, desserts, drinks and decoctions.
1. Non-alcoholic mojito at home
To prepare a refreshing mojito you will need:
- Carbonated mineral water or regular - 300 ml
- Lime - 1 pc.
- Fresh mint - 15–20 leaves
- Sugar - 2?3 tsp.
- Ice crushed in a blender - 2/3 glass
- Cut the lime into slices.
- , mint leaves and sugar put in a glass.
- Ceiling with a muddler.
- Add ice.
- Pour soda to the top and stir the mojito.
- Garnish with a mint leaf if desired and serve the drink with 1-2 straws.
2. Peppermint tea
To prepare traditional mint tea, take 1 tbsp. l. leaves of the plant and pour in 200 g of boiling water. The drink is infused for about 10 minutes. You can drink tea both hot and cold. You can add a couple of drops of lemon juice.
3. Mint infusion
To improve performance digestive system and improving appetite, it is useful to prepare the following infusion:
- 2 tsp. dry mint leaves are crushed;
- raw materials are poured 1 tbsp. boiling water;
- the tincture is left for 30 minutes;
- the product is filtered and can be taken.
4. Decoction
This product has a disinfectant and antitussive effect. It is recommended to take 1 tbsp. l. three times a day for illnesses respiratory system. The decoction is prepared according to the following recipe:
- take 15 g of dry mint leaves;
- pour 1 tbsp. water;
- the mixture is placed on the stove, brought to a boil, and boiled for 15 minutes;
- The broth is left for half an hour and filtered.
5. Oil
Peppermint essential oil is used quite widely, which is due to the large amount of menthol included in its composition. During a cold, menthol helps ease breathing, helps with asthma, sinusitis, cough, bronchitis, and headaches. Can be used to relieve attacks of nausea and vomiting, and is useful for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Peppermint oil is good for depression, severe stress, emotional stress. To relieve severe tension, it is recommended to add a couple of drops to the bath.
Peppermint essential oil is widely used in cosmetologists, supporting good condition skin and hair:
- useful for weakened, thin and brittle hair, eliminates dandruff, irritation and increased oiliness of the scalp. To do this, just add just a couple of drops of mint essential oil to your usual shampoo, then apply it to your hair, foam, leave for a minute, and then rinse with plenty of water;
- to improve blood circulation and stimulate hair growth, it is recommended to rub a few drops of mint oil into the scalp;
- excellent oil moisturizes and nourishes the skin, relieves irritation and itching, helps in the fight against acne and acne.
Video about the beneficial properties of mint and how to use it:
Mint is very beneficial for the body, helps in the fight against various ailments, and is widely used in cooking and cosmetology.
Peppermint: medicinal properties
Chemical composition of peppermint
All parts of the plant, except underground, contain essential oil (stems - up to 0.3%, inflorescences - up to 4.6%, leaves - up to 2.75%), the main component of which is menthol.
The following were found in peppermint leaf oil:
- Jasmone
- pulegon
- cineole
- phellandrene
- dipentene
- pinenes
- menton
- esters of valeric acid and menthol
- oleanolic acid
- ursolic acid
- ascorbic acid
- caffeic acid
- betaine
- hesperedin
- carotene (up to 40%)
Beneficial properties of peppermint
Peppermint is used as an analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antisclerotic, vasodilator, choleretic, diaphoretic, antiemetic, stimulating the heart and blood circulation.
Peppermint has other names: cold mint and English mint.
Traditional medicine recommends this plant for inflammatory diseases upper respiratory tract, bronchitis and bronchiectasis, catarrh of the pharynx and larynx, runny nose, pharyngitis, asthma, sore throat, toothache, migraine, neuralgic pain, liver and intestinal colic, seasickness, as well as in diseases accompanied by spastic contractions of the coronary vessels.
In the form of menthol, which has vasodilating, carminative, antiseptic, antispasmodic and local analgesic properties, this type of mint has therapeutic effect with angina pectoris, gastrointestinal disorders, stomach pain. Peppermint oil is an excellent antiseptic and refreshing agent that is used in toothpastes and powders, as well as for rinsing.
Peppermint oil is included in many mixtures to improve their taste.
For gynecological and cardiovascular disorders, diseases of the liver and gallbladder, spastic constipation and ulcerative colitis It is useful to drink a decoction of peppermint.
Contraindications to the use of peppermint are low blood pressure, increased acidity gastric juice, varicose veins veins There are also age restrictions: children under 3 years of age should use peppermint undesirable.
5 aromatic herbs for salad and tea
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Peppermint treatment: traditional medicine recipes
Hot mint tea is useful for colds and flu. To prepare it, 1 tbsp. A spoonful of dry peppermint leaves should be poured with 200 ml of boiling water and kept in a thermos for 10–15 minutes.
Peppermint baths promote quick withdrawal nervous tension
For various digestive disorders, an infusion of mint leaves is used to improve appetite and prevent gastritis. You can prepare it as follows: brew 2 teaspoons of leaves with 200 ml of boiling water and leave for about 30 minutes. Then strain and drink 1/3 glass 15 minutes before meals 2 times a day. The same infusion is indicated for nausea, vomiting, scanty and heavy menstruation, abdominal pain and poisoning.
Mint contains tannins that protect gastrointestinal tract from irritation
To facilitate unpleasant symptoms menopause, women are recommended to take mint decoction(2 teaspoons of mint leaves pour 500 ml hot water and bring to a boil).
For hypertension, a collection of:
- 2 tbsp. tablespoons peppermint
- 2 tbsp. spoons of chamomile
- 1 tbsp. spoons of valerian
2 teaspoons of the collection are poured into 200 ml of boiling water, left for 30 minutes and drunk 1/3 cup daily for 1 month.
At diabetes mellitus, diseases of the liver, gallbladder and pancreas, prepare a mixture of 3 teaspoons of peppermint and 1 teaspoon of crushed dandelion root. The mixture is poured into 200 ml of water, boiled for 5–7 minutes, left covered for 30 minutes and filtered. Take 1/4 cup 2-4 times a day before meals.
Mint leaves can be used to prepare a soothing mixture. It is necessary to mix them in equal proportions with valerian root and three-leaf watch, and then pour 1 tbsp. spoon of collection 200 ml of boiling water. Herbs should be infused for an hour and taken 100 ml 3 times a day when emotional instability and increased nervousness.
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