home Calculators Peppermint: harm and benefits for the body. Peppermint: application. How to brew mint tea

Peppermint: harm and benefits for the body. Peppermint: application. How to brew mint tea

Mint taste and aroma are familiar to everyone and loved by many. From this spice plant They prepare intoxicating teas that have a miraculous effect on the body. It's no secret that beneficial features and the contraindications of which you will learn in this material, is used in the treatment of many diseases. Among them are pathologies of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, nervous disorders and digestive problems. Peppermint infusion has an analgesic, vasodilating, sedative, antiseptic, choleretic and stimulating effect. Widest spectrum properties turns this plant into a real folk healer.

In addition to medicinal purposes, mint has found its use in cooking and cosmetology. It is especially good for treating hair, eliminating dandruff and other fungal or similar diseases. Washing your face in the morning has an excellent tonic effect, after which the skin becomes especially elastic and smooth. By the way, such a decoction can be frozen in ice cubes and wiped on the face daily, increasing the stimulating effect and raising the tone even more.

Peppermint: beneficial properties and contraindications

The plant contains natural essential oils, tannins and harmless bitterness. This complex creates a rich range of beneficial properties necessary for the treatment and prevention of pathologies of various origins. There are practically no contraindications to the use of mint, with the exception of individual intolerance. People suffering from symptoms of hypotension should be careful with medications containing mint extract, as it causes relaxation and increases the feeling of drowsiness that accompanies this disease. In all other cases, it is enough to follow the instructions of specialists or follow the instructions in the instructions.

Peppermint, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which have been disclosed, can be used as part of herbal preparations or as an independent remedy. So, decoctions, oils, infusions and others are prepared from it. similar drugs, actively used in folk medicine.

To prepare a drug for the treatment of gastrointestinal pathologies intestinal tract, brew 15 grams of dried mint leaves in a glass of boiling water. Leave in a thermos for about two hours, and then give the patient a tablespoon of the resulting product every 1.5-2 hours. The same method works great for bloating and heartburn.

With severe dryness and painful cough Rubbing is especially effective. Per tablespoon vegetable oil add five drops of peppermint essential oil. Perform a massage chest using this tool until final recovery. After the procedure, it is advisable to stay under a blanket for about half an hour or wear warm clothes.

Benefit peppermint has already been used several times in medical purposes. It must be said that the reviews of everyone who was able to experience the effectiveness of its properties are quite impressive and inspire confidence. Many mothers lay out fresh branches of the plant in the children's room or sew special aromatic pillows to calm the little fidget and create all the conditions for a sound sleep.

Peppermint, beneficial properties and contraindications - this is one of the most relevant topics for those people who monitor their health and follow all the instructions of specialists involved in the rehabilitation of the body.

Mint is one of the most well-known plants from childhood; its benefits are enormous. Due to its exceptional aroma, it is used in medicine, cooking, cosmetology, as an additive to alcoholic drinks and simply to tea.

About twenty-five species of this fragrant plant are known, but the most common of which is peppermint, a hybrid form obtained through research from water mint and garden mint. home distinguishing feature this type is increased content its leaves contain menthol (up to 60%).

Indications for use. Medicine

Peppermint is an excellent diuretic and choleretic drug. Tea brewed with mint removes the body from excess liquid. It is useful to drink for those who love salty foods, as well as for those who want to lose steam extra pounds. But the main thing here is not to overdo it, so as not to suffer from dehydration.

Just a few drops of mint juice in combination with pomegranate juice will help against unexpected onsets of nausea or vomiting.

Mint is an excellent sedative, and just drink a cup of mint tea and you'll be in good shape again. In addition, it is an excellent antiseptic, which allows it to be included in various ointments.

Mint extract is one of the main components of such heart medications as validol and valocordin, which include it along with valerian. A drop of mint on a piece of refined sugar saves you from heart pain.

Mint infusion relieves migraines and bloating.

In addition to peppermint, a wild species, field mint, is often used for medicinal purposes. It is known for its analgesic, phlegm and astringent characteristics. It is used in the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract, tuberculosis and rheumatism.

Peppermint oil is one of the important components of toothpastes, chewing gum and mouthwashes.

Recipe 1.

From excessive irritability and to improve the quality of sleep, brew tea: 1 tbsp of dried mint per 200 ml hot water, infuse for 15 minutes. Daily dose– no more than 1 glass.

Recipe 2.

From higher level acidity is helped by a decoction of mint 15 g, bean 2 g, yarrow flowers 15 g, St. John's wort 30 g. To brew the daily dose of medicine you need 2 tbsp. mixture and 400 ml of var. Afterwards, you need to steam it for about two hours, strain it and drink 2 tablespoons all day long.

