Contents
😉 Greetings, dear readers! Thank you for choosing my site and the article “Mint: Properties You Didn’t Know About”. Collected here is some basic information about peppermint and peppermint oil. Why is mint useful for the human body, and who should not use it?
What is mint
It is clear that this is a plant. Everyone heard about him, drank mint tea and tasted refreshing candies. And now for more details.
Mint belongs to the genus of perennial plants of the Lamiaceae family. Undoubtedly, you are familiar with the representatives of this family:
- basil;
- Melissa;
- oregano;
- rosemary;
- thyme;
- sage;
- marjoram;
- skillful.
This fragrant plant is a valuable honey plant. The honey has an amber color and a slight mint aroma. Ancient healers Hippocrates, Avicenna and Paracelsus described the healing properties of the plant in their writings.
Species of mint
There are about 25 types of mint
What happens mint
- pepper (pharmacology, cosmetics, herbal medicine, aromatherapy);
- field;
- Japanese (cosmetics);
- water (herbal medicine, aromatherapy);
- Australian
- canadian;
- Daurian;
- marsh (herbal medicine, aromatherapy);
- long-leaved;
- small-flowered;
- round-leaved;
- Moroccan
- colossal;
- asian;
- Kopetdag.
In this article, we will focus on a popular species – peppermint. In the XVII century. it is obtained by crossing spikelet and water mint.
Mint: beneficial properties
The ground part of the plant (leaves, stem, inflorescences) contains:
- essential oil (menthol);
- resinous substances;
- carotene;
- acids: ascorbic, oleanolic, chlorogenic;
- rutin;
- glucose;
- phytostyrenes;
- vitamins of group B, vitamins A, C, E;
- calcium, potassium;
- copper, iron;
- 65 – 75 kcal per 100 g.
Application in medicine
Mint leaves are a part of medicinal teas:
- sedatives;
- choleretic (for cholecystitis, hepatitis, cholangitis);
- gastric;
- windbreakers.
Menthol is contained in drugs (validol, olimetin, valocordin, ingafen). It is added to toothpaste, mouthwash, and cough drops.
Why is mint useful?
- helps with nausea (drops);
- suitable for hypertensive patients (lowers blood pressure);
- improves the protective functions of the body;
- increases appetite;
- with pain in the abdomen;
- normalizes metabolism;
- antispasmodic gastric agent;
- strengthens intestinal motility;
- with angina pectoris;
- with bronchitis, colds, coughs;
- from headaches and migraines (externally a special pencil);
- with flatulence;
- has an antiseptic and analgesic effect;
- anti-inflammatory agent (lotions, compresses);
- with painful menstruation (tea);
- eliminates itching;
- with a runny nose (drops).
For the health of the skin of the face, you can use ice cubes made from mint infusion. How to prepare cubes. Place 1 tbsp. a spoonful of dry mint in a glass dish. Pour in boiling water (200 ml) and cover. After 45-50 minutes. strain the infusion and fill in the form for ice cubes. Place in the freezer until completely frozen.
In folk medicine
- from toothache;
- from insomnia;
- with high acidity of the stomach;
- against dandruff (hair rinsing with decoction);
- from hiccups;
- as a diaphoretic and warming agent;
- soothes with nervous excitability.
Mint: contraindications
- hypotensive patients should use mint with caution (a little), because it lowers blood pressure .;
- has a choleretic effect. Persons with gallstone disease need a doctor’s consultation;
- with varicose veins;
- breastfeeding mothers should abstain (reduces lactation);
- during pregnancy, you should not risk it;
- reduced potency;
- decreased reaction and drowsiness. You should not drink mint tea if you are going to drive a car;
- children up to 3 years;
- intolerance, hypersensitivity.
How to store mint
Perennials are harvested during the flowering period in July-August, when there are more nutrients in it.
For salads, mint sprigs are stored in a plastic container or in a plastic bag without air access. Shelf life up to 5 days.
Leaves can be frozen. First wash, remove moisture (spread on a towel and let dry). Place the leaves in an airtight bag and send to the freezer.
For long-term storage of mint, drying is the best way. Pour cold water over the grass (without root) for 3-5 minutes. After removing from the water, shake and spread on a paper towel to remove moisture. Chop finely (with a knife or scissors). Spread evenly in a thin layer on a tray or baking sheet.
Dry in the shade or in a ventilated area for 3-5 days. Many people dry plants in hanging bunches. Place the dried mint in a glass jar or paper bag. Shelf life is 2 years. It is available at the pharmacy all year round.
Peppermint oil: application
Base: menthol esters, acetic and valeric acids.
Why peppermint oil is useful:
- to scare away insects;
- relieves tension and anxiety;
- help with nausea and motion sickness;
- from insomnia;
- for heartburn;
- cleans the air in the room;
- antiviral activity for colds;
- febrifuge;
- softens the hoarseness of the voice;
- with dizziness;
- rinsing with stomatitis;
- removes halitosis from the mouth.
Application forms
for an aroma lamp – 5 cap. for a room area of 15 m2.
bath: for colds – 3-4 drops;
sauna: 2-3 caps. on 15 m2.
enrichment of cosmetic preparations: 5 drops per 20 g. the basics.
inhalation for coughs, runny nose, hoarseness 3-4 drops. per liter of water;
massage: 5 drops. 15 gr. the basics.
Противопоказания
- neutralizes homeopathic remedies;
- similar to the contraindications for peppermint mentioned above.
Video
Additional information “Mint: properties, applications” in this video
😉 Dear readers, leave tips, comments on this article. Be sure to be cheerful and healthy!