Since ancient times, people have been using herbs in their diet, treating diseases with them, and fields, meadows, edges and roadsides delight them with their violent aromas. One of the most popular and significant herbs is peppermint. Its properties and contraindications have been known for many centuries. However, not all varieties have medicinal properties and are suitable for human consumption. Of all the species, peppermint stands out. It is she who is famous for her bright enchanting aroma.

What is she, mint?

There is probably no person who would not know the aroma of this plant. We buy mint gums and toothpastes, elixirs, sweets, and often their scent is our favorite mint. Its medicinal properties and contraindications have been studied for a long time. Our distant ancestors used mint to overcome various ailments. Even the ancient Romans used it. The Arabs cultivated mint in their gardens, the Chinese devoted treatises to it, and the Greeks washed their hands and refreshed their faces with it. In the Middle Ages, mint with milk and wine was used to treat various diseases, including headaches.

And today this plant is used as remedy and in cosmetic purposes. Aromatic herb is grown on farms and supplied to pharmacology. What is the secret that mint contains? Medicinal properties and contraindications, features of the preparation and use of the plant are disclosed in this article.

Description

The plant is a perennial, twenty-five to sixty-five centimeters high, has a branched rhizome and thin roots. Flowers are whitish-pink, light purple or reddish-pink. They are located on the tops of the shoots in the form of oblique inflorescences. The plant blooms throughout the summer. The stem, like the whole plant, is smooth. Mint leaves have an ovoid shape with a heart-shaped base and sharp serrated edges. Useful properties are mainly found in them and flowers, although other parts of it are sometimes used. Mint is specially bred in gardens and orchards or grows wild in the fields. It exudes a strong and very pleasant refreshing scent.

Compound

This fragrance is a consequence of the content of a whole set essential oils and menthol, which mint has. Medicinal properties and contraindications can be understood by studying the composition of the plant, which includes a large number of beneficial vitamins, substances and trace elements, namely:

• vitamins - C, B1, PP, A, B5, B9, B2, B6;
• trace elements - phosphorus, manganese, iron, copper, magnesium, zinc, sodium, potassium;
• amino acids such as betaine and arginine;
• fatty acid;
• organic acids, including chlorogenic, ursulic, oleonolic, ascorbic, acetic, coffee and valeric acids;
• piperitonine pinene;
• essential oils;
• mentofuran;
• from flavodinodes - hesperidin;
• from tannins - rutin;
• phytosterols and phytosterols;
• saponins;
• alimentary fiber;
• resins;
• alcohols;
• of terpenes - citral, geraniol, limonene, terpinene, carvacrol.

It consists of seventy-eight percent water and two and a half percent essential oils.

Dietary fiber per hundred grams of leaves contains:

• fat - 1 g;
• carbohydrates - about 7 g;
• proteins - about 4 g.

The energy value for the indicated weight is seventy-one kilocalories. This plant is a storehouse of useful qualities.

Collection and preparation

It can be purchased at the pharmacy ready-made, in bags or as a dry raw material that is brewed. But it’s even better if you collect mint with your own hands and make a blank for the winter. For those who decide to do this, the following tips will help:

1. Grass should be collected in the morning, in dry weather, preferably when the plant is just beginning to bloom. Then mint contains the highest concentration of its useful substances. In this case, mainly its leaves and flowers are used.
2. Although the plant blooms all summer, this period is different in different regions, and may be somewhat shorter.
3. Mint can be harvested by cutting the stems for more speed, and at home, pick off its leaves and flowers, which are suitable for use.
4. Mint is dried outdoors in the shade. To do this, the plant is laid out on paper or fabric. thin layer. It is advisable to stir it from time to time.
5. After the raw material is ready, it is wrapped in paper bags or glass containers that are tightly covered.
6. It is stored in a dry and dark place for up to two years.
7. In order for the herb to retain more of its properties, it is better to grind it just before use, and not in advance.

Application

Mint is best known for its essential oil content called menthol. It saturates the plant with a characteristic refreshing aroma that everyone loves so much.

There is an opinion that it is better to gather in the spring, even before the peppermint blooms.

Its properties are used in herbal medicine, mint is added to culinary dishes. It is also used to get rid of nausea, flatulence, nervous breakdown, poor digestion, asthma, bronchial or pulmonary inflammation, cardiovascular and gynecological diseases, colds, migraines, spasms, gallstones and many other problems. The plant complements diaphoretic herbal preparations.

