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Peppermint: medicinal and beneficial properties. Video
The multifaceted medicinal properties, the refreshing taste and aroma of peppermint are appreciated: it is widely used in cooking and confectionery, as well as in the alcoholic beverage, perfumery and medical industries. However, the plant enjoys the greatest success in folk medicine.
Peppermint: medicinal properties
Peppermint chemical composition
All parts of the plant, except for the underground, contain essential oil (stems – up to 0,3%, inflorescences – up to 4,6%, leaves – up to 2,75%), the main component of which is menthol.
Found in peppermint leaf oil:
- jasmine
- pullegon
- cineole
- fellandren
- diptych
- pinens
- menton
- esters of valeric acid and menthol
Leaves contain:
- oleanolic acid
- ursolic acid
- ascorbic acid
- caffeic acid
- