Useful properties of peppermint, use in cooking, cosmetology and traditional medicine. Mint: beneficial and medicinal properties, contraindications and application Mint its medicinal properties

Field mint (Mentha arvensis) is a common perennial plant of the Lamiaceae family. It grows everywhere: in damp meadows, in forests, along the banks of rivers and reservoirs, in fields and gardens.

Description

Features: stem – tetrahedral, branching, length varies from 10..15 to 80..100 cm, leaves – opposite, short-petiolate, ovate, broadly ellipsoid or heart-shaped with a pointed apex and jagged edges; flowers are small, mauve cups with wide triangular teeth, collected in a false whorl near the stem in the axils of opposite leaves. Blooms from late June to September. It is also distinguished by long creeping rhizomes.
Cultivated forms have been bred from wild mint through selection - peppermint and long-leaved mint, which are grown for the pharmaceutical industry, as well as by amateur gardeners.
Peppermint comes in two varieties: black, with a red-brown stem and brown leaves, and white, with green leaves and stems.

Chemical composition

A distinctive feature of mint is its high content of essential menthol oils. The amount of menthol in the leaves reaches 2.7, and in the inflorescences – up to 6%. In addition, flavonoids, carotene, and organic acids were found in mint.

Applications and beneficial properties of mint

IN folk medicine mint is known to heal many diseases. The main therapeutic agent is menthol, which has a mild local anesthetic effect. When applied to the mucous membrane or rubbed into the skin, menthol irritates the nerve endings, causing cold and tingling sensations. Mint infusions are very useful, they cause increased intestinal motility, in addition, having antiseptic properties, they limit the processes of rotting and fermentation in the intestines, and promote rapid emptying of the digestive tract.
Infusions Dried leaves are drunk as a sedative for insomnia and nervous system disorders, as a choleretic, and also as an anti-nausea remedy. If you have an upset stomach, it is also recommended to drink warm mint infusion in the morning.
In modern medicine, mint is used to prepare many medicines: menthol is part of validol, valocordin, drops. Zelenin as a means of promoting the expansion of coronary vessels of the heart and brain. Mint infusions are prescribed for liver and gallbladder diseases. At the same time, alcohol and oil solutions of menthol are used for the opposite purpose - to narrow the blood vessels of the mucous membranes, as well as to reduce swelling and pain during inflammatory processes in the upper respiratory tract.
As a refreshing antimicrobial and gum strengthening agent essential oils, extracted from mint, are added to toothpastes and powders; For the same purpose, mint infusions are recommended for rinsing the mouth. The infusion is prepared by brewing 2 - 3 teaspoons of mint leaves with 1 glass of boiling water and consumed throughout the day.

Preparing and cooking

Mint is harvested before flowering and during the flowering period. Dry in the shade, in a well-ventilated place, then grind the powder, sift on sieves and store in glass or tin jars with tight-fitting lids in a cool, dry place.
Mint is widely used in national cuisines. Thus, the recipes for preparing Georgian kharcho soup, Armenian yogurt soup, and many Azerbaijani dishes include the addition of mint. Mint is widely used to flavor products in Ukraine.
When salting vegetables, mint is included in the composition of spices along with oak, black currant, and cherry leaves; add when sauerkraut. As an antiseptic, mint is added to milk, which prevents it from turning sour and extends its shelf life.

Mint: contraindications

Mint should not be used to treat infants, as menthol can cause depression or respiratory arrest. It is advisable to refrain from using mint in the treatment of children under 5 years of age. In addition, mint is contraindicated for allergy sufferers, pregnant and lactating women, as well as people with low blood pressure and low venous vessel tone.

Content

Many household plots have a vegetable garden, where, in addition to potatoes, cucumbers and tomatoes, herbs and aromatic spices grow. Some of them are suitable only for use in cooking, while others have a lot of useful properties and are used to treat various diseases. One of these plants is fragrant mint. It has a minimum of contraindications. This is an excellent ingredient for preparing not only refreshing cocktails, but also most cosmetic products, medicinal decoctions and tinctures.

What is mint

Science knows about 40 species and hybrids of this fragrant plant, but only one is recognized by official medicine - peppermint. This herbaceous, seemingly unremarkable plant belongs to the Yamnotaceae family. On a horizontal trunk, reaching a height of up to one meter, oblong leaves with sharp edges and a heart-shaped base are located crosswise. Small flowers of a light purple hue are collected in inflorescences on the tops of the shoots.

Chemical composition

The plant is not valued for its own appearance, but for quality. Mint is very refreshing, smells nice and has a rich composition. 100 grams of fresh leaves contain 70 kilocalories, of which 15 g are carbohydrates, 4 g are proteins, 1 g are fats. In addition to the essential oil, which gives the plant its characteristic smell, it contains potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, almost all B vitamins, ascorbic and nicotinic acid, and retinol. From others chemical elements stand out:

• tannins;
• carotene;
• routine;
• hesperidin;
• betaine;
• arginine;
• glucose;
• neutral saponins;
• phytostyrene;
• rhamnose;
• acids – oleic, caffeic, ursolic, chlorogenic.

Medicinal properties of peppermint

The herbaceous plant is used to create many preparations: lollipops, alcoholic pepper tinctures, mint drops, essential oils for inhalation. Mint has antiseptic properties and has choleretic and bactericidal effects. Preparations containing this plant are used to relieve abdominal pain, heart pain, toothache, and in the treatment of migraines, diseases of the stomach, liver, and digestive system.

Recent research by scientists has revealed an anti-cancer effect, and therefore medications with mint extracts have begun to be actively used for the prevention of cancer of various etiologies. The aromatic herb increases the resistance of body cells when exposed to radioactive substances, helps restore the functioning of the immune system, and relieves inflammation.