Indications

Mint has a beneficial effect on the entire body. First of all, the nervous system is restored. Helps to relax after have a hard day or improve your mood in the morning with mint tea. Useful properties contribute to better concentration, improve brain function.

For digestive system it also plays a positive role. Improves appetite, the process of digestion of food, stimulates the secretion of gastric juice and saliva. In addition, mint is cholagogue and wonderfully freshens the breath. The intestines are cleansed, the work of the liver and gallbladder is stimulated.

There is an expansion of blood vessels, stabilization of the heart rate and improvement of blood circulation. In some cases, it is quite possible to replace drugs or at least supplement treatment for cardiovascular diseases.

Perfectly revealed beneficial features mints for women In cosmetology, it is used for masks, baths, baths. It is able to suppress bacteria on the skin and mucous membranes. Procedures are especially suitable for fatty type covers with acne. The skin then acquires elasticity and velvety.

What heals?

Mint has plenty of useful properties and contraindications. It is useful to take in the following diseases:

• nervous disorders, restlessness, anxiety;
• insomnia;
• gastritis, diarrhea, other disorders digestive tract;
• nausea;
• increased acidity of gastric juice;
• migraine;
• respiratory diseases (in this case, peppermint essential oil is used);
• arterial hypertension;
• gynecological diseases;
• caries, gum disease;
• bacterial and fungal infections skin.

Contraindications

Some men fear that their potency may worsen if they use mint. Medicinal properties and contraindications with moderate use of the plant will not appear so noticeably. Another thing is if you abuse mint. Then problems with potency can really be observed, because the production of female hormones, which in a considerable amount contains peppermint.

Properties and contraindications can be expressed in sleep disturbance and headache, especially with excessive consumption.

You should also refrain from using this plant in the following conditions and diseases:

• allergies;
• hypotension;
• varicose veins;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• kidney and liver disease;
• problems with conception;
• children under five years of age.

In addition, physicians tend to active use mint leads to a loss of body sensitivity to its components.

Individual intolerance to the plant may also be observed, in which it is immediately necessary to stop using it.

Mint has a different effect during lactation. Useful properties and contraindications for women in this case will directly depend on its variety. Indeed, according to some, it stimulates the appearance of milk, while others say, on the contrary, about its decrease. In this case, curly mint is suitable, which contains the least menthol, but contains carvone, which stimulates lactation.

Nutrition

Since mint normalizes metabolism, removes toxins from the body and regulates gastric juice, it is often used in diets. It also helps with constipation, in eliminating putrefactive processes in the intestines and reducing acidity.

Mint leaves are added to:

• first and second courses;
• baking cakes, pies, cakes and cookies;
• fruit and berry desserts;
• sauces and marinades;
• milkshakes.

Peppermint is a spice, flavor enhancer of dishes, natural flavoring, an element that improves appetite.

Tonic properties are used in various drinks, the most widespread of which is the non-alcoholic Mojito. Teas and infusions will perfectly quench your thirst and at the same time drown out the feeling of hunger.

Peppermint pairs well with foods such as:

• meat;
• bird;
• a fish;
• vegetables;
• fruit;
• berries;
• greenery;
• cottage cheese;
• spices;
• spices.

Mint teas

enjoys great popularity green tea with mint, chamomile, thyme and lemon leaves. If you drink such a drink several cups a day, then it will not take even a few months for a person to feel light and comfortable.

If tea is made from fresh leaves, then you must first pour boiling water over them, and only after that pour water and brew.

Not all dishes are suitable for infusion. For example, plastic and metal are not recommended. It is best to brew mint tea in porcelain or glassware. Useful properties are most preserved in a freshly brewed drink. Therefore, do not immediately cook it a lot. Often honey or lemon is added to tea. It is better to refrain from sugar, as it will neutralize the beneficial properties of mint.

As an anti-cold remedy, a tablespoon of inflorescences or leaves is taken and poured with a glass of boiling water. After ten minutes, the drink can be taken orally.

In case of intoxication, two tablespoons are taken in a glass of water and infused for two hours. Drink one tablespoon with meals.

If nausea is felt, brewed tea from one tablespoon to a glass of water is drunk in half a glass twice a day.