Recipe 3.

In a duel with low acidity drink a decoction of peppermint 20 g, cudweed and knotweed 15 g each, yarrow 15 g, chamomile, dill seeds, caraway seeds, valerian 10 g each, hops 5 g. A liter of pitch for 4 tablespoons of the mixture - infused in the oven 12 hours, daily norm. The first dose on an empty stomach (200 ml), the rest - 200 ml every two hours throughout the day.

Recipe 4.

A warm decoction of 2 teaspoons of mint per 200 ml of boiling water, steamed for ten minutes, will help improve digestion.

Recipe 5.

A decoction of mint and linden, drunk with a spoonful of honey, will relieve soreness and painful sensations in the trachea, with dry and wet cough.

Recipe 6.

External use – mint leaves applied to the breast cause a flow of milk during lactation.

Recipe 7.

A decoction of mint (boil 50 g of mint in 8 liters of water for a quarter of an hour and leave for about half an hour) is added during bathing for rickets, scrofula, and joint pain.

Recipe 8.

Attached on frontal part heads, mint saves from migraines, freshly picked leaves are applied to wounds and ulcers.

Indications for use. Cosmetology

In this area, mint is used as a source of essential oil and in the form of decoctions and lotions.

Menthol is the main component of mint, which improves hemodynamics and strengthens the walls of blood vessels. In addition, it cleanses the body of toxins at the level of cell membranes, and thereby helps to normalize functional activity. sebaceous glands, which is especially useful for fatty and combination skin faces.

Mint decoction helps to gently cleanse, even out skin tone, and tone it.

Take 12 gr. mint leaves and ½ tbsp. water., boil, boil for 10 minutes, strain. The decoction prepared in this way is the basis of all cosmetic products given below.

Recipe 1.

To get rid of greasy shine, take 2-3 tbsp. spoons of dried mint, pour 200 ml of boiling water for 30 minutes, strain. Suitable for everyday use.

Recipe 2.

Compresses made from mint decoction relieve inflammation on the skin and tone it. For such procedures, fresh leaves are used, they are poured flush hot water(not boiling), let it brew for about half an hour. Steamed mint leaves are placed on the face and covered with a napkin soaked in mint infusion. After 10-15 minutes wash your face cool water. The course of treatment is up to seven sessions, frequency is 1-2 times a week.

Recipe 3.

Sometimes mint extract is added to lip balm to give them freshness (but this is not for everyone).

Recipe 4.

For aging skin, prepare a lotion based on 2 tbsp. spoons of mint leaf and 2 tbsp. boiling water Boil for 15 minutes, then strain and pour 1 tbsp into it. a spoonful of lemon juice, a couple of spoons of chopped rowan and 2 tbsp. l vodka. Leave for 24 hours and strain again. Daily use of mint lotion will make your skin fresh and smooth out the network of wrinkles.

Recipe 5.

To refresh your complexion, use a decoction of 4 tbsp. l. dried mint and a glass of boiling water, leave to brew for about half an hour, strain, add 3 tbsp. spoons of freshly squeezed cucumber juice and ½ tbsp. parsley decoction. Suitable for everyday use.

Recipe 6.

A warm compress of herbs (mint, linden blossom - 1 tbsp per glass of water) will help tighten the skin of the face and even out the tone.

Recipe 7.

A cool compress of mint infusion, applied to the eye sockets for 2-3 minutes, relieves fatigue, removes circles under the eyes, and prevents the appearance of crow's feet.

Recipe 8.

Mint decoction - perfectly relieves tired legs, protects against fungus and fights unpleasant smell. In addition, mints foot baths They invigorate well after a busy day at work.

Recipe 9.

For oily hair This mask recipe is useful: mint leaves and rowan berries crushed into a soft mass. It is applied to the head, rubbed into the roots, then wrapped for 15 minutes, combed and washed off. warm water.

Recipe 10.

Collecting mint, yarrow and St. John's wort will bring your body into the right tone and increase its resistance to disease.

Indications for use. Cooking

Mint – amazing plant: aromatic, refreshing, invigorating, but at the same time, an effective sedative. In this area, it is most often used for preparing drinks (both cold and hot). It’s nice to sit with a cup of hot aromatic mint tea and dream, or on a hot afternoon to refresh yourself with a non-alcoholic mojito or lemonade.

Contraindications:

Mint should not be brewed for small children (under 3-5 years old).
It is not recommended for people suffering from varicose veins.
Don't drink mint tea if you plan to drive.
Limited consumption of mint for hypotensive people.
Men should also not take drinks and infusions high in mint if they want to maintain their virility.
Women planning pregnancy.
And also, do not increase the maximum permissible dose, so as not to suffer from insomnia, pain in the heart, spasms in the lungs, etc.

Mint is a fragrant herb that has found its use both in everyday life and in cosmetology. Let's talk about this in more detail.

Perhaps this is the most popular and beloved herb. Among the large number of its types, pepper and curly are more often used. What are its beneficial and medicinal properties associated with?

Firstly, mint consists of 60% menthol essential oil, as well as ascorbic acid, tannins, carotene, etc.
Secondly, it contains vitamins A, C and B.
Thirdly, it includes macro- and microelements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, phosphorus, etc.

Mint - beneficial and medicinal properties and contraindications for men and women

Removes headache, nervous excitement, relieves insomnia and improves mood
Has bactericidal properties: used for prevention and treatment colds, relieves gum inflammation
Reduces intestinal flatulence, feelings of nausea and vomiting, and also relieves constipation, colitis and diarrhea
Able to heal minor wounds, eliminate skin inflammation and relieve itching
Has a diuretic and choleretic effect
Normalizes the functioning of the cardiac system - improves blood circulation and dilates blood vessels
Tones the body and improves appetite

IMPORTANT: like any remedy, and mint has contraindications for use. And you shouldn’t abuse them!

Women, suffering from a disease such as varicose veins veins, you should not use mint in any form. For men It’s worth limiting your weed consumption so as not to compromise your sexual health. But both the female and male half are contraindicated to use mint for hypotension. Also, you should not use mint if you feel constantly lethargic and drowsy.

How does mint affect testosterone in men?

There is a belief that mint negatively affects potency in men, reducing testosterone levels. There is no consensus among experts on this issue. But what any doctor will say with confidence is that only its daily use, and not in small quantities, can lead to a decrease in potency. On the contrary, mint increases the sexual function of men, especially those who suffer from neuroses and constant depression.

Mint: lowers or increases blood pressure?

Menthol in mint, namely in the leaves, has a relaxing and tonic effect. It dilates blood vessels and relieves their spasms, calms the increased heartbeat and thereby normalizes blood pressure. Thus mint lowers arterial pressure.

IMPORTANT: people with hypotension should not drink mint tea, so as not to worsen their condition

Mint - beneficial and medicinal properties and contraindications during pregnancy

Not every pregnant woman wonders whether it is possible to drink mint tea or eat products containing mint. It's delicious! Doctors have different opinions on this question. Some warn, others, on the contrary, advise. What are the benefits of mint during pregnancy?

eliminates nausea
relieves heartburn
fights intestinal flatulence
treats constipation and diarrhea

Mint contains steroid hormones, such as estrogens. They are able to stimulate labor, thereby leading to premature birth. That is why some doctors do not recommend consuming this fragrant herb. But until now, there were no reviews or cases that would indicate any negative consequences for a child and a pregnant woman. The only contraindication- use essential oil mint.

IMPORTANT: for preparing drinks, pharmaceutical mint must be used, which does not contain impurities or flavoring additives

The benefits of mint during breastfeeding

Mint and GW

When lactation begins, it is very important to include in your diet those foods that will help this. Tea with mint - excellent remedy for this. But at breastfeeding you need to brew the drink with curly mint. It does not contain menthol, and thus does not have any effect on the child’s condition.
But if you are a lover of aromatic mint tea, then you can afford to drink a cup once a week. In this case, lactation will also increase.

IMPORTANT: if you regularly drink peppermint tea in small doses, it will lead to cessation of lactation

Why is it better to drink spearmint tea rather than peppermint?

She doesn't reduce blood pressure baby
Doesn't affect him hormonal system what is important when feeding boys

How to use mint and ginger for weight loss: recipes

Ginger contains an active substance - gingerol, which regulates metabolism and promotes weight loss. Mint in the drink improves digestion and heals the intestinal mucosa and stomach.

Ginger and mint tea recipe

Ingredients for the drink, per 400 ml of water:

4 cm ginger root
2 sprigs of mint
3-4 lemon slices
1 tbsp. honey

Preparation:

Ginger cut into slices or grated
Place in water and bring to a boil
Cook over low heat for 10 minutes. and turn off the stove
Add mint, lemon and honey
Let it brew for 20 minutes.

For visible result The finished drink is consumed 4 times a day, half an hour before meals. Drink 100-150 ml for a month. Warm in winter, chilled in summer.