The benefits of mint don't end there. Menthol essential oil has a pronounced antispasmodic, antiseptic and mild vasoconstrictor effect. Thanks to these beneficial properties, mint extracts are included in heart medications, and fresh herbs are recommended during the treatment of angina pectoris and atherosclerosis. There is unconfirmed evidence that menthol has a beneficial effect on the condition of blood vessels in the brain.

Useful properties for women

Some experts claim that in the absence of congenital defects of the reproductive system and contraindications, drinking mint tea with lemon will help in the treatment of female infertility. In addition, the fair sex uses mint leaves, roots and stems to prepare:

• Homemade lotions, creams, face masks. The use of this herb for cosmetic purposes improves the condition of problem skin (narrows pores, relieves redness, removes oily shine), refreshes the complexion, and fights fine expression wrinkles.
• Decoctions and tinctures. The healing properties of mint for women are associated with the treatment of gynecological diseases. Medicines are used during heavy menstruation, to eliminate sudden mood swings, and during menopause.
• Sitz baths that will help relieve pain, eliminate itching and burning due to cystitis. The procedures are contraindicated for pain of unknown etiology and for women with hypersensitive skin.

During pregnancy

Mint strips and menthol lozenges will be useful during pregnancy. Traditional healers especially recommend drinking tea with mint in the first trimester for pregnant women who suffer from severe toxicosis. A refreshing drink relieves nausea, helps avoid vomiting during meals, eliminates heartburn, constipation, and bloating. Fresh mint leaves can be added to salads, marinades, and baked goods.

At the first sign of a cold, medications made from this spice will help relieve sore throat, swelling of the nasal mucosa, and muscle pain. To cope with toxicosis in pregnant women, you can use only fresh or dried leaves, but a concentrated extract of oils is strictly contraindicated. It contains a high percentage of menthol, which has the ability to reduce vascular tone. Menthol can lead to uterine hypertonicity, bleeding, and provoke premature birth.

When breastfeeding

According to official medicine, it is contraindicated to consume peppermint products during lactation. In the course of numerous experiments, it was found that the systematic use of menthol inhibits the production breast milk. The use of preparations based on mint extracts is advisable only for the smooth end of the breastfeeding period.

Not all types of this plant have such a negative effect on lactation: some suppress it, while others have the ability to increase the quantity and quality of milk. These plants include spearmint and essential oils from it. This herb contains a minimal amount of menthol, but another substance predominates - carvone, which is useful for nursing mothers. Before you start taking any menthol medications, you should first consider everything medicinal properties and contraindications of mint for women.

Mint for sleep

An inconspicuous-looking plant can calm raging nerves, which is why it is often included in sedative medicinal preparations. Even a regular cup of tea with mint leaves will help you relax and fall asleep peacefully. For insomnia, it is recommended to brew the pepper variety in the following proportions: 1 part herb, the same amount of green tea or chamomile inflorescences to 5 parts boiling water. This drink will have a calming effect throughout the day, but it should be consumed with caution - the sedative effect affects the ability to respond quickly and inhibits reactions.

For a cold

Mint can help cure viral diseases, and cause them to appear if you decide to overuse a refreshing drink in hot summer weather. The leaves of the plant contain a large amount of essential oil, which has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antiseptic effects. During epidemics of respiratory diseases, doctors recommend inhaling the smell of menthol, doing inhalations, and preparing medicinal teas. This treatment is contraindicated for children under 6 years of age.

For men

The beneficial properties of mint and contraindications for men are the most controversial topic. On the one hand this plant:

• helps relieve fatigue;
• get rid of excessive sweating of the feet;
• normalizes sleep;
• makes blood more fluid, improving blood circulation;
• has a choleretic effect, preventing the development urolithiasis, normalizes liver function;
• makes breathing easier, which is useful if a man smokes;
• relieves stress;
• helps to cool down during the heat.

On the other hand, scientists from the American Institute of Nutrition have found that the plant contains a large amount of female hormones - phytoestrogens, which negatively affect potency. To do this, they conducted an interesting experiment. To a group of experimental rodents, scientists, instead ordinary water, they gave me mint tea. At the end of the test, a decrease in the level of testosterone in the blood was revealed, the rodents completely lost interest in females, and infertility developed. Given these data, it is contraindicated for men to abuse such drinks.

Useful properties and contraindications of lemon balm

It has another name – lemon balm. The plant has been used in folk and scientific medicine for more than 20 centuries in many countries around the world. The useful herb is found in the south of Russia and the Caucasus, and is often grown not only on an industrial scale, but also in garden plots for personal use. Melissa is rich in various micro- and macroelements, but most of all it contains vitamin C. The medicinal herb improves immunity and has antipyretic properties, therefore it is often used to treat colds.

Among other beneficial properties, it is worth highlighting the antispasmodic, sedative, antidepressant, and antimicrobial effects of lemon balm. A wide range of therapeutic effects has led to the use of the plant for treatment:

• neuroses;
• eczema;
• dermatitis;
• tachyarrhythmias;
• arterial hypertension;
• flatulence;
• intestinal dysbiosis;
• dyskinesia;
• acute and chronic gastrointestinal diseases;
• nervous disorders;
• headaches.

Children are shown a relatively limited list of medicinal plants, which include lemon balm. The beneficial properties of this medicinal herb make it possible to use it for the treatment of childhood neuroses, rheumatism, obesity, diabetes, chronic cholecystitis and pyelonephritis. Medicines based on lemon balm are often used in herbal medicine for children born with heart defects.

Fresh lemon balm leaves are used externally as compresses for boils, teenage acne, and as a gargle for gum inflammation. Like any other medicinal plant, lemon balm has a number of contraindications, which include:

• children under 3 years of age;
• epilepsy;
• hypotension;
• individual intolerance to lemon balm;
• serious liver diseases (cirrhosis, hepatitis, liver failure).