For pain in the head or muscles, a teaspoon of honey and two teaspoons are added to a glass with a pinch of dried leaves. lemon peel. The resulting drink should be drunk three times a day for half a glass.

Infusions and mint

Useful properties and contraindications of the plant should be carefully studied before starting its regular use and treatment. If no side effects and mint is recommended, in addition to tea, infusions can also be prepared.

To do this, washed fresh leaves are placed in a half-liter jar and filled to the top with vodka or alcohol. You can add some cinnamon to it. The lid should be tightly closed and infused in a dark place at room temperature for two weeks.

You can prepare such a simple version of the tincture: two teaspoons of grass are poured with a quarter liter of boiling water into a thermos. After an hour, you can start drinking the strained tincture, one tablespoon six to seven times a day.

Essential oil

Many of the fair sex prefer to use essential oils. Mint, whose beneficial properties and contraindications for women have been fully studied, is one of the favorite products. It is added to various face masks, massaged and simply applied to the skin for certain problems.

It has a tonic, expectorant, absorbable and antiseptic effect, dilates blood vessels.

Mint in cosmetology

Mint properties for women are found wide application in skin care.

For example, to improve the complexion, you can prepare a lotion. To do this, mint infusion, cucumber juice and parsley decoction are mixed in equal amounts. In the morning and in the evening they need to wipe their face.

To relieve fatigue and give tone to the eyelids, cotton pads soaked in a chilled infusion are applied to them.

Useful properties of mint for women will be expressed in beneficial effect, especially on oily skin, even with the simple use of infusion. It will acquire a matte shade, enlarged pores will narrow.

The ancient Russians called "dragolyub", which means "dear, beloved, kind", such healing herb like mint, the properties and uses of which were very well known to them. Today, after many centuries, we no longer call it so affectionately. But until now, mint remains a universal medicine and a favorite drink for many people.

The beneficial properties of various plants were proven by our ancestors many centuries ago, when they were used as basic medicines for the most various diseases. Peppermint, which has a relaxing and anti-inflammatory effect, is no exception in this regard. Nowadays, this plant is valued for its unusual aroma and wide possibilities (it is used in cooking, medicine, perfumery and even the alcoholic beverage industry). mint leaves - simple unique remedy from a variety of ailments.

Peppermint: description

Peppermint was dubbed a perennial, herbaceous, fragrant plant that reaches 60-80 cm in height. It has an upright tetrahedral stem, sometimes reddish in color, with sparse short hairs. It is covered with many dark green, oblong-ovate leaves with short petioles and pointed edges. Sometimes the leaves may have a purple hue.

Peppermint herb flowers are quite small, collected in spike-shaped inflorescences and have a light purple color (like the leaves, they have medicinal properties). Five-membered whisk, slightly irregular shape(obscurely bilabiate), pinkish or pale purple. The plant blooms in July-August.

Did you know? Other popular names for peppermint are cold or English mint, as well as peppermint and cold mint.

Peppermint has a horizontal branching rhizome with thin, fibrous roots, and its fruits (appear extremely rarely) consist of four nuts.

The chemical composition of the medicinal plant

The healing properties of peppermint, which, by the way, has certain contraindications, directly depend on its chemical composition. So, the main active components of peppermint are essential oil, tannins, flavonoids and bitterness, but the most important among them is menthol (contains up to 60%). It is he who, when applied to the skin or mucous membranes, irritates the nerve endings and causes a feeling of tingling and cold.

With the excitation of "cold" receptors, the superficial vessels narrow, and the vessels internal organs, on the contrary, expand. It is likely that this explains the relief of pain in the same angina pectoris (menthol is taken on a piece of sugar for pain in the heart). In addition, this substance can be used as a mild local anesthetic.

Did you know? Back in the twentieth century, mint was used as the main raw material in the manufacture of tooth powders, and about 50 years ago, tooth drops made on the basis of mint extract were quite popular (used to relieve toothache). Today, mint is used as one of the main components of toothpastes.

Almost all parts of peppermint have medicinal properties. Leaves, shoots and flowers contain a large amount of not only the mentioned essential oil and tannins, but also biologically active ingredients, sugar, fats, vitamins C and P, carotene, mineral salts, natural steroids and antioxidants. Plant seeds include about 20% fatty oil used in cooking and other industries.