Sassi ginger water

Ingredients:

2 liters of clean drinking water
1 tsp ginger
1 cucumber
8-10 mint leaves
1 lemon

Cooking method:

Ginger finely chopped or minced
Peel the cucumber
Lemon cut into slices
Place all ingredients in a glass container
Place in the refrigerator until morning

How to improve blood circulation with mint: recipe

Blood supplies nutrients and oxygen to the cells of the body. Poor circulation leads to the development of hypertension and atherosclerosis, which can later lead to stroke and heart attack. For prevention and improvement of blood flow, it is recommended to use herbal infusion.

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Mix all ingredients in a glass container
Put it in a dark place for a couple of weeks
Shake occasionally

Before use, dilute the tincture with water (30 drops/100 ml). Drink within 30 minutes. before meals 3 times a day.

Recipe for using mint for hypertension and high blood pressure

In order to reduce high blood pressure, you will need the following ingredients:

fresh mint leaves (2-3 pcs) or 1 tsp. dry pharmaceutical mint
glass of boiling water
1 tsp honey (if desired)

Cooking method:

Pour boiling water over mint
Let it brew for 10 minutes.

To prevent hypertension, the drink is consumed in a course of 2 weeks. You should drink half a glass at lunch and in the evening.

Recipes for using mint for colds, coughs, runny nose, fever, tonsillitis

A decoction or syrup of mint has a bactericidal effect against colds and tonsillitis, reduces fever and improves sputum discharge. This will help with dry cough milk drink with mint:

Ingredients:

about 5 liters of milk
20 grams of pharmaceutical mint

Preparation:

Brew mint with boiled milk in a kettle
Wrap in a towel and put in a dark place
Leave for 30 minutes.

You should drink the prepared infusion three times a day, preheated.

Mint syrup facilitates breathing during rhinitis and eliminates cough. Adults are recommended to consume no more than 5 tbsp. per day, children 1 tsp. and only after consulting a doctor.

Mint Syrup Ingredients:

Bunch of fresh mint

Preparation:

Take mint and pour it in cold water, rinse it 3 times (change the water each time).
Then you need to dry the mint and then chop it (its volume should be 1 cup).
Pour water into a container and add mint, bring to a boil. Add sugar to taste. Boil for 20 minutes.
Cool and strain. The syrup is ready.

An excellent remedy when first signs of a cold, will take a bath with oils. To do this you will need: dissolve 4 drops of mint and eucalyptus essential oil in 1 tbsp. milk and add to water.

The use of mint for gastritis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis: recipe

Mint tincture improves performance digestive system, normalizes the functioning of the stomach and intestines. It is useful to drink for the prevention of gastritis, pancreatitis and cholecystitis. This recipe for making tincture is the simplest.

For the prevention of gastritis:

Ingredients:

5 grams of mint
glass of boiling water

Preparation:

Pour boiling water over mint
Close tightly and let sit
Drink 1/3 glass in 30 minutes. before meals, three times a day

For pancreatitis and cholecystitis a herbal mixture is being prepared. Ingredients:

1 part dill seeds
1 part chamomile
3 parts peppermint

Preparation:

Pour the ingredients into 1 liter of boiling water
Place the tincture in a cool place for a day and let it brew
Strain and drink 200 ml per day, warm

Store the collection in the refrigerator for no more than a week so that it does not lose its properties.

The use of mint for poisoning, diarrhea, vomiting in children: recipe

A child may vomit due to poisoning, infectious diseases or as a result long-term use any medications. In order to stop the attack, the child can be given an infusion of mint, which is very simple to make: 1 tbsp. brew with 1 cup of boiling water. The decoction should be infused and given 1 tbsp. 3 times a day.

Using mint for bloating

Constant flatulence causes discomfort, this is primarily due to nutrition. Mint infusion will help reduce gas formation. To do this, brew fresh crushed mint with a glass of boiling water and drink instead of tea. You can add lemon or honey.

The use of mint for toxicosis, nausea: recipe

Perhaps every woman has experienced toxicosis during pregnancy. He can show himself in varying degrees expressiveness. You can help yourself not only medications, but also folk. For this, mint tea is suitable.

Recipe: Brew 15 grams of mint in 200 ml boiled water. Let it brew for a while and drink in small sips if nausea occurs.

But not only pregnant women are familiar with the feeling of nausea. To get rid of this feeling, mint tincture with vodka is suitable.