Is it possible to eat mint

The spice is actively used in cooking, both fresh and dried. It is added to baked goods confectionery products, drinks, marinades. In eastern countries, this herb is simply irreplaceable on any table. The reason lies in the peculiarities of Asian cuisine - it is very hot and spicy. The freshness of the leaves helps improve digestion and soften the taste of dishes. You should know that mint drinks do not satisfy hunger, but, on the contrary, only stimulate appetite, and are therefore contraindicated for those who want to lose excess weight.

Application of mint

In the pharmaceutical industry, herbal preparations (medicines obtained from plant materials by extraction) are prepared from this plant in the form of medicinal preparations, teas, aromatic waters, decoctions, tinctures, and tablets. In the absence of contraindications, these medications are actively used in the treatment of:

• diseases of a viral and infectious nature - sore throat, pharyngitis, rhinitis, bronchitis, tuberculosis;
• cardiovascular system – angina pectoris, coronary vascular spasm, high blood pressure, disorders heart rate.
• gastrointestinal tract - flatulence, gastritis, colic, heartburn, nausea and vomiting, cholecystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, helminthic infestation, stomach cramps, gallstones;
• nervous system – insomnia, stress, migraines, depression;
• mucous membranes and skin - itching, rash, inflammation, dermatitis, burns, acne, excessive sweating;
• pain syndrome - dental or headaches, muscle spasms, bruises, sprains, neuralgia.

Fresh mint

In the old days, an infusion of fresh leaves was mixed with marjoram and drunk to improve memory. The tops of the shoots were considered the best pain reliever for rheumatism, joint pain, and bruises. You can prepare many useful things from fresh leaves:

• If you feel nasal congestion, take inhalation. To do this, you need to pour boiling water over a handful of fresh leaves, cover with a towel and breathe over the steam for several minutes. The beneficial effect of such treatment will be similar to nasal drops, but the method itself is cheaper and more natural.
• If the spice leaves have begun to wilt and are no longer suitable for consumption, make ice. Once frozen, mint cubes can be placed in water or added to tea or lemonade, adding freshness to the drink. You can wipe your face with ice in the morning. Such procedures rejuvenate, brighten the skin, and help fight wrinkles.
• Make homemade toothpaste. To do this, squeeze the juice out of the leaves, grind them in a blender, mix with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. It is worth knowing that mint toothpaste with peroxide is contraindicated for people with sensitive tooth enamel.

Peppermint oil

The list of beneficial properties of peppermint essential oil does not end with its calming and anti-inflammatory effects. In the medical field, this extract is used to relieve asthenic disorders, for dizziness, toothache, heartburn attacks, heart spasms, for physical overload and as a remedy for motion sickness in transport.

Another useful property of oil is antibacterial. If there are no contraindications, this dosage form is used to cleanse mucous membranes; the aroma oil copes well with rosacea and normalizes blood circulation. The ether will help remove vascular networks from the surface of the skin, acne, and acne. There are many ways to use oil:

• It can be added to the aroma lamp. The pleasant smell will help you relax and relieve headache, will calm your nerves.
• For preparing a relaxing mint bath. For this purpose, the emulsifier is diluted in the amount of 7 drops per 100 liters of water.
• It is added to cosmetic products, mixed in equal parts with any other solvent oil. Shampoos and hair masks help eliminate dandruff and nourish the scalp. Mint lotion or cream is suitable for sagging skin. With regular use, it becomes elastic and taut, small wrinkles disappear. The same compositions are used for compresses, rubbing, and massage.
• The oil helps eliminate gum inflammation. In this case, the application method is used: a cotton swab is dipped in a mixture of mint and vegetable oil taken in equal shares.
• In cooking, the emulsifier is used to flavor wine, mulled wine, tea, lemonade, and desserts.

Extract

Sold on pharmacy shelves in the form of alcohol tinctures. Peppermint extract is often included in heart drops and tablets (for example, Validol contains an active ingredient such as menthol extract). Inhalations are made from tinctures for coughs and brochospasms; doctors recommend this type of medicine during the treatment of complicated respiratory viral diseases. External use of the tincture will help get rid of severe headaches. To do this, rub a few drops of mint extract into the temple area.

The beneficial properties of mint extract, expressed in its disinfecting and drying effect on the skin, are actively used in cosmetology. Shampoos with mint refresh and help get rid of dandruff. The tincture is often added to a gel to help relieve swelling of soft tissues and relieve fatigue. Lotions on this basis normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands and eliminate the shine of oily skin.

Dried mint

Dried mint leaves, inflorescences and stems are used mainly in the form of alcohol or water infusions, for preparing decoctions or tea. You can prepare them yourself in the summer by collecting parts of the plant before flowering and drying them in the shade, or you can buy a ready-made collection at the pharmacy. Dried flowers are used with tea for gastrointestinal diseases. Such a drink will have anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, antispasmodic properties.

If there are problems with the biliary tract, stomach acidity or pulmonary bleeding, decoctions are prepared from dried raw materials. They are used externally to treat wounds and scratches, as a mouthwash for gum inflammation or toothache. A mint drink will relieve moderate and mild headaches, freshen breath, and is useful when there is a need to stop vomiting.

Folk recipes

Unofficial medicine uses not only peppermint, but also its other types - field, water, curly. Dried and fresh leaves and essential oils are used to prepare medicines. The beneficial properties of this herb are fully reflected in alcoholic medicines, decoctions, and water tinctures. This plant is part of numerous collections, including antitumor ones. Externally, pepper is used in the form of soothing or relaxing baths, poultices for neuralgia, radiculitis, for washing or treating wounds.

