Peppermint. Useful properties and contraindications. Application. Peppermint - medicinal properties and contraindications

Many plants have been considered medicinal since ancient times. These include peppermint. The medicinal properties of this herb are the reason for its cultivation. Several centuries ago in folk medicine It was customary to use all varieties of this plant, but today wild crops are not used.

Peppermint: general characteristics plants

Today they are grown in summer cottages and in special farms. It is a natural hybrid of two crossed varieties of mint: watermint and spearmint. Bush perennial about a meter in height has an erect stem and a powerful root system. The leaves are oval, pointed at the ends, darker closer to the top. The flowers are light purple, collected in spike-shaped inflorescences in the axils of the apical leaves.

Medicinal peppers are highly valued among people. There are white and black varieties, their main difference is color. Unlike white mint, the leaves and stem of black mint are dark purple. Both types smell almost the same, only the smell of black mint is sharper.

Easy to care for and medicinal properties peppermint contributes to its widespread distribution. Any soil is suitable for the successful growth of this plant. It grows quite quickly and reproduces vegetatively through layering and division of rhizomes.

Peppermint: composition and beneficial properties

The grass is collected in the summer, at the very beginning of its flowering, dried in the open air, in places inaccessible to direct penetration. sunlight. IN medicinal purposes leaves, flowers and stem are used. Mint contains essential tannins, trace elements, carotene, organic acids, flavonoids, tannins, betaine, and terpenoids.

The main component due to which the medicinal properties of peppermint are of particular value is menthol. This substance has bactericidal and anesthetic properties, and also affects superficial blood vessels.

The medicinal properties of peppermint became the reason for its production various drugs, which are used to treat angina pectoris and neuroses. Among them, we can highlight the products "Corvalol", "Validol" and ". And peppercorn has anti-inflammatory, choleretic and analgesic properties, improves digestion, relieves attacks of nausea. Decoctions are prescribed for colitis, gastritis, liver or gall bladder diseases. Plant extract is also included in mouth rinses, toothpastes and mouth fresheners.

Contraindications

In addition to the beneficial properties, there are some contraindications for the use of mint-based drugs and infusions: low blood pressure, weak pulse, varicose veins veins, increased acidity gastric juice, childhood less than 3 years, pregnancy. Also not recommended for men overuse mint and preparations based on it, since there is a theory about the harmful effects of the herb on male libido.

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;
Not a large number of useful acids: oleic, ursolic, caffeic, 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 adverse processes and improves the production of gastric juice.

Mint is a popular ingredient in many preparations. For example, for the treatment of diseases of the liver, gall bladder, of cardio-vascular system. Alone and in combination with other 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 essential oil peppermint. 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 the healing properties of 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 as allergic reactions, and in the 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 excessive consumption of mint contributes to abortion. 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 you should not abuse herbal tea or 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.

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 of the 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 of gastric juice, and varicose veins. There are also age restrictions: children under 3 years old are not recommended to use peppermint.

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.

Peppermint leaves have been known for a very long time, the remains of which were found a thousand years BC. Much has been written about the medicinal properties of mint. Mentions of this herb are found in the works of Pliny and Avicena, who put a wreath of grass on their heads to improve thinking.

There is even an ancient Greek myth about mint, according to which a Nymph named Menta was the beloved of Hades. Persephone's wife became jealous and turned her into grass, and Hades, in memory of his love, made this grass unusually fragrant.

Everyone loves the peppermint herb. It has found its application in every country. For example, the famous French omelette always includes mint, the Germans sprinkle pea soup sprigs of peppermint, Austrians love potato dumplings, homemade cheese with herbs. Mint tea popular not only in Russia, Moroccans and Tunisians consider it part of daily ritual. In Europe they drink mint punch, we have mint kvass.

Mint description

The medicinal herb mint from the Lamiaceae family is not found wild. There are two forms of pepper mint - mint black and mint white.

Black mint has dark red-violet stems. Several valuable varieties have been bred high content menthol.

White mint has light green stems and leaves. The essential oil of this herb has a more delicate scent than black mint oil. Particularly valuable for the manufacture of perfumes, used for Food Industry, where aroma is important.

Russia cultivates both forms of this plant. Peppermint is a good honey plant. The plant's honey is transparent, with a pleasant refreshing taste and of course a large amount of useful substances.