Ingredients:

10 grams of fresh mint or 30 grams of pharmaceutical mint
200 ml vodka

Preparation:

Pour vodka over mint
Put the mixture in a dark place for a week
Take 20 drops per glass of water 1-2 times a day

The use of mint for cystitis

A sitz bath made from herbs such as calamus root, hop cones, chamomile flowers, St. John's wort and mint will help relieve pain from cystitis. Take 5 tbsp of each herb. and pour 2 liters of boiled water. Let it brew for 1 hour. Strain and add to a bowl of water. You should take this bath 3 times for 15 minutes.

Using mint for swelling

The diuretic property of mint helps remove excess fluid from the body, and thereby relieves swelling, and also normalizes kidney function. To do this, prepare a dry collection of herbs:

2 tbsp. peppermint
2 tbsp. calamus rhizomes
2 tbsp. black elderberry flowers
3 tbsp. linden flowers
1 tbsp. nettle leaves

Add 2 tbsp to 250 ml of boiling water. mixture, immediately remove from heat and leave for 1 hour. Drink 1/2 glass 2 times a day.

The use of mint for hangovers and alcoholism

As a rule, hangover symptoms are relieved folk remedies: broth, brine, soda, etc. A mint drink will relieve headaches and normalize work digestive tract and relieve nausea. A mint tincture diluted in water (20 drops per glass of water) or mint tea brewed according to a classic recipe will help to quickly alleviate the condition.

Mint not only helps with hangovers, but also helps get rid of alcohol addiction. Removes toxins from the body, and thus heals its organs. One of the recipes, the following herbal mixture:

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Mix all parts
Take 1 tbsp. collection and pour 250 ml of boiling water
Wrap the container and leave for 30 minutes. strain

Take 1-2 tbsp decoction. up to 10 times a day. The course of such treatment is 2 months

Decoction of rosehip and mint for liver hepatosis

Cure liver hepatosis early stages possibly using folk remedies, but it is important to follow a diet and drink herbal teas, and not herbs individually.

A decoction of rosehip and mint. Ingredients (in equal parts):

Rose hip
Birch buds
Immortelle
Corn silk

Preparation:

Grind the ingredients
Brew in 1 liter of water
Leave for about 3 hours, strain and drink instead of tea

Use of mint for type 2 diabetes

At diabetes mellitus The usual infusion of mint is used, but stronger. You need to add 3 tbsp to a glass of boiling water. pharmaceutical mint. Infuse and drink 3-4 times a day before meals.

The use of mint for tachycardia, arrhythmia

Herbal remedies and tinctures will help you get rid of problems with heart disease, such as tachycardia and arrhythmia, at home. To restore the rhythm and frequency of heart contraction, you can do the following:

Ingredients:

1 tbsp leaves of watch trifoliate
1 tbsp. peppermint leaves
1 tbsp. valerian root

Preparation:

Mix ingredients
Brew 1 tbsp. mixture with a glass of boiling water
Insist

Take 1 tbsp infusion half an hour before meals.

IMPORTANT: treatment of arrhythmia and tachycardia is a long process, so it is important to follow the course of treatment.

Recipe for medicinal collection for tachycardia.

Ingredients (in equal parts):

Mint leaves
Valerian root
Melissa inflorescence
Hawthorn inflorescence
Yarrow

Preparation:

Connect components
Pour boiling water over
Leave for 40 minutes. and strain

Drink medicinal collection 1/2 cup 3 times a day.

Using mint for heavy periods

For heavy and painful periods, mint infusion will help. To do this, you need to brew 20 grams with a glass of boiling water and leave. After 2 hours, squeeze out the leaves and drink 1 tbsp every three hours throughout the day.

Using mint for headaches

A decoction of basil, cloves and mint will help relieve headaches. The ingredients are mixed 1:1. You can make an alcoholic tincture from mint and smear it on your whiskey.

Ingredients for alcohol mint tincture:

40 g mint
300 ml triple cologne

Preparation: mix the ingredients and put in a dark place for 10 days. Then squeeze out the leaves and apply the infusion.

Mint for insomnia: recipe

Phytotherapeutic herbs, one of which is mint, will help overcome insomnia. If you choose to drink mint tea, then the course of treatment is from 2 weeks to a month. You can use mint in combination with other herbs. For example, a scented pillow helps very well with insomnia in both adults and children. For this, the van will need herbs such as mint, valerian, yarrow, sage and lavender. Grind all the ingredients and place them in a pillowcase. You can sleep on such a pillow or put it next to it.

Mint for itchy skin: recipe

Taking a bath with fresh mint leaves and a couple of drops of its essential oil will help relieve itching. You can also apply peppermint essential oil to the affected area of the skin or wipe it with a decoction of the herb.

Mint for acne: recipe

A cleansing mint mask will help dry out acne on your face and relieve inflammation.

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Dilute the clay until it becomes creamy
Add oil
Apply the mixture to your face for 15 minutes.
Rinse with warm water and apply moisturizer

Mint for dandruff: recipe

A mint rinse will help fight dandruff and also make your curls soft and silky. It will strengthen the roots and eliminate the process of their loss, improve blood microcirculation and cleanse the skin of sebaceous deposits.

Rinse aid ingredients:

dry mint leaves

Pour hot water over the leaves in a ratio of 1:4
Let it brew for 30 minutes.
Rinse hair without rinsing

Mosquito mint: recipe

Adding a couple of drops of mint essential oil to your body cream will get rid of the “annoyance” of midges and mosquitoes. But if the insect still bites, then this recipe will help relieve an allergic reaction to the bite:

Ingredients:

10 drops tea tree oil
10 drops peppermint
5 drops bergamot

Preparation and use: mix the components and apply to the affected area, repeat several times.

Mint for fleas, in the apartment: recipe for use

Fresh peppermint stems will help drive fleas out of your apartment. They should be placed throughout the house, especially under carpets and furniture. If it is not possible to use fresh mint, you can make a sachet from dry mint.

Mint against mice in the apartment: recipe for use

Rodents cannot tolerate the persistent smell of mint essential oil, so it can be safely used to combat them. Let's talk about a couple of recipes.

Recipe No. 1. Ingredients:

50 ml fatty vegetable oil
20 drops peppermint essential oil

Preparation and use:

Moisten a cotton pad or piece of cotton wool with the mixture
Place cotton wool in the place where the animal goes out and secure it with tape.

Recipe No. 2. Ingredients:

15 drops peppermint essential oil
400 ml water
10 ml alcohol

Preparation and use:

Mix the ingredients and pour into a spray bottle
Use it to treat all possible crawl spaces, baseboards and food storage areas.

IMPORTANT: do the procedure 2-3 times a week, once is not enough

In conclusion of the article, I would like to note the wide range of uses of mint. If you don’t already have essential oil or dry mint on your shelf, be sure to buy it.

Video. Unusual properties of mint

Mint - the oldest medicinal plant family Lamiaceae, possessing specific smell. There are twenty-five species and ten subspecies of mint.

Mint can be field and garden, curly and apple, water and swamp, Asian and Japanese, pepper and fragrant. All species differ slightly in chemical composition, appearance and smell. Thanks to essential oil, mint exudes a pleasant subtle aroma that refreshes and soothes.

Description and chemical composition of mint

Peppermint - perennial herbaceous plant with branched erect stems reaching a height of one meter. Mint leaves are simple, elongated, jagged at the edges. Dark leaves on top Green colour, and below are light green. Mint flowers are small, red-violet, collected on upper parts shoots into spike-shaped inflorescences. Mint blooms from June to September.

Peppermint was bred by crossing wild species and grown on plantations as a medicinal and essential plant, gardeners breed it on their personal plots, and in wildlife peppermint is not found.

Field or meadow mint is a perennial herbaceous plant with a creeping rhizome and branched stems. The leaves of meadow mint are oblong, jagged along the edges, the flowers are lilac-pink, collected in spherical whorls. Blooms from June to October. Field mint grows on the banks of reservoirs, in damp places in meadows.

The medicinal raw materials are the leaves and the ground part of the plant, which are harvested during the beginning of flowering. It is better to pick mint in sunny weather, in the first half of the day, since at this time the leaves contain large quantity essential oil. Mint herb is dried in the shade, under a canopy, on the roof.

Other types of mint also have healing properties and are used in folk medicine to treat many ailments.

IN chemical composition mints contain biologically active substances that have a beneficial effect on the human body. This is an essential oil based on menthol and other esters - cineol, pulegone, limonene and various terpenes, organic acids and flavonoids, tannins and bitterness, carotene, trace elements - manganese, copper and other chemical compounds.

Medicinal properties and uses

Since ancient times, mint has been used to treat various ailments.
IN official medicine use peppermint- leaves, menthol and essential oil are added to tablets, balms, candles and aerosols. Mint drops, mint oil and ointments are prepared from it. Mint leaves are included in medicinal preparations.

Other types of mint are also used in folk medicine.

Dry raw materials are used to prepare infusions and decoctions, and from fresh leaves prepare mint oil, alcohol tinctures, added to drinks, salads, and used to decorate culinary dishes.