When treating diseases of the nervous system, water infusions are prepared. They are also used for cosmetic purposes to improve complexion, treat problem skin, eliminate facial wrinkles and increase the elasticity of the epidermis. Method for preparing water infusion:

1. 1 tbsp. l. dry mint leaves are ground, pour 200 ml of boiling water.
2. The broth is infused in a thermos or by wrapping the container with liquid in a terry towel.
3. After about an hour, the drink is filtered through several layers of gauze.
4. For diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, digestive disorders, and neuroses, take the medicine one sip 3-4 times a day for 10 days.
5. For external use, soak a cotton swab in the decoction. Cosmetic procedures are carried out before bedtime. If there are no contraindications, you can use mint cosmetics regularly.

Alcohol tincture is used to relieve pain from rheumatism, bruises, and for rubbing against skin diseases or migraines. The medicine is taken internally during heavy menstruation, during menopause, and for preventive purposes during a respiratory viral epidemic. To obtain an alcohol tincture you need:

1. Mix 1 part of dry raw materials with 5 parts of 40-proof vodka.
2. Seal the container tightly and wrap it in foil.
3. Place in a dark place to infuse for 2 weeks.
4. The finished tincture must be strained.
5. You need to take the medicine by diluting 15 drops with water two to three times a day.
6. The course of treatment is selected individually, but should not exceed 30 days.
7. Alcohol tinctures are strictly contraindicated for liver problems, ulcers, and arterial hypertension.

Mint decoction

The water infusion is used in preparing baths to treat dermatitis, and is drunk to treat heart rhythm disturbances, nausea, and to eliminate bad breath. Mint infusion is also used for cosmetic purposes as a hair rinse. The product helps get rid of greasy hair, strengthens the roots, and prevents the appearance of split ends. Take note of the following recipes:

• For nausea and palpitations, pour 1 tbsp. l. dried mint leaves 500 ml warm water. Boil the mixture over low heat for 15 minutes. Cover with a lid, let cool and set for 5-10 minutes. Take 100 ml twice in the morning and before bed. The drink can be sweetened with a teaspoon of honey. The course of therapy is 7-14 days.
• To prepare a choleretic remedy, brew ½ tbsp. l. mint leaves with a glass of boiling water. Heat the mixture in a steam bath for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Let cool, squeeze out the cake. Take the finished decoction 2-3 times in the morning and evening, 100 ml 15 minutes before meals for 10 days, and then take a break.
• For gastritis, brew 1 tbsp. l. dried mint leaves 250 ml boiling water. Heat over steam for 15 minutes, strain. Take the medicine up to four times a day, ¼ cup, for a course of 10 days.
• For depression 1 tbsp. l. Brew 200 ml of boiling water with mint leaves. Cover with a lid and let steep for 7-10 minutes. Take half a glass twice for 2 weeks - in the morning and before bed.

Contraindications

When consumed medicines If the dosage is observed, the plant is well tolerated by the body. You should strictly adhere to the recommendations specified in the instructions for use or recipe. Deviations from the norm can lead to allergic reactions and other side effects, which are expressed in:

• severe headache;
• nausea;
• bronchospasm;
• rashes on the body;
• itching;
• insomnia.

In addition, the plant has its own contraindications. The harm is especially noticeable when used uncontrolled folk remedies. It is worth limiting the use of mint tinctures, teas and other drinks for men, pregnant women and women during lactation. The following diseases and conditions of the body are categorical contraindications for mint:

• children under 6 years of age;
• serious liver diseases - cirrhosis, hepatitis, hepatic colic;
• hypotension;
• excessive nervous excitability;
• epilepsy;
• individual intolerance;
• reduced acidity of gastric juice.

Since the herb has a pronounced sedative property, it is worth giving up control during treatment. motor vehicles and performing work that involves increased concentration and health risks. Do not forget that the plant contains menthol, so you should avoid getting medications on the mucous membranes of the eyes and open wounds.

Video

Found an error in the text?
Select it, press Ctrl + Enter and we will fix everything!

Field mint is considered a fairly common perennial plant, which belongs to the Lamiaceae family. This plant is actively used in folk medicine and cooking in the creation of salads and various dishes. Before you start growing mint, you need to familiarize yourself with its description and the nuances of cultivation.

Field mint has a number of features that distinguish it from other varieties. Mint bushes grow up to one and a half meters in height. The main distinguishing feature is the stems, which are covered with shaggy reddish hairs. The leaves on the bushes grow up to five centimeters in length and are ovoid in shape. At the edges of each leaf small teeth are visible, the length of which reaches 3-4 mm.

On mature plants, flowers are formed, colored lilac or violet. They are located at the base of the stems near the leaves. After flowering, mint is covered with rounded fruits that look like smooth nuts.

Where does it grow

Mint bushes are not found in all countries as they cannot grow in some climates. Field varieties grow in western and central Asia and Nepal. They are also found in most European countries and in Russia.

The plant does not like dry weather and needs constant moisture. Therefore, mint bushes most often grow on the banks of rivers, ponds or lakes. Less commonly, they can be found in swampy areas or areas with clay soil.

Medicinal properties and contraindications of meadow mint

It is no secret that the field variety of mint has many beneficial properties, due to which it is used in the treatment of diseases. Mint leaves contain a lot of menthol, which is considered an excellent anesthetic. When treating the leaves, rub the skin or apply them to the irritated mucous membrane.

Medicinal decoctions and tinctures are also made from the stems, which improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and cleanse the digestive tract. Such remedies are drunk twice a day - morning and evening.

Before using mint medicines to treat diseases, you should familiarize yourself with the contraindications. Mint should not be used for therapeutic purposes when treating children under six years of age. Pregnant girls and people with allergies will have to avoid using the plant.

When to plant mint

Before you start planting mint, it is recommended to determine the optimal time for planting it. Experts recommend planting the plant in late spring or in the second half of summer. It is not worth planting in early spring and mid-summer, as the material will not grow well due to spring frosts and summer heat.

If the bushes are grown in a greenhouse, then the planting date can be postponed to any other month. With this growing method, too high or low temperatures outdoors will not affect the planted seedlings in any way.