The grass has a powerful horizontal rhizome with bundles of adventitious roots extending from it. Stem up to a meter tall, tetrahedral, reddish glabrous. The leaves are dark green, opposite, petiolate, oblong, with a single blade. Pink or pale purple flowers in whorls, collected in a spike-shaped inflorescence. Flowering begins in June and continues until September. The fruit is four smooth, red-brown nuts.

Mint composition

essential oil;
fatty oil;
resins;
tannins;
bitterness;
ascorbic acid;
routine;
carotenoids;
ursulic, caffeic, chlorogenic acids;
glucose;
phytosterol;
saponin and other beneficial substances.

Mint collection

Peppermint leaves and shoot tips are collected during the mass flowering phase. Before drying, the grass is sorted and coarse, browned parts are removed. Dry in the shade or dryer at 40 degrees. Store for 2 years, tightly closed. dry room since the leaves are hygroscopic and humidity affects their suitability.

What are the benefits of mint?

used peppermint as a proven stomach remedy - increased acidity, improves the functioning of the intestines and stomach, increases appetite, increases salivation, promotes digestion;
the antimicrobial properties of the herb affect all types pathogenic bacteria Gastrointestinal tract;
reduces hiccups, nausea, vomiting;
taking an infusion of the herb with fresh (1/4 cup three times) is useful for heartburn associated with increased acidity of gastric juice;
mint tea, a wonderful gargle for acute chronic diseases respiratory organs;
infusion of herbal leaves heals any colds, bronchitis, sinusitis, pulmonary hemorrhages;
decoction with honey - sore throat, cough, choking;
mint infusion with milk relieves abdominal pain;
mint helps strengthen the body's immune forces;
peppermint herb is useful as a sedative for nervous disorders, an analgesic, use 1 g of powder from the leaves three times a day;
fresh mint leaves applied to the head relieve headaches;
peppermint is used for heart diseases, it dilates the blood vessels of the heart, brain, and lungs;
infusion of leaves - angina pectoris, painful periods, increases scanty menstruation and weakens excessive, useful for men and women;
jaundice, chronic hepatitis, sharp and chronic cholecystitis, cholangitis;
mint lowers blood pressure and activates the activity of the endocrine glands;
recommended for the treatment of hearing, breathing, vision, metabolic systems;
Mint juice is used - kidney stones, as a diuretic 1 tbsp. with white wine;
Externally, a strong infusion of the herb - cramps, pain due to rheumatism, arthritis, itching, inflammatory processes skin;
poultices, compresses from mint leaves are used as an antitumor;
water with mint - bathe small children if available allergic rash, scrofula, rickets, intestinal colic.

Peppermint essential oil, the main component of which is menthol, is used:

spicy Chronical bronchitis, tracheitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, bronchial asthma, cough, whooping cough, runny nose;
nervous weakness, migraine, headaches, painful menstruation, weather dependence, palpitations and heart pain;
depression, stress;
gastrointestinal diseases;
liver problems, gallbladder, cholelithiasis;
bad breath;
general mental. physical exhaustion body;
dilates blood vessels in the brain;
recommended if the vestibular apparatus is weakened.

Contraindicated in treatment with homeopathic medicines.

Mint treatment

Mint infusion: 2 tbsp. peppermint herb pour 1/2 liter of boiling water into a thermos, soak, strain. Drink in small sips - heartburn, nausea, stomach and intestinal cramps, foul-smelling belching, cholelithiasis, heart diseases.

Mint decoction: for preparing a decoction 2 tbsp. finely chopped medicinal herb mint, a glass of hot water, boil over low heat for 6 minutes, leave for half an hour, drain. Drink 1/2 cup warm before meals. Promotes digestion, gives a healthy, vigorous appearance. Widely used - stomatitis, toothache.

Vinegar decoction: 20g mint leaves, 200ml vinegar, strain after 2 hours. Apply 1 tsp. 2 times.

Decoction for baths, enemas: 50g peppermint herb or 2 tbsp. tinctures in a bucket of water.

Peppermint tincture: 1 tbsp. leaf, 100 ml 90% alcohol, leave for 10 days, strain. Add 100 ml of mint oil and stir. Use 12-15 drops per dose.