Mint has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic actions and is effective in the fight against colds and viral diseases, used to treat sore throat, pharyngitis, bronchitis and runny nose, inhalation from peppermint oil used for severe cough.

Mint preparations relieve pain and relieve spasms and are used to treat the digestive system. Infusions from the leaves are drunk for heartburn and nausea, belching and flatulence, and gastrointestinal tract. intestinal cramps. Mint increases appetite and improves digestion.

Used as choleretic agent for cholecystitis, hepatitis, cholelithiasis.

The sedative properties of mint have a calming effect on the nervous system, relieve emotional stress, and promote good sleep, reduces pain during menstruation and contributes to an easier course of menopause.

Mint also has vasodilating properties - dilates blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and relieves headaches.

Medicines containing mint are used to treat angina pectoris, hypertension, migraine.

Mint is used in cosmetology, dermatology, and dentistry. Peppermint oil is added to cosmetical tools- soaps, shampoos, lip balms, creams, refreshing gels, toothpastes, rinses for oral care.

Mint reduces inflammatory processes and increases protective properties skin, soothes and refreshes, improves blood circulation in the hair, freshens breath, and eliminates bad odor.

Mint is widely used in Food Industry, added to confectionery products - buns, gingerbreads, cookies, candies, ice cream, alcoholic beverages, drinks, teas, chewing gum.

Fresh mint is used in cooking, added to salads, as a spicy seasoning for meat and fish dishes.

The refreshing property of mint is used against souring of milk.

Menthol is used in the tobacco industry in the production of cigarettes.

Contraindications for use

Before being treated with mint preparations, you must familiarize yourself with the contraindications for use and consult with your doctor!

Mint and preparations made from it are contraindicated:

pregnant women,
women who are breastfeeding,
children under three years old,
people with hypersensitivity to mint preparations.

An overdose of mint preparations can cause pain in the heart area, sleep disturbances and impaired libido in men, bronchospasms and allergic reactions on the skin.

Traditional methods of treatment with mint

In folk medicine, mint is widely used for treatment various diseases, to improve digestion and appetite, as a sedative, analgesic and sleeping pill.

Infusions and decoctions are prepared from mint, which are used internally for treatment. gastrointestinal tract, nervous and cardiac systems, externally for rinsing for diseases of the upper respiratory tract and oral cavity, for medicinal baths, as a cleanser for skin problems.

Peppermint oil has calming effects and is used to treat diseases nervous system, heart and respiratory tract diseases, musculoskeletal diseases motor system, to restore strength.

Infusion recipe for hypertension

Pour 2 teaspoons of dry mint into a glass of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes. Take one tablespoon of infusion in the morning and evening for two weeks, take a seven-day break and repeat the treatment again.

Infusion recipe for cholelithiasis

Pour a teaspoon of dry raw material into a glass of boiling water. Leave for thirty minutes, strain. Take the infusion three times a day, half a glass, 15 minutes before meals.

Recipe for gastrointestinal diseases

Pour 2 tablespoons of dry mint into half a liter of boiling water, close the container with a lid and leave for an hour. Strain the infusion and take half a glass three times a day half an hour before meals.

Infusion for constipation and bloating

Pour a tablespoon of mint into a glass of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes, strain, take half a glass three times a day before meals.

Infusion for painful and heavy menstruation

Pour 2 tablespoons of dry mint leaves into half a liter of boiling water and leave for two hours. Strain, take half a glass of infusion throughout the day.

Decoction for gastritis

Pour a tablespoon of dry raw material into a glass of hot water and heat in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes. Cool the broth, strain, take a quarter glass 4 times a day.

Decoction for cholelithiasis

Pour a teaspoon of dry mint leaves into a glass of boiling water, heat in a boiling water bath for fifteen minutes, stirring. Cool the broth and strain. Add boiled water until the initial volume is obtained. Take half a glass of decoction twice a day 15 minutes before meals.

Mint decoction for depression

Pour a tablespoon of mint into a glass of hot water, boil over low heat for 10 minutes, leave with a lid on. When cool, strain. Take half a glass of decoction in the morning and evening.

Mint decoction for medicinal baths for scrofula, rickets, joint pain

Pour 50 grams of dry mint into eight liters of hot water, boil for 15 minutes, leave for half an hour, strain. Fill the bath with hot water and pour out the broth. Take a medicinal bath for 20 minutes every other day.

Mint tincture

Grind 50 grams of fresh mint leaves and pour a liter of vodka, leave in a dark place for 2 weeks. Strain the finished tincture. Take to improve digestion and appetite.

Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil stimulates the nervous system, relieves nervous tension, improves emotional condition for depression, restores strength, increases physical activity.

The well-known aromatic herb mint - perennial from the Lamiaceae family. The first mentions of it are rooted in ancient Egyptian and Assyrian culture. But Avicenna described its medicinal properties in more detail in his works. Hippocrates also mentioned it.

IN ancient Rus' They prepared a well-known mint infusion, which they drank and rinsed their mouths with it to freshen their breath. They rubbed it on the body to give it a pleasant aroma. They could not do without this plant in the bathhouse, and this tradition comes from Peter I, who did not accept bath procedures no mint. Why is mint so valued? What are its beneficial properties and contraindications? Let's find out:

What are the benefits of an aromatic plant?

Mint has a wide range of beneficial, healing properties. We are focusing on the most important of them. But first we need to talk about biochemical composition plants, because it is they that determine the main medicinal properties of the plant.

For example, mint contains a large number of menthol, which gives it a unique, characteristic, refreshing aroma. In addition, it contains carotene, felandrene, pinene, jasmon, mentofuran, piperitone. There are flavonoids, as well as oleanolic and ursolic acids. The plant contains valuable essential oil and tannins.

Decoctions, infusions are prepared from fresh and dried plants, medicinal ointments, which are subsequently used in the treatment of ailments. Valuable essential oil is extracted from fresh mint. It, like the juice of fresh leaves, is used in folk medicine, perfumery, and cosmetology.

Products prepared from the plant have soothing, anti-inflammatory, and pronounced analgesic properties. Mint is used to normalize the digestive system. In particular, an infusion of leaves effectively relieves heartburn and is taken to relieve constipation. The infusion will help get rid of increased gas formation. Mint is also a well-known choleretic agent.

It is impossible not to note the cooling properties of mint. This effect is used in the treatment of sore throat and pharyngitis. Mint will help with a runny nose and fever. Fresh or dry leaves of the plant are used for ailments genitourinary system, used in the treatment of respiratory organs.

This herb has received particular recognition as a means of quickly relieving migraine pain. An infusion or decoction from it has the most positive effect on the functioning of circulatory system, has a beneficial effect on heart function, normalizes blood pressure. After drinking mint tea at night, insomnia disappears and is restored normal sleep. During the day, mint stimulates brain activity and tones and calms at night.

Wild mint, which can be found in forest belts, meadows and fields, has high analgesic properties. For example, it is used for sprains, bruises, and minor injuries. Essential oil from fresh mint leaves has bactericidal properties. Peppermint oil is used to lubricate cuts, abrasions, frostbite, and applied to scratches.

Preparing the infusion

An infusion is usually used for treatment fragrant leaves. To prepare it, pour 2 tbsp into a suitable cup. l. dry or fresh leaves. Add 200 ml there. boiling water Cover and wrap with thick cloth. Wait until it cools down a bit. Strain the infusion, drink a third of a glass before meals. This remedy will help with colds, headaches, etc.

Peppermint oil

Inhale peppermint oil, add it to water solution for inhalation, it is useful for eliminating pre-fainting conditions and dizziness. The oil is inhaled several times a day for acute respiratory infections, flu and a common runny nose.

Many people know about the properties of peppermint oil to eliminate toothache and actively use this by applying a cotton wool moistened with this remedy to the sore tooth. Oil is added to bath water as a strengthening and aromatic agent. And, of course, mint oil is used as a refreshing aromatic agent in the manufacture of medicines - ointments, dragees, tablets, lozenges, lozenges.

Contraindications

Mint has few contraindications, but they exist. Therefore, it should be used in treatment only on the advice of a doctor. Use aromatic herb as a refresher, added to tea for a pleasant taste - all this should be done without excess.

The fact is that overindulgence This aromatic herb can cause insomnia and heart pain. Men should be especially careful when handling mint, as frequent use an infusion from it can have Negative influence for potency. But, I repeat, we're talking about only about excessive consumption. Periodically, in small quantities, it is not harmful to use mint.

But you should categorically exclude it in case of individual intolerance, as well as in the event of allergic reactions. In addition, contraindications to the use of mint are severe hypotension, decreased venous tone, blood vessels. It is contraindicated to give it to children under 5 years of age. It should not be used by nursing mothers.

It should not be used during pregnancy either. But according to indications, it can be used to a limited extent for toxicosis. For example, mint tea and lozenges will help against nausea and vomiting. However, pregnant women are contraindicated to use the essential oil of the plant and medications based on it. So be careful and discuss your intentions with a specialist before using mint for treatment.
Be healthy!