Medicinal properties and contraindications of mint for the human body

Gardeners talk a lot about the medicinal properties and contraindications of mint. The well-known grass grows on every plot. Mint tea is an integral part of the country menu.

Gardeners are pleased with the unpretentiousness of the aromatic grass. They plant it once, and then for many years they try to limit its spontaneous spread. An additional value of the plant is that it attracts pollinating insects.The cucumber bed located next to the mint is stunning with an abundance of ovaries.

Beautiful summer residents use grass for cosmetic procedures. Frozen in cubes, the infusion has the property of toning the skin of the face and tightening pores.

There are many types of aromatic plants. They differ in the color of the leaves, the height of the stem, the richness of the smell, and the astringency of the taste. Gardeners can always choose the variety suitable for growing. But the most beneficial is peppermint. It is in it that the active components are combined in the required proportions.

Chemical composition and calorie content of grass

Peppermint has its characteristic smell due to the essential oil present in it (2%). It contains cineole, pulegone, apinene, limonene. People perceive the combination of chemical compounds as a “minty” smell. The plant also contains:

• menthol (esters of isovaleric and acetic acids);
• vitamins (B, A, C, PP);
• flavonoids;
• bitterness;
• tannins;
• organic acids;
• copper, iron, manganese, strontium (trace elements);
• phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium (macroelements).

100 g of mint contains: 0.94 g of fat, 3.75 g of protein, 79 g of water, 7 g of carbohydrates, 8 g of dietary fiber (fiber).

Due to its unique composition, active effect on the body and properties, peppermint is recognized as a medicinal plant. Gardeners have not only a honey plant in their garden, but also a useful remedy. They can provide first aid or cure certain diseases with natural and tasty herbs.

Medicinal and beneficial properties of the plant

Peppermint contains a significant amount of menthol. This determines the use of the plant for medicinal purposes. The properties of the herb determine the range of its use:

1. All summer residents know about the benefits of mint as a sedative.Just brew some tea, drink it with a spoon of honey, and the nervous excitement goes away.
2. Lotions made from herbal infusion relieve pain from bruises and sprains.
3. When used regularly, the decoction has the property of relieving the gardener of migraines and headaches.
4. An infusion of fresh or dried mint leaves has healing properties. It improves digestion.
5. Eating the herb treats flatulence, vomiting, and diarrhea.
6. Inhalations help relieve cough and relieve swelling of the nasopharynx.
7. Peppermint tea removes water from the body. This facilitates the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
8. Herbal preparations have choleretic properties.
9. For toothache, relief comes by rinsing with warm mint infusion.
10. Tea and fresh herbs have the ability to activate the brain.
11. Menthol has anesthetic properties: it stimulates nerve endings, causing a feeling of cold. Small vessels narrow. The pain decreases.

Regular consumption of mint (fresh, dried, tea, infusions or decoctions) is good for health: the plant has the property of toning the body and strengthening the immune system. The unpretentious grass gives gardeners vigor and good mood.

Use in folk medicine

It is impossible to imagine traditional medicine without mint preparations. The characteristics of the herb are revealed in tea, decoctions, infusions, and oil. Peppermint is used fresh (salads) or dried (spices).

The medicinal properties of the aromatic herb can reduce the symptoms of colds and flu. Mint improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system and relieves pain.

Bunches of mint hanging in the room freshen the air. Essential oils have properties to calm the nervous system and improve sleep. A gardener falls asleep faster in such a bedroom.

Essential oil

Produced by distillation from peppermint.The drug has antimicrobial and antiviral properties. The oil helps relieve heart pain (Valocordin includes it). Effectively cures colds and flu. When coughing increases expectoration.

The following recipes have been used in folk medicine:

• for a runny nose, lubricate the wings of the nose;
• for headaches, rub the temples;
• for rhinitis, inhale a solution of a glass of water and 2-3 drops of oil.

Indigestion is treated by taking kefir with 2 drops of oil.