Vodka tincture: 100g of dried herb, 0.5l of vodka, keep in a dark, cold place for two weeks, strain. Take two to four weeks from 15 drops to 1 tsp. everything will depend on the disease. To treat colds, runny nose, cough, add 1 tsp to tea. For inhalation, you need to add a few drops to a liter of water. Neuralgia - rub along the nerve several times a day. Useful to add to bath or mouth rinse after brushing.

Peppermint Wine: Pour red wine over 100g of dried herb, seal and leave for a month. Drink 50 ml with meals - as a soothing, vasodilating agent. Useful - angina pectoris, atherosclerosis, colds, cough, headaches.

Tea collection: 100g mint, 100g 100g mixed. Brew fresh every day; if you use it constantly, your general condition improves, the person becomes calmer.

Mint drops: Pour 100g of chopped herbs into a liter of 40% alcohol and leave in a dark place. Drink 25 drops 3 times with water, regardless of meals. Course - 3 months.

Mint tea: 1 tbsp. mint leaves, 200 ml hot water, simmer for 10 minutes. Drink 100ml morning and evening.

Peppermint oil for colds: fill half a liter jar with flowering peppermint fill with a liter vegetable oil without smell. languish water bath, low heat for 25 minutes, cool, strain, squeeze the cake through cheesecloth. Store the dark container tightly closed. Drink a teaspoon - severe dry cough, gastritis with high acidity. Externally rub the temples before bed if it is difficult to sleep, rub sore joints, use for inhalation.

Hangover: to relieve heaviness in the head, discomfort stomach take 20 drops alcohol tincture mint, 200 ml of cold water are consumed in the morning after sleep.

Wounds, cervical erosion: crushed fresh peppermint leaves, 90% alcohol. Take part of the leaf, 10 parts of alcohol. Leave for half a month, then filter. The resulting composition is mixed with the same amount of vegetable oil, and the alcohol is evaporated in a water bath. Used for external use.

Heartburn, diarrhea, stomach cramps. intestines, nausea, vomiting, belching: peppermint leaves, 70% alcohol (1:20), mint oil. Mix well, use 10 - 15 drops.

Bronchitis, cough, pneumonia: 0.2g menthol, 300g garlic pulp, 600g vodka, 150g sugar, 100g silver water stand for eight hours, shaking, strain, squeeze out the rest. Take warm 1 tbsp. 4 times before meals.

Allergy: has a calming effect, reduces symptoms, can be used with other herbs.

1 tbsp. mint, a glass of boiling water, after 30 minutes, drain. Drink 1 tbsp. three times before meals.
2 tbsp. , a tablespoon of mint, add water, heat the water bath for a quarter of an hour. Take warm for 1 hour. spoon 4 times a day.

Gastritis with high acidity: 15g of mint leaves, seeds, 2g of bean, 30g of St. John's wort herb. 2 tbsp. collection, 0.5 boiling water, steam for two hours, drain. Take small sips throughout the day.

Migraine: 0.5 tbsp. mint, 200 ml of boiling water, maintain a boiling water bath for 15 minutes, stirring the contents, strain, add to the original volume. Drink 1/2 cup 2 times a quarter of an hour before meals.

Angina here mint is used as an anti-inflammatory herb for gargling.

2 tbsp each mint, chamomile, 0.5 liters of boiling water, simmer for 10 minutes on low heat, cool slightly;
a tablespoon of mint, add 1/2 tsp. eucalyptus leaf. Mix, add hot water. Leave for 12 hours. Rinse warm three times.

Arthritis: at inflammatory disease joints, mint is used as a distraction with other herbs.

2 tbsp each mint, stinging nettle, 1/2 tbsp. black currant leaf, add boiling water. Leave for six hours. Drink 1 tbsp. three times;
mix 2 tbsp. mint, wheatgrass rhizomes, add 0.5 l warm water. Leave for 12 hours, cook for 10 minutes. Drink 1 tbsp. four times a day.

Tuberculosis: used for open form when there is pulmonary hemorrhage. Mix a tablespoon of spicy mint with half a tablespoon of finely chopped stems of motherwort and herbs. Add one and a half glasses of hot water, simmer on low heat for 5 minutes. Take 1 tbsp. three times.

