Peppermint
One of the oldest medicinal plants in the world is mint. Its healing properties were noted by the inhabitants of Ancient Greece and Rome. In Russia, it was laid out in the corners of the house to scare away the “unclean” force. Peppermint was valued and appreciated to this day for its medicinal properties.

This is a fragrant herbaceous perennial with small flowers that gather in inflorescences. There is a legend that tells about love, deceit and the creation of mint. The patroness of streams and springs, in ancient Greek myths, the young nymph Mente was the beloved of Hades. But his wife, offended by their relationship, poisoned Menta. And as soon as the nymph drank the poisoned drink, she immediately disappeared, but instead a bush of juicy mint appeared.

Peppermint is a man-made, artificially bred plant that is rich in:

  • menthol and essential oils;
  • phytoncides;
  • tannins;
  • vitamins;
  • carotenes;
  • trace elements.

The healing properties of peppermint

The active components of peppermint irritate cold receptors, nerve and blood vessels. As a result of the response, the blood vessels dilate, which helps to reduce the severity of pain.

A decoction of peppermint leaves helps regulate blood pressure. Another useful property is counteracting fermentation processes in the intestines, as well as stimulation of peristalsis.

Due to the pronounced antiseptic action, it is actively used in various branches of medicine and even cooking. This effect is justified by the content of essential oils that inhibit spore-forming bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus.

Peppermint is added to herbal preparations for the treatment of cholecystitis, hepatitis and cholelithiasis.

Due to essential oils, peppermint is added to pastes, soaked in floss and even toothpicks. It has found application in dermatology and cosmetology.

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Contraindications peppermint

Any medicinal plant, in addition to useful properties and indications, has contraindications and possible side effects. These include:

  • low blood pressure – the use of mint at low pressure is contraindicated, because it contributes to the expansion of blood vessels and an even greater decrease in pressure, the constant use of mint is the cause of serious consequences;
  • varicose veins – due to a pronounced effect on blood vessels, the course of varicose veins is aggravated;
  • allergic reactions – no one is immune from the formation of an allergy, even medicinal plants can provoke it and mint is one of them.
  • decreased libido in men – mint is useful for women’s health, but not for men: it is known that the constant use of peppermint is the cause of a decrease in libido function.
  • concentration disorders – preparations based on peppermint have a pronounced sedative effect, and for those whose activities require increased concentration of attention, mint is contraindicated.

Application of peppermint

Peppermint is used not only in folk medicine, but also in traditional medicine; medicinal preparations and cosmetics are prepared on its basis.

For pain relief

A decoction of peppermint will help relieve pain of any origin. Gargling the mouth and throat with a decoction helps to reduce pain somewhat. The analgesic effect is provided by a combination of a cooling effect and control of local blood circulation.

For the digestive system

Peppermint has a beneficial effect on the entire digestive system, improves peristalsis, resists fermentation processes, therefore, reduces the symptoms of flatulence. The decoction relieves nausea, heartburn, stomach pain.

With cystitis

decoction

2 tbsp. Spoons of mint pour 500 ml of boiling water and leave for 15 minutes.

Take 1 tbsp. spoon 4-5 times a day.

For the respiratory tract

Despite the pronounced aroma, peppermint has a positive effect on the course of asthmatic attacks, but only if there are no allergic reactions. Decoctions of peppermint are prescribed for bronchitis, SARS.

decoction

2 tbsp. spoons of dry peppermint leaves brew 300 ml of boiling water and leave for 1,5 hours in a dark place.

Take 1 tbsp. spoon 4-5 times a day.

For the cardiovascular system

This medicinal plant has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, improves blood circulation and controls blood pressure.

For the nervous system

Peppermint decoction relieves nervous tension, recommended for neurosis, hysteria, overexertion, depression and chronic stress. The therapeutic effect is achieved due to a pronounced sedative effect.

For women

Women with painful menstruation are also recommended to drink a decoction of mint.

decoction

2 tbsp. spoons of mint brew 500 ml of boiling water.

Take twice a day, 150 ml.

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In pregnancy

Peppermint will help normalize the emotional background due to the sedative effect, resist colds, stop nausea in early pregnancy. However, you can use it only after consulting a doctor, because side effects are possible.

In cosmetology

A decoction of peppermint will relieve skin problems. The decoction can be poured into an ice mold, and with these cubes wipe your face every morning.

Reviews of doctors about peppermint

Olga Zorina, pharmacist, teacher of pharmacology, chief editor of MedCorr:

– Peppermint is actively used for diseases of the respiratory tract: for pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis and runny nose. It is also a sedative, used for insomnia, neurotic conditions.

Peppermint has proven itself especially well in the treatment of skin diseases: eczema of various etiologies, atopic dermatitis, neurodermatitis, urticaria, etc.

Elena Korsun, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Head of the Department of Phytotherapy, ICM RUDN University, Head of the Educational and Health Center at the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine:

– Peppermint is one of the most useful medicinal plants. In addition to menthol, the plant contains a whole list of useful substances: flavonoids, antioxidants, tannins, vitamins A and C, group B, organic acids, resinous compounds, sugars, trace elements, namely sodium, phosphorus, magnesium and even calcium.

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