The properties of peppermint oil are used in aromatherapy. Water with 3-4 drops of the product is poured into the phyto-lamp. A burning candle is placed down. As the water evaporates, the room is filled with a mint aroma. A gardener rests and relaxes after a hard day.

Infusion and decoction

The preparations differ in their preparation technology:

1. For infusion, add 2 tablespoons of fresh (or 1 dry) mint leaves to a glass of hot water. Wrap up and leave until cool. Strain.
2. For the decoction, pour 2 tablespoons of fresh (or 1 dry) raw material into a glass of cold water. Heat under the lid in a water bath until it begins to boil. Strain and cool.

The products are stored in the refrigerator for no more than a day: with longer storage, the beneficial properties of the plant disappear. A decoction of the plant is used in the treatment of respiratory diseases (rinsing, ingestion and inhalation), problems of the digestive tract, cardiovascular diseases.

The properties of the infusion are used to relieve the symptoms of arthritis. A glass of the product is poured into a warm bath. Reception time: 30 minutes.

Alcohol tincture of peppermint

To prepare the product, 100 g of crushed fresh peppermint leaves are poured into 0.5 liters of vodka. Keep in a dark, cool place for 3 weeks. Shake every week. Then filter. The finished product is stored in the refrigerator.

The tincture has pain-relieving and relaxing properties. It is rubbed into the skin for bruises. For toothaches, rinsing with a teaspoon of tincture and a glass of warm water is effective. Spasms in the intestines are relieved by taking a glass of water with 15 drops of tincture before meals.

Peppermint tea

For preparation, use black, green tea or herbal teas based on chamomile, thyme, and rose hips. Peppermint leaves are added to the main brew. Pour hot water (80 degrees Celsius) and leave. Add lemon or honey before use.

This drink has the properties of quenching thirst, calming. In hot weather, tea is consumed chilled, with pieces of ice added. In winter and autumn, the drink warms and restores strength. It should be drunk after physical and mental stress.

For women, a drink with mint helps improve their condition during menstruation and menopause.

Mint in cooking

The unique properties of the plant are used in cooking. The dried herb is used as a seasoning in herbs de Provence. It is used to flavor meat and fish dishes. Fresh leaves are added to vegetable and seafood salads.

Mint ice cream and sorbet are great refreshments in the heat. Aromatic oil is added to alcoholic cocktails. The original leaves are used to decorate dishes.

Mint in cosmetology

Body care takes advantage of the soothing, anti-inflammatory properties of mint. Wipe acne-inflamed skin with lotion. Mint oil masks strengthen hair and restore shine.

Rubbing your face with mint ice every day will eliminate fine wrinkles and increase skin elasticity. The whitening property of the herb is used to get rid of annoying age spots.

Rinsing your mouth with infusion or decoction effectively refreshes and disinfects the oral cavity. The whitening property of the plant is used to restore teeth to their original color: just add the oil to toothpaste.

Contraindications and possible harm to the body

The properties of peppermint are used to treat many diseases. But before starting use, you should familiarize yourself with the contraindications. The herb is harmful for people with low acidity of gastric juice. The plant has the ability to reduce it.

The plant should not be used:

• gardeners with varicose veins;
• sexually active men;
• drivers or people who have professions that require increased attention and concentration;
• hypotensive patients;
• women being treated for infertility;
• children under 12 years old.

It is recommended to start taking the drug with small doses due to a possible allergic reaction. It is important for gardeners to remember: successful treatment lies in the competent and moderate use of the properties of mint.

How to properly prepare raw materials

The most useful raw materials occur at the beginning of the flowering of the plant. It should be collected in dry weather in the morning (after the dew has dried) or in the evening (before it falls). It is recommended to cut the stems at a height of 10-15 cm. The raw materials need to be tied into loose bunches and hung in the shade (under a canopy, in a barn, on a veranda).

Dried plants should be poured into glass jars with ground-in lids. Store in a cool, dark place.

The alcohol tincture retains its beneficial properties throughout the year. It can also be prepared in the summer and used as needed.

Peppermint oil is difficult to make at home. It is sold in pharmacies.