Sweating: often happens due to wide pores. It is necessary to narrow the pores, remove bad smell sweat. You can make your pores smaller with menthol water, which you can make yourself. Take by weight 1/2 parts menthol, 3 parts alum, 50 parts cologne, 50 parts distilled water. Dissolve alum in water, dissolve menthol with cologne, mix everything. Soak areas with wide pores.

Gastritis with high acidity, stomach ulcers and duodenum, as a sedative, anticonvulsant and appetite stimulant: 15g of peppermint leaf, the color of dill seeds, 30g of St. John's wort herb, 5g of wild carrot seeds. 2 tbsp. collection, 0.5 liters of boiled water, simmer in buried dishes, water bath for 12 minutes, decant after 2 hours. Drink half a glass in small sips before meals half an hour.

Herb mint contraindications

IN moderate amount peppermint plant is useful for everyone, but uncontrolled use, harsh, strong smell can provoke bronchospasms, breathing problems, possible heart pain, sleep disturbances, allergies to components of the oil, herbs when taken orally or externally.

More articles about the plant

Mint leaves contain menthol, which has local analgesic, antispasmodic and antiseptic properties. At the same time, regular use helps to reflexively expand coronary vessels. To treat angina pectoris, pain in the stomach and intestines, mint is simply consumed as food, and for neuralgia and toothaches it is prepared as a painkiller. For respiratory diseases, bronchitis or bronchiectasis, mint is used externally.

Mint – used in food and healing

Pencils containing a mixture of menthol and paraffin help in the fight against migraines. Today in many medicines(Zelenin drops, Valocordin, drugs for cough and runny nose) you can find an essential component - menthol. There are already many uses of mint that can cope with various misfortunes in the stomach, intestines, respiratory system and so on.

It is added to herbal teas and used separately. Mint also serves well in a variety of inhalations, for which oil is most often used. In a word, the fragrant plant is added both to therapeutic and prophylactic preparations and folk remedies, and to give taste qualities various dishes and culinary works.

Everyone knows the aromatic taste of mint; it is light and refreshing, giving a pleasant sensation and a boost of energy. It has a calming effect on the nervous system and relaxes the body as a whole. Every person encounters mint, or more precisely, the menthol it contains, every day. Starting your morning toilet with hygiene procedure– brushing your teeth with a toothpaste that contains this particular component. Mint herb is unpretentious, it can grow well even at home, so its prevalence is understandable.

Useful properties of mint and application

The plant has a lot of useful properties, which makes it an invaluable find in nature's pantry. Today, 25 types of mint are known, the most common of which is peppermint. This is a cultivated plant that was obtained by crossing garden and water mint. Helpful and very valuable properties lie in great content essential oil called menthol.

Thanks to this component, the leaves have a characteristic fresh aroma that is familiar to absolutely everyone. The amount of menthol varies as follows: about 5% is found in the leaves, and more than 6% in the inflorescences. Mint plants are also rich in ascorbic acid, tannins(aromatic substances soluble in water), carotene and esters. The optimal season for collecting material is early spring. It was during this period that the content useful components much more than during the mint flowering period.

Mint is used in herbal medicine, for the preparation of various decoctions, infusions and lotions, and is also added to various dishes: first courses, second courses, desserts, etc. All components of the plant are used, and they are consumed both fresh and dried. The components contained in the plant are used in accordance with the properties of each, choosing only the method of application - internally or externally.

Mint is used for a wide variety of diseases and to eliminate various symptoms.

Some of them are: nausea, poor digestion, flatulence, asthma, nervous disorders, inflammatory processes in the lungs and bronchi, gynecological and cardiovascular problems, colds, cramps, migraines, cholelithiasis, etc. Mint serves as a complement to diaphoretics and carminatives (removal of gases during flatulence) herbal teas. The menthol component has also found use in other products: colognes, toothpastes, mouth rinses, shaving and aftershave creams, and even shampoos. Mint is present in a variety of cough drops, drops, tablets and ointments for various purposes. Healing properties components of the plant are used in dermatology, since the drug with menthol ideally relieves irritation, itching and inflammation.