Preparation of planting material

It is recommended to prepare the seed in advance so that the mint grows well. To do this, preliminary disinfection of all seeds is carried out. This is done using a weak manganese solution in which the seeds should be soaked. Soaking the seeds lasts 15-20 minutes, after which all seeds are removed from the solution, washed and dried.

Disinfection is carried out only if self-collected seed material is used during planting. If the seeds were purchased in a store, disinfection is not necessary.

Choosing a landing site

The choice of place to grow mint should be taken seriously, as the speed of its growth depends on it. It is recommended to plant the plant in a well-lit area with sufficient protection from gusts of wind. Areas with fertile, loose soil and the required amount of nutritional components are best suited for mint bushes. Therefore, many people plant them in black soil.

Calcareous soil is not suitable for mint, as it produces weak and low-aromatic bushes. In order for the plant to grow stronger, you will have to treat the area with fertilizers in advance. To do this, add to the soil:

• superphosphate;
• potassium chloride;
• ash;
• saltpeter

Planting a plant

It is imperative to familiarize yourself with the peculiarities of the planting process in order to sow the seeds correctly.

First, rows are marked on the site where holes for planting will be made. The rows should be spaced about 50-60 cm apart so that the bushes do not shade each other. Small holes about 5-7 cm deep are made on each row. All holes are first filled with humus, watered with warm water, after which seeds are planted in them.

After planting, the planted mint is covered with soil and watered again.

Basic rules for caring for mint

Mint is considered an unpretentious plant, and therefore some people practically do not care for it. However, for normal growth and development of bushes, you will still have to carry out standard care procedures.

When growing, be sure to water the bushes so that they have enough moisture. Moistening of the soil is carried out in the evening, after sunset. When all the mint has been watered, the soil is loosened to remove the crust that has formed on the surface and remove weeds.

Plants are also fed with fertilizers so that there is no deficiency of nutritional components. Once a season, ash with compost and peat is added to the soil.

Diseases and pests

Mint, like any other plant, is attacked by pests and suffers from various diseases. Among the dangerous diseases are:

• Rust. The disease manifests itself as yellowing of the leaves and often leads to the death of seedlings.
• Fungal diseases. Appear as a result of high humidity and deficiency of fertilizers.

The most dangerous pest for seedlings is the mint flea beetle, which feeds on young leaves. It appears on bushes in late spring, when the air temperature rises to 15-20 degrees. If you do not get rid of this insect in a timely manner, the plant will begin to dry out and die.

Harvest and storage

Mint is harvested when it is actively blooming. During the flowering period, the stems and leaves are saturated with essential oils and tannins. During harvesting, you should carefully inspect all the bushes and make sure that they are not very young. Immature seedlings have a weak odor and are less useful.

After harvesting, the entire harvest is hung in the sun and dried for several days. Dried plants are left for storage so that they can be used in winter.

Mint is one of the most beloved herbs among people. Often used to make tea, but like other herbs, mint has beneficial features and contraindications that are useful to know about. This plant is not only used in tea, it is widely used in herbal medicine, cosmetics, cooking, the mint aroma is very well suited for bath procedures. Usually, mint lovers do not suspect any possible harm. But is it possible to pamper yourself with tea made from this herb often? Does mint really have any beneficial properties? Is there any harm? To get answers, it’s worth understanding this herb a little more.

Mint and its varieties

Mint is a genus of perennial plants of the Lamiaceae family. This herb with a pleasant smell is very unpretentious, due to which it is very widespread in nature and is also suitable for growing in garden plots.

Mint has at least 20 varieties, the most famous of which are:

• pepper, this type is most often used in medicine and cooking;
• long-leaved, essential oils and spices are made from it;
• field, this wild species is often cultivated in gardens;
• Japanese, distributed over a small area, used in cosmetics and for floral decorations;
• aquatic, widespread, can be used for the same purposes as pepper;
• spicate, used in cooking and perfumery.

Most types have their uses, but peppermint is currently the most popular. This species was obtained by crossing wild watermint and spearmint. The plant is usually collected in dry weather during the flowering period; not only the leaves, but also the entire above-ground part are valuable.

Application of mint

Even in ancient Egyptian and Assyrian sources there are references to this herb; later Avicenna described it in detail, focusing on its medicinal properties. Mint is also found in Greek mythology; the current name of this herb originates from the Greek language. In ancient Rome, tables were rubbed with fresh mint before a feast, and the infusion was sprinkled on the room to give it an aroma of freshness. In the old days, in Rus', an infusion of this herb was very popular; it was not only drunk, but used for rinsing and rubbing the body and used in the bathhouse (Peter I was a big fan of such procedures with mint). This plant was also used in making soap.

The substance that gives mint its characteristic taste and aroma is menthol.. It is isolated from mint essential oil, which is obtained by distillation from the entire above-ground part of the plant. Both oil and menthol are widely used in the cosmetic and alcoholic beverage industries, pharmaceuticals and folk medicine. In cooking, the herb is most often used in fresh or dry form. Menthol is added to tobacco in some types of cigarettes to reduce irritation in the lungs and bronchi.

In cooking, mint is popular in many cuisines around the world, in particular the British love to put it in sauces for lamb, Americans use it as an additive to various salads, juices and drinks, in Mediterranean and Arabic cuisines the herb is often served fresh or used in spicy mixtures. It is believed that the taste and aroma of mint combine harmoniously with meat (poultry, lamb and lamb) and some vegetables ( braised cabbage, carrots, onions, legumes). Fresh mint leaves add a spicy kick to many vegetable soups. The mint flavor also goes well with cheese.

The use in medicine is due to the beneficial properties of this plant. What are the benefits of mint for the body? In addition to menthol, it contains terpenoids, ascorbic acid, carotene, flavonoids, tannins and various trace elements. Each of these substances contributes to the benefits of this aromatic herb.