The use of peppermint in pharmacology

The positive effect that mint has on the human body has made it possible to create a large number of pharmacological preparations based on it. In particular, peppery species is used not only in folk or traditional medicine, but also in aromatherapy, in the production of cosmetics or in the food industry.

In pharmacology, based on this plant, drugs are created for the treatment of headaches, cardiovascular disease, nervous disorders, insomnia, inflammation of the digestive system, asthma, stomach ulcers and colds. Also, such drugs are effective for vomiting, throat diseases, kidney or liver stones, and atherosclerosis.

The shoots and leaves of the plant can be used both fresh and dried, in any case characterized by a pleasant cooling spicy taste and a sharp delicate aroma (caused by high content menthol).

How is peppermint used in traditional medicine

Having learned about how mint affects the human body, even our grandmothers came up with many recipes for the most effective use of it. The acquired knowledge was passed down from generation to generation, thanks to which infusions, decoctions, lotions or just peppermint teas are still actively used in traditional medicine.

Benefits of Peppermint Infusion

Peppermint infusion is one of the easiest ways to prepare it. You just need to pour one teaspoon of the leaves of the plant with 200 ml of boiling water, then leave for 20 minutes. Before use (or immediately), the liquid is filtered and, if desired, sugar is added. Take this infusion one tablespoon every 2-3 hours.

Via this tool you can easily get rid of insomnia, stress, headaches and pain in the abdomen, because peppermint perfectly soothes and relieves spasms, and often helps with heartburn.

Of course, peppermint tincture has many medicinal properties, however, do not forget about possible contraindications, which are characteristic of any type of this plant (more on this later).

Useful properties of alcohol tincture

Peppermint tincture can also be prepared with alcohol, from which it medicinal properties will only increase. So, alcohol tincture with peppermint extract is successfully used for inhalation with inflammation of the nose, trachea, throat mucosa, or even bronchitis. When applied externally, it is an excellent warming agent for rubbing, headaches, migraines or inflammation of the skin.

Important! For skin diseases, it will be more effective to take a decoction or infusion of mint inside, perhaps even with an enema..

Peppermint spirit tincture is created in the following way: 20 g of dry leaves are poured into 100 ml of 75% alcohol, after which they are infused in a dark place for two weeks. Infusion is consumed 10-15 drops (can be diluted with water) 3-4 times a day.

Benefits of Peppermint Decoction

There are many ways to prepare a decoction of peppermint. For example, given that this plant is well suited for improving physical well-being and can improve mood, the following recipe will be useful for depression: 1 tbsp. a spoonful of crushed leaves should be poured with one glass of boiling water and boiled for 10 minutes. After straining, such a decoction should be taken half a glass twice a day - in the morning and in the evening.

There is another way to prepare a decoction. Take a tablespoon of minced mint and add half a liter of water to it. Then place the composition in a saucepan and simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes. After that, you need to let the broth brew for 10-15 minutes and strain it.

The resulting remedy is consumed inside half a cup three times a day before meals. You can add sugar or honey to the broth, which will only enhance its taste.

How peppermint oil is used

On the basis of mint they even cook mint oil – effective remedy for abdominal pain, heartburn or bloating. The easiest way is to take it inside with water or drop it on a piece of sugar (3-4 drops will be enough). In addition, it is often used externally - in the treatment acne, inflammatory diseases skin and to soothe headaches (can be applied to the temporal zone for migraines).

Benefits of drinking peppermint tea

In most cases, when using peppermint as a tea Special attention given only to its leaves, although they have certain contraindications. It must be said that Mint tea is quite fragrant and delicate drink, giving inner coolness. It refreshes well, gives the body strength and improves digestive processes. At the same time, this tea has a great effect on mental health, taking off nervous tension and helping to relax, forgetting about problems for a while.

Peppermint tea has long established itself as an excellent cold remedy, and therefore has become one of the most popular drinks in modern families. The recipe for making mint tea is simple: one tablespoon (with a slide) of dried mint leaves and inflorescences is poured into a glass of boiling water and infused for 10-15 minutes, after which the tea is completely ready for use. Based on personal preference, you can add sugar or honey to the drink.

The benefits of mint tea are noticeable almost immediately: it helps to tone up and improves general well-being. However, do not forget that mint is medicinal plant and therefore should not be abused.

For a sick child, peppermint tea is prepared a little differently, reducing the concentration of mint infusion by adding more water. That is, for a children's mint drink, you will need a spoonful of dry grass and half a liter of liquid, or simply their smaller proportions. After straining, you can give tea to a child, but, as practice shows, it is better to add honey or sugar to it beforehand (this will make the tea tastier and healthier).

Important! If the drink turned out to be highly concentrated, you can rinse your nose with a runny nose or rinse your mouth to get rid of an unpleasant odor.

Mint tea is excellent remedy to reduce stomach acidity, fight colitis, painful sensations during menstruation or menopause . In any of these cases, you just need to pour fresh peppermint leaves (4-5 leaves) with a glass of boiling water, after tearing or cutting the mint into small pieces. Tea is infused for 5-7 minutes, after which you can safely enjoy a tasty and healthy drink.

Other plants can be added to mint tea if desired. They will only enhance the properties of the drink, serve as a good prevention against colds and help increase immunity.

The healing properties of mint baths

You can use peppermint and not quite traditional way making fragrant baths out of it. To do this, you need to prepare a decoction in the following proportions: 50 g of mint is poured into 8 liters of water and boiled for 15 minutes, after which the decoction is infused for another 30 minutes. This recipe will help in the fight against scrofula, joint pain or rickets, although you can take mint baths for cosmetic purposes (50 g of mint is brewed in 10 liters of water). In addition, the infusion in this concentration is often used for enemas.

With dermatoses that are accompanied severe itching, together with peppermint, a decoction of the highlander is added to the bath.

Who Should Not Use Peppermint?

Discussing the beneficial properties of peppermint, it is impossible not to note the existing contraindications to the use of this medicinal herb. First of all, peppermint is contraindicated for people who suffer from low blood pressure. This does not mean that you have to completely abandon similar drink you just have to take it with caution.

Mint is contraindicated for pregnant women and nursing mothers, although it copes well with the manifestations of toxicosis. It is possible that after consulting a doctor, you can still sometimes enjoy aromatic mint tea.

Another group for which peppermint is contraindicated are allergy sufferers with individual intolerance to this plant. In some cases avoid negative consequences it is possible only by completely abandoning the use of this plant (in any form).

The described plant is also contraindicated for children infancy, since the menthol contained in mint can cause depression or even a complete cessation of the child's breathing.

In any case, when preparing peppermint tinctures and decoctions, it is necessary to observe the dosage even for those people who do not belong to the above categories, since its excess can cause drowsiness. It will not be superfluous to consult your doctor, who, after appropriate examinations, will help you better deal with the dosage of mint infusions or decoctions.

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Peppermint tincture - medicine plant origin. In the article will be discussed about how to take peppermint tincture correctly according to the instructions of the drug.

What is the composition and form of the drug Peppermint (tincture)?

The pharmaceutical industry produces the drug in the form of a transparent tincture, it is greenish in color, has a pronounced aroma. It is supplied to the pharmaceutical market in dark orange glass bottles, which are closed with a screw cap and placed in a cardboard box.

The active ingredient is peppermint oil at a dosage of 1.25 grams. Auxiliary component tincture is 90% ethanol. On the box with the phytopreparation, you can see the expiration date, after which it is recommended to refrain from the subsequent use of the product. Sold without a prescription.

What is the action of the Peppermint solution (tincture)?

Peppermint Remedy pepper tincture plant origin, it has a sedative, antiemetic effect, in addition, it has a moderate antispasmodic and analgesic, choleretic, as well as a local irritating effect, that is, it irritates the nerve endings of the mucous membranes.

Since ancient times it has been known about healing properties peppermint, works were written about it by such famous ancient scientists: Hippocrates, as well as. Mint has been grown and used for thousands of years. For example, in the last century it was found during excavations in Egyptian tombs. This plant was cultivated in many European countries, as well as in China and Japan.

Mint got its name from the heroine of ancient Greek myths Minta, this nymph personified the human mind. Under her patronage were streams, as well as springs with the purest and most transparent spring water. Where she lived, the air was fabulously clean and amazingly fresh.

It is not surprising that Hades fell in love with the nymph. His wife was possessed by jealousy and bewitched Minta, she turned her into fragrant plant. In Greece, mint was considered a rather strong love potion, it was often called the "grass of Aphrodite."