Healthy and nourishing mint masks

IN home cosmetology mint has found worthy use, allowing the body, face and hair to enjoy aromatic masks. Natural strength The components of the plant are able to cope with many pressing problems that concern the fair sex and men. The versatility of mint was known to our great-grandmothers, who did not have the opportunity to use innovative technologies for hair restoration. That's why they were invented folk recipes to nourish and support the hair structure and eliminate problems associated with fragility and dandruff.

Masks of this kind include essential oils, which can be added directly to shampoo to enhance the effect. Enriched with mint, it will help relieve inflammation of the scalp and eliminate itching, thereby promoting cell regeneration. This will enhance hair growth and balance its nutrition, strengthen and give it shine. To enrich the shampoo, two drops of mint essential oil are enough, which should be added to one portion for washing your hair.

Another product is recommended as a rinse aid. effective remedy. For it you should brew 2 tbsp. mint leaves in 0.2 liters of water. After this, cool and add 3-4 drops of essential oil. Applying to hair massage movements, you need to rub the infusion into the hair roots. The result of the procedures will soon please you with a healthy glow and volume.
To combat dandruff, lifeless and dull hair, a special mask is recommended. It activates growth and improves appearance, and each hair type has its own recipe. Dry hair, including brittle, prone to loss, colored and damaged hair – required oil mask. It will require burdock and Castor oil– 2 tablespoons each, plus 2 drops of mint oil. Mix everything, distribute the resulting mass evenly throughout the hair and put on a hat. After 40 minutes, wash off with shampoo with warm water.
For oily, mixed and normal hair types, a yolk mask is optimal. To make it, you need to take 2 beaten yolks, mix them with 1 tsp. lemon juice and 3 drops of oil. It is recommended to leave on hair for at least 15 minutes, then rinse warm water.

Peppermint

The secrets of youth that our ancestors passed on to us recommend using natural ingredients from nature’s storehouses. One of them is mint, which allows you to maintain a healthy complexion by filling the skin nutrients. For dry skin types prone to irritation and flaking, a mint mask prepared at home is perfect.

To do this, you will need the herb itself (no matter fresh or dried), which we pour with boiling water at the rate of one part mint to three boiling waters. Bring everything to a boil and keep on fire for three minutes. After cooling, soak gauze or other soft material in the infusion and apply to the face. Keep it on for at least 20 minutes and then rinse your face with warm water. It is recommended to repeat every three days for a month to achieve and maintain the effect.
For normal skin type we use powdered mint, poured olive oil: 1 part herb to 2 oils. Boil the mixture for 3 minutes and leave to infuse for 1.5 weeks in a place where the sun's rays do not reach. To use, you need to take gauze, and evenly apply a teaspoon of the resulting mass onto it, apply the mask for 20 minutes. After the time has passed, remove it using the “hot compress” method and rinse with water. room temperature.
For oily skin types, a mint compress is suitable - a mask that requires a tablespoon of mint for 2 cups of boiling water. After half an hour of exposure in a warm place and straining, you can begin the procedure. Wet the gauze in mint tincture and leave on the face for 20 minutes. It is recommended to apply the mask 2-3 times a week, average duration course - month.

Tea with mint, lemon and blackberry

Contraindications

Mint, which has beneficial properties and contraindications, is now widely used in many areas of life that are responsible for our wellness. There are few negative effects, but you should be aware of them. First of all, it is necessary to carefully use mint, or rather preparations with menthol, when treating infants. In newborns, the component quite often affects breathing and can even stop it. Therefore, to avoid this, you should avoid taking menthol-containing medications for children under five years of age.

In addition to infants, the group of contraindications includes:

allergy sufferers;
pregnant and breastfeeding women;
people with low blood pressure and low vascular tone in the veins;
men suffering from sexual disorders.

Focusing on pregnant women, experts explain that they are recommended to use mint, but only in limited quantities! Indeed, thanks to menthol, which is contained in mint leaves, toxicosis can be alleviated. There is the simplest recipe that can be prepared to combat nausea, heartburn and all the resulting symptoms of pregnancy.

It requires a collection of herbs, which must be brewed and taken 3-4 times a day, 2 tbsp. So, 2 tsp is required. leaves: mint, yarrow, marigold, plus 1 tsp. valerian root. Grind everything and brew it in 0.5 liters of water. Leave for 30 minutes, strain, and the infusion can be consumed.