Useful properties of mint

The main ones are the following:

1. For nausea and vomiting, mint in any form is used to relieve this syndrome.
2. For nervous disorders and insomnia, peppermint tincture, tea or decoction are indicated as a sedative.
3. A slight choleretic effect perfectly improves digestion.
4. The taste and smell of mint can improve appetite.
5. Peppermint has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it possible to use it for colds as an aid.
6. This plant also has an antispasmodic effect, which makes it possible to use mint for gastrointestinal spasms and headaches.
7. Mint tea or infusion is good for suppressing bloating and flatulence.
8. For cardiovascular diseases, menthol drops are often used; they are very effective in relieving an attack of angina. The vasodilating effect of menthol is used in pharmacology: the drug Corvalol contains it as an additive, and Validol as the main active ingredient.
9. For various skin diseases, the cooling effect of menthol can suppress irritation and itching. These same properties help in relieving skin allergy symptoms.
10. The cooling and refreshing properties of menthol are widely used for dental and oral care.
11. In the treatment of bladder diseases, the anti-inflammatory effect of mint has a very significant effect.
12. In the fight against migraine, the nature of which has not yet been fully studied by medicine, the combined properties of mint are often and very effectively used.
13. Menthol is also used to relieve muscle pain in rheumatism and similar autoimmune diseases.

In herbal medicine, the importance of mint is extremely high; it is often included in various herbal preparations for the treatment of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, colds, skin diseases and to suppress nervous tension. Mint infusions, decoctions and drops are an indispensable attribute of traditional medicine recipes. They are used in the form of compresses for intercostal neuralgia, as an external antiseptic for open ulcers and burns, as gargles for throat ailments and bronchitis, to relieve hoarseness and hoarseness, and to relieve toothache. Such drugs are used internally for various colic in the abdomen. They also help against cough, nausea and heartburn. The calming effect of mint is also used to relieve nervous symptoms during menopause.

Having figured out the benefits of mint tea, you should pay attention to some contraindications.

Possible contraindications of mint

The abundance of medicinal properties of this plant cannot make it useful for all people without exception. The very noticeable effect that menthol and other substances have on the body imposes the first important limitation: like any medicinal plant, mint should not be consumed too much and often. There are no clear criteria for this parameter; just use common sense. Some people are allergic or intolerant to the substances that make up mint; giving up this herb will relieve them of all the unpleasant manifestations of a negative reaction. In addition to general considerations, there are also very specific contraindications:

1. The antispasmodic effect, acting in conjunction with the sedative, can lead to a decrease in blood pressure. Therefore, mint is contraindicated in cases of severe hypotension and a marked decrease in vascular tone.
2. During pregnancy, mint teas, the benefits of which are obvious in other cases, should be consumed very sparingly. If you have toxicosis and associated nausea, you can drink a little of this tea to alleviate the condition.
3. Children under the age of 5 should not drink mint tea; the harm and benefits of this drink for a growing body have not yet been fully studied; it is believed that there are more negative factors than positive ones.
4. If you experience excessive drowsiness, you should avoid using mint in any form; its calming properties will increase lethargy and weakness.
5. You should not drink mint tea while driving. Vehicle, concentration and reaction speed may decrease significantly.
6. Some diseases of the biliary tract (for example, dyskinesia of the gallbladder of the hypomotor type) are associated with impaired ability of organs to actively contract, releasing digestive substances. The antispasmodic properties of mint may exacerbate this syndrome.

Self-preparation of various herbal infusions must necessarily rely on existing recipes; too high a dosage of mint, as well as too low, can negatively affect the expected therapeutic effect.

Speaking about the benefits and harms of mint, one cannot help but recall the widespread statement about the damage that this herb causes to male potency. Many men avoid drinking mint tea for this reason. But does this make sense? Modern science considers such theses to be nothing more than a myth. There is unverified data about a possible decrease in sperm activity under the influence of menthol, but if this is true, then such an effect is possible only when significant quantities of this substance enter the body; no tea drink contains so much of it.

The only reason to talk about a negative effect on potency is the calming property of mint. But this property is widely known, and one effect should not be replaced by another. The sedative effect of mint tea can reduce sexual function in both men and women, but this requires drinking several glasses. After drinking a cup of tea with mint, a healthy man will not feel any decrease in his sexual performance. In some countries, such as Morocco, the culture of drinking mint tea dates back to antiquity. Moroccans drink this tea several times a day, and it does not harm their sexual function.

Aug-29-2011

What is mint:

What is mint, the beneficial properties and contraindications of mint, and does it have any medicinal properties? These questions often arise among those who care about their health and show interest in traditional methods of treatment, in particular in treatment with medicinal plants. And this interest is understandable.

Maybe in this article, to some extent, you can get an answer to these questions.

Mint (lat. Méntha) is a plant from the Lamiaceae family, numbering about 350 species. It grows almost everywhere on the globe, mainly in temperate regions, as well as in South Africa, the Indian archipelago and other places. More than 20 species of this plant are found in Russia.

This fragrant plant has a peculiar smell that is difficult to confuse with any other. This herb has a long, fragrant rhizome. It has simple or branched, tetrahedral stems. Its leaves are opposite, ovate-lanceolate, acute. The edges of the leaves are covered with small teeth. Very often this plant has a hairy, fleecy surface on its leaves, something like a fluff. The flowers of this herb are small, usually collected together in dense spherical whorls in the axils of the upper leaves. The calyx of the flowers resembles a bell with five teeth of mauve color. The mint size reaches a height of fifteen to forty-five centimeters.

Mint blooms all summer, from June to August, also covering part of September. You can find this wonderful plant throughout almost the entire territory of our country. Therefore, you should not have any difficulties in obtaining this herb. In addition, it is also quite actively grown artificially, enjoying great popularity as an essential oil plant.

Most of us associate mint primarily with freshness and a pleasant coolness, but we often forget that this herb has beneficial properties that are used in folk medicine and simply in everyday life.