In the Middle Ages, many believed that mint was able to improve the work of the mind, students of that time wore this herb in the form of woven wreaths. modern medicine confirms such an effect of this medicinal plant.

In cooking, mint leaves are widely used. In many cuisines of the East, as well as Europe, a special mint sauce is prepared for lamb, which somewhat drowns out the characteristic aroma and taste of meat. Add this plant to confectionery, in particular, mint gingerbread and sweets, beloved since childhood. In addition, mint is added to liqueurs and cocktails, such as the popular mojito drink.

A tincture prepared on the basis of peppermint is capable of. This herbal remedy directly affects the activation of the blood supply to the scalp, helps to get rid of dandruff, as well as skin itching.

Thanks to the regular use of this tincture, the hair will become thicker, begin to shine, the hairstyle will be voluminous. Moreover, this herbal remedy can be used in the first stages of baldness, which is for some time.

In order for a positive effect on the hair to be achieved, it is recommended to rub the tincture directly into the hair roots in the amount of one or two teaspoons, a similar procedure is carried out about thirty minutes before washing the hair.

What are the indications for Peppermint (tincture)?

The drug Peppermint (tincture) instructions for use allows you to use it as a symptomatic therapy in the following situations:

If the patient has nausea;

Use it for vomiting;

With spasm of smooth muscles, in particular with renal, intestinal and biliary colic.

In addition, the phytopreparation can be added in a small amount to medicines to improve their palatability.

What are the contraindications for the use of Peppermint (tincture)?

Herbal medicine Peppermint (tincture) instructions for use does not allow to use when hypersensitivity to the tincture, and it should not be used by young children and pregnant women.

What is the use and dosage of Peppermint (tincture)?

Peppermint tincture is taken orally, it is not used in pure form and diluted with water in a small amount. At one time, 10-15 drops of the herbal remedy are usually shown.

Treatment is carried out until the symptoms disappear, during the day the tincture can be taken no more than four times a day. Before embarking on therapeutic measures, the patient should enlist the support of the doctor by consulting with him.

What are the side effects of Peppermint (tincture)?

Sometimes taking herbal medicine Peppermint tincture can cause side effects in the form of allergic reactions. In this case, the patient may develop redness skin, their puffiness will join.

In case of severe allergic reactions to taking the tincture, the patient should stop its subsequent use, in addition, it will not be superfluous to consult a specialist.

Overdose of Peppermint (tincture)

In case of an overdose of the tincture, vomiting should be provoked, for this purpose the patient is offered to drink a certain amount of water in order to. In case of deterioration, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will conduct symptomatic treatment.

special instructions

If after using the tincture the patient continues to have symptoms, then it is required to consult a doctor. Do not exceed the dosage recommended by your doctor.

How to replace Peppermint (tincture), which analogs to use?

Peppermint powder, .

Conclusion

It is recommended to use the herbal preparation Peppermint tincture as directed by a specialist.

Be healthy!

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Became popular in folk medicine, perfumery and aromatherapy due to strong odor essential oils of the plant. The herb contains:

• tannins and resins;
• organic acids, including ascorbic;
• caffeic, chlorogenic, oleanolic, ursolic acids;
• rutin, saponins;
• betaine, glucose;
• phytosterols;
• arginine, rhamnose;
• fixed oils.

• The benefits of mint for the nervous system and psyche is to stabilize the psycho-emotional state.

  Rutin has a sedative effect, causes relaxation blood vessels. Peppermint oil is recommended for use when overexcited, chronic fatigue, irritability and anxiety disorder. One of constituent parts essential oils are volatile compounds of menthol. The benefits of topical mint compresses are cooling, pain relief, and relief of irritation. What impact does mint tincture on the body:

• Benefits for the heart.

  V evidence-based medicine Peppermint essential oils are part of such popular and effective drugs like Validol, Ingafen, Valocordin, Olimetin. Application in accordance with the dosage leads to the elimination of angina pectoris, tachycardia, hypertension.

• Benefits for blood vessels.

  Antispasmodic action leads to relaxation of blood vessels, normalizes the blood supply to the brain. Alcohol tincture relieves migraine due to hypertension, relieves heaviness in the head. The mild effect of peppermint has made it a traditional ingredient in many soothing teas.

• Benefits for the digestive system.

  Peppermint causes an increase in the work of the gallbladder and pancreas. The most important benefit that peppermint tincture brings to the intestines is the inhibition of reproduction. pathogenic microorganisms. Latest Scientific research identified Helicobacter pylori in many acute and chronic diseases GIT. Helicobacteria cause ulcers and erosive gastritis, all types of colitis, metabolic disorders, flatulence, obesity, intestinal dysbacteriosis. Vodka tincture has a disinfectant and antimicrobial effect. There are contraindications for use, the effect of alcohol can be harmful, cause deepening of erosions in gastritis.

• Benefits for the respiratory system.

  Peppermint essential oil is a part of ointments, sprays and pencils for coughs and colds. The irritating effect of menthol enhances the secretion of the mucosa, leads to cleansing respiratory tract and recovery.

• In folk medicine, recipes with mint for a hangover are popular.

  The general sedative effect of the plant helps to get rid of a headache, to quickly remove the decay products of alcohol. On a regular basis, you can not use mint for a hangover. It is especially undesirable to use alcohol tincture from a hangover on the last day of binge, when the state of cardio-vascular system already unstable. From a hangover, it is best to call a narcologist at home, and if you want to use the recipe with mint, then choose a decoction or infusion on the water. Peppermint helps to calm tachycardia and tremors in the muscles, relieve weakness and other manifestations of a hangover, but in chronic alcohol intoxication possible harm from menthol. To make mint products, you can grow the herb yourself, or you can buy fresh sprigs in the supermarket.

Description of the medicinal plant

A remarkable feature of the plant is the characteristic refreshing smell that comes from the leaves, stems and inflorescences. The grass is perennial, has a stem up to 100 cm in height. Inside the stem is hollow, tetrahedral in shape, branched and covered with leaves. The leaves are of the correct oval shape with a pointed tip and carving along the edges. Peppermint blooms in small flowers, the flower petals are light purple, the shape of the inflorescence is a whorl. Fruit rarely forms. Currently, the herb is cultivated for medicinal purposes, for use in perfumery, cosmetics, and cooking. The benefits of mint are preserved heat treatment, which is why the herb is so in demand in the production of tea and confectionery.

What diseases does peppermint tincture help with?

From a headache due to vasospasm, from hypertension, from chronic fatigue, from psycho-emotional overexcitation.

From tachycardia, from tremor, from a hangover.

For healing wounds, cuts and burns, as a local anesthetic.

To improve digestion, to stimulate the gallbladder and pancreas, with atonic constipation and flatulence.

To compensate for the lack of vitamins and trace elements, as a means of strengthening the immune system.

Recipes for tinctures with peppermint

In order for the use of the plant not to cause harm, the dosage must be observed. Instructions on how to prepare an alcoholic tincture:

• take 100 g of fresh mint leaves;
• grind, pour high-quality vodka, moonshine or alcohol;
• insist 7-10 days in a dark cool place;
• application takes 25-30 drops 3 times a day.

The harm from an overdose is especially dangerous for people with hypotension, bradycardia and hypotension. Instructions on how to make an infusion on water.

In medicine, the most commonly used analgesic, antiseptic and vasodilating properties of mint decoction. This action is provided to him by menthol - a monohydric alcohol of plant nature. In its pure form, it is a transparent crystalline substance with a strong minty odor. From mint it got its Latin name Mentha.

When applied externally, as part of a decoction, menthol has the ability to act on the cold receptors of the skin, causing a feeling of coolness and freshness, while internally it increases blood circulation, improves digestion, and tones.

Composition of mint

The properties of mint decoction primarily depend on the composition of its ingredients - the initial plant material, which are the leaves and herbaceous shoots of the plant. They contain a large amount of essential oils, mainly menthol, flavonoids, saponins and other biologically active substances.

The chemical composition of peppermint:

• essential oils;
• tannins;
• flavonoids;
• glucose;
• organic acids;
• polyphenols;
• saponins;
• vitamins;
• minerals.

The essential oil, for which mint is mainly valued, consists of menthol and esters. Its leaves contain approximately 2-3%. In inflorescences, the amount of oil increases and is already 4-6%. Menthol is the main active substance, which determines the analgesic, antiseptic and tonic properties of the decoction.

Mint is also not deprived of vitamins. The composition contains vitamin A, B 1, B 2, B 3, B 6, B 9, PP. There is a lot of vitamin C in it. Its amount can reach 32 mg / 100 g, despite the fact that a person's need for it is 80 mg per day.
Of the trace elements found copper, manganese, zinc and iron. Macroelements are represented by calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus. For medicine, potassium is of particular importance, it is involved in the regulation of water-salt balance and is necessary for the heart, brain, nervous system. 100 g of mint contains about a quarter of daily requirement human in this mineral - 569 mg. There is also a lot of calcium - 243 mg.

Tannins - tannins, give an astringent taste to the broth. They prevent the growth of pathogenic microflora, remove toxins, increase blood clotting. Saponins and flavonoids act in a similar way.

Interesting fact! Mint has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Mention of it is found in the Gospel of Matthew, its remains were found in the tombs of the pharaohs.

Useful properties of the decoction

In medicine, the following medicinal properties of mint decoction are most often used:

• painkiller
• antiseptic
• vasodilating
• soothing
• tonic
• choleretic
• anti-inflammatory
• diaphoretic
• laxative
• antispasmodic.

Also, the decoction has antiemetic properties, which allows it to be used as a cure for "sea" sickness. When applied externally, it accelerates wound healing, disinfects and relieves pain. Strengthens when taken internally immune system, stabilizes the rhythm of the heart, calms and relieves stress, increases efficiency, restores strength, invigorates.

Taking a decoction at night cures insomnia. In the morning, it tones and energizes. It is also known the property of the decoction to remove toxins from the body, which is used in symptomatic treatment all kinds of poisoning. Women use it to get rid of varicose veins and vascular networks on the skin.

Mint decoction helps with colds. It improves sputum discharge, anesthetizes the throat with angina, kills pathogenic bacteria, has an antipyretic effect. At viral diseases and flu decoction helps fight infection, strengthens, removes toxins.

Nutritionists recommend including a decoction of mint in the diet for weight loss, as it speeds up cellular metabolism, reduces appetite and dulls the feeling of hunger. It also helps cleanse the intestines from decay products and improves overall well-being.
With constant use, mint decoction improves digestion, helps get rid of heartburn. It also has the ability to lower blood pressure which is very important for hypertensive patients.

Advice! It is not necessary to abuse the decoction. In case of an overdose, digestive problems, nausea, dizziness are possible.

Application

The medicinal properties of mint decoction have provided it with wide application in medicine. It is used in the treatment of diseases of the digestive tract, colds, heart and nervous ailments. When applied externally, it helps to get rid of many skin diseases, anesthetizes, enhances regeneration processes. The decoction is also used in cosmetology. It is part of anti-aging masks and lotions.

Application in medicine

In medicine, mint decoction is used in the treatment of the following diseases:

• bronchitis
• sore throats
• pharyngitis
• asthma
• gastritis
• cholecystitis
• angina pectoris
• hypertension
• insomnia
• neuroses
• urolithiasis
• flatulence
• dermatitis
• eczema
• influenza
• furunculosis
• colitis
• enterocolitis
• enteritis.

It is also used for indigestion, chronic fatigue, stress, hysteria. During menstruation, a decoction helps to reduce soreness, improve mood. It is also used for obesity to increase metabolism and reduce appetite.

Application in cosmetology

Mint decoction is used not only in medicine. It is also used in cosmetology for the preparation of refreshing lotions, anti-aging masks, and therapeutic compresses. Foot baths with a decoction, they help get rid of sweating, fungus, calluses, relieve fatigue and swelling.

The decoction helps to get rid of shadows and bags under the eyes, tones the skin, eliminates fine wrinkles. It is also used to narrow enlarged pores, treat acne. Men with sensitive skin, a decoction is recommended in the form of compresses after shaving.

Contraindications

A decoction of mint is not useful for everyone, it should not be taken with the following diseases:

• hypotension
• individual intolerance
• acute cholecystitis.

With caution, the decoction is used during pregnancy and lactation. Children under 5 years of age should not be given due to high risk development of allergic reactions. It is categorically contraindicated for infants due to possible violation respiratory function.

How to prepare mint for the winter, see this video:

All materials on the site are presented for informational purposes only. Before using any means, consultation with a doctor is MANDATORY!