Mint improves brain activity and relieves the “blues”. This plant is used mostly in the form of infusions and decoctions.

Its most famous type is peppermint. This plant contains a number of useful substances: carotene, essential oil, tannins, ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

Where can I get this medicinal plant? Well, you can simply plant mint in a pot as a flowerpot. To enjoy mint tea, you will only need to “collect” no more than two or three small leaves from it.

Then, you can plant mint in your dacha - this plant is unpretentious and does not require special care. Finally, in order not to bother, you can buy it at the pharmacy and brew it. And for the laziest, it will be easier to buy ready-made bags of mint.

Main types of mint:

Pepper

Peppermint is a cultivated species obtained by man in the 17th century in England. It is sometimes called English mint. It is cultivated most widely, in about 30 countries around the world.

This variety of fragrant plant is widely used as a spice in cooking, as well as in medicine and cosmetology. This type is the leader in the content of essential oil and menthol.

As a spice, this herb is included in refreshing drinks, lemonades, and fruit drinks. It adds a new taste to fruit salads. Add to meat and poultry dishes, baked goods, and sweet dishes.

Water

Watermint is a marsh, herbaceous plant that can often be found in central Russia. It can reach a meter in height and grows on the banks of reservoirs and on swampy soil. The flowers form large cluster-shaped inflorescences. Watermint has a strong menthol aroma. The menthol content in it is high, but there are few essential oils. It is rarely used as a spice and for medicinal purposes.

Longleaf

Longleaf mint is probably the most common type of mint in the world. It is found in Europe and Asia. It is rarely cultivated on an industrial scale (essential oils are mainly obtained from it). Long-leaved mint is noticeably taller than the others; its shoots can reach a height of 120-140 centimeters. It has a developed rhizome creeping in the upper layers of the soil, dark green, oblong leaves. It has small purple flowers that form inflorescences. It has a delicate, menthol, non-irritating aroma.

Curly

Spearmint is one of the cultivated types of mint. It has a delicate, refreshing, slightly menthol taste and aroma. It doesn't have a cooling taste. It is cultivated on an industrial scale in European countries, Ukraine and Russia.

It blooms in September with purple flowers. This is a perennial, frost-resistant type of mint. It is widely used as a spice.

Field

Field mint is its most common type. It is found in different climatic conditions and different regions. This is the oldest cultivated variety of mint. It is grown in China, Russia, and Japan. The stems are small, about 50 centimeters tall, the leaves are dark green, oblong, oval in shape. The flowers are lilac, forming inflorescences.

Field mint is cultivated on an industrial scale. A spice is obtained from it - its dried and ground leaves. And also the essential oil that this plant is rich in.

This fragrant herb is added to vegetable salads, preserves, drinks, fish and meat dishes, and soups. It has good preservative properties.

This variety of mint is used in the confectionery industry to give products a pleasant, refreshing taste.

Apple

Apple mint is a widespread species that is grown for its spice. It has a soft, delicate aroma and refreshing taste. Found in the southern regions of Europe, Egypt, and Asia. In Russia it is grown in the North Caucasus.

This is a bush reaching 50-70 cm in height. It has large, round, dark green leaves. The entire above-ground part of apple mint contains a lot of menthol and essential oil. It is used in the food industry and medicine.

Good for sweet dishes, desserts, drinks.

Useful properties of mint:

1. Mint, useful in treatment gastrointestinal diseases. It relieves inflammation well, relieves pain, and is a choleretic agent. Prepare as follows: 2 tablespoons of dry herb pour 500 ml. boiling water and insist. The resulting decoction is taken one third of a glass three times a day. You can add honey to the broth - to taste. This remedy also helps with pain in the liver.

2. This fragrant herb can serve to reduce fever.

4. It is useful for preventing cataracts.

5. It can be used as a pain reliever for rheumatism (mint compresses) and to relieve itching from insect bites.

6. Mixed with olive oil, this fragrant herb is considered useful in treating burns.

7. Inhaling mint vapor relieves motion sickness in transport (it’s not for nothing that mint candies are recommended for those who fly on an airplane).

Mint contraindications:

Mint also has its contraindications. For example, it should not be used by people who are hypersensitive to its components. Of course, it is contraindicated for those suffering from its individual intolerance.

This odorous herb (and this is very important!), by reducing the tone of the venous vessels, can provoke an exacerbation of any other existing disease. For example, very often due to its use, an exacerbation of varicose veins occurs. That is why it would be best for people susceptible to this disease to avoid mint. If you often suffer from heartburn, then it is also best not to use it. The fact is that mint can cause this unpleasant sensation.

Mint is contraindicated for children under 3 years of age. Do not forget also that this medicinal plant tends to reduce male libido. If you are overcome by drowsiness, it is better to avoid mint. Another very serious contraindication to the use of this plant is infertility. If you have problems conceiving, never use mint - in this case, it can only aggravate the situation.

But peppermint has a beneficial effect on female hormones, so if a woman wants to get rid of unwanted hair on her legs, chest and other places where women should not have hair, this medicinal plant will come to the rescue. Of course, the effect will not appear immediately, but the “growth” of hair, if it does not disappear completely, will decrease significantly. This was established in studies in which volunteers took part. The beneficial properties of this plant in the treatment of hirsutism (pathological hair growth) were noted.

Medicinal properties of mint:

The healing properties of field mint, peppermint, as well as lemon balm and medicinal balm are widely used not only in folk medicine, but also in the manufacture of all kinds of medicines. The main component of mint - menthol - has the ability to dilate the heart vessels of the brain, as well as the lungs. It reduces the sensitivity of nerve endings and constricts peripheral blood vessels.

This fragrant herb, like many medicinal herbs, is a fairly universal plant, therefore, if used correctly, it is possible not only to prevent, but also to treat diseases. There are quite a large number of diseases for which mint is used. These include cardiovascular diseases and nervous diseases; mint is also used in the treatment of colds and liver diseases. This medicinal plant has a very good effect on regulating the function of the gastrointestinal tract.

It has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, dilates blood vessels, increases appetite, improves peristalsis, relieves spasm of the bile ducts, and has a diuretic effect. This plant is used for migraines and nephritis. Used for convulsions and gastritis. In addition, it has a hemostatic effect.

Mint for hypertension, treatment:

For the treatment and prevention of hypertension, mint can be used in the form of decoctions, tinctures, infusions and in the form of mint oil.

It dilates the blood vessels of the brain, heart and lungs, so it is often recommended for patients with hypertension.

To prepare a mint infusion, take a small amount of dry leaves and add boiling water. You need to infuse the leaves for 30 minutes. Take 1 tbsp infusion. l. twice a day for two weeks. After completing the course you need to take a break for one week.

You will need:

mint leaves – 2 tsp,

water – 200 ml.

You can prepare an infusion of mint and valerian. To do this, take a small amount of mint leaves and valerian root and pour boiling water over it. To prevent essential oils from evaporating, cover the container with the infusion with a saucer so that the bottom of the saucer touches the infusion. This is necessary to create a seal. The infusion is taken 1 dessert spoon twice a day for three weeks. After completing the course you need to take a break for two weeks.

You will need:

mint leaves – 2 tsp,

valerian root – 8 g,

water – 250 ml.

Mint for women:

What are the benefits of mint for women? This medicinal plant is successfully used in the fight against various skin diseases - rashes, acne, dermatitis. Mint infusion will be useful for you in caring for oily skin. It removes oily shine well and helps tighten enlarged pores.

This fragrant herb has the ability to smooth out wrinkles, give the skin freshness, tone it, and remove signs of fatigue. An extract from its leaves can be included in homemade lotions and various masks. You can also make ice cubes from mint infusion to wipe your face.

It has excellent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Therefore, if the skin of your hands is prone to the appearance of small cracks on it, and also often peels off under the influence of cold, wind, prolonged contact with water and various chemicals, you can use hand baths two to three times a week, the composition of which includes a decoction or infusion of herbs and leaves of mint and lemon balm.

To prepare a bath that can “heal” your hands, take 2 tbsp for 2 cups of boiling water. l. peppermint herbs, 1 tsp. lemon balm and sage leaves and 1 glass of kefir. Brew the mixture of herbs with boiling water, leave for 30–40 minutes, then strain and add kefir. Place your hands in the bath prepared in this way (its temperature should be 30–35 o C) for 10–12 minutes. After the bath, rinse your hands lightly with warm water without soap, dry gently with a soft cloth and lubricate with any nourishing cream.

If you have cracked heels, we recommend that you use the following mixture: take 40–50 g of flaxseed and add 1 glass of water. Boil for 7–10 minutes and infuse the broth for 40–50 minutes. Then the broth should be cooled and strained. Then add 3 cups of peppermint leaves infusion and dilute it all with 3 liters of water. Prepare a foot bath from the mixture. The duration of the bath is 10–15 minutes. After this, dry your feet thoroughly with a towel and lubricate your heels with a rich, nourishing cream.

Mint is great for hair care. Its decoction will be useful for rinsing colored, dry hair suffering from brittleness and split ends. A decoction of its leaves and linden blossom can strengthen weak hair, make it shiny and beautiful.

Mint for men:

Scientific experiments have been conducted that have proven that mint has an effect on the male body, as well as on the female body. When consumed regularly in large quantities, it reduces the amount of testosterone in the body. Turkish scientists conducted a study that proved its effect on testosterone levels: in a group of women who had increased level"male" hormone in the body, it was noted that after a certain period, when women regularly consumed mint tea, they noticed a significant decrease in blood testosterone levels, as well as a decrease in excess hair growth.

But what is good for women is not entirely good for men. Although many experts claim that rumors associated with the ability of this herb to reduce potency in men are greatly exaggerated. Even daily consumption of mint tea is safe for men. On the contrary, mint is more beneficial than harmful for men. Why give up the tart, aromatic herb, which tones and invigorates, improves well-being and normalizes sweating no worse than expensive ointments, but is completely safe. You just need to know when to stop, as is the case with any medicinal plant.

Collection and storage of mint:

To use the medicinal properties of mint, it must be collected on time and stored correctly. How is this done? The ideal time to collect it is from July to August, that is, when it blooms. Once the mint is collected, it needs to be dried. They dry it like this: either collect it in a bunch, or cut the leaves and flowers and lay them out on a white paper sheet. Dry it in the fresh air, but always in the shade. You can also dry it in a well-ventilated area.

Then, when the mint has already dried, it is placed in a porcelain or glass container, tightly closed with a lid and placed in a dark, dry place.

Mint in weight loss diets:

Mint tea has the ability to regulate cravings for sweets and reduce appetite, which can eliminate the desire to snack before the main meal, which will serve well for weight loss.

It is better to drink mint tea warm and in small sips - this will increase its healing effect. Herbal mint teas are also useful for weight loss because they contain a low amount of calories.

Drink aromatic tea to relieve stress. Stress increases cortisol levels in the body and leads to increased appetite and decreased metabolism, which can lead to weight gain. But mint tea can relieve stress, and therefore reduce the amount of cortisol and increase metabolism, which will significantly help in the fight against extra pounds.

Herbal recipe with mint

Water - 300 g

Green tea - 1 teaspoon. no slide

Ginger St. grated - 1 tea. lie

Cumin - 1 coffee spoon.

Mint leaves - 5 leaves

Green tea with mint is used to quickly burn fat and get rid of unnecessary deposits on the stomach and thighs. Place the herb mixture in a glass container and pour boiling water over it. Close tightly and let sit for twenty minutes. We drink three times a day, thirty minutes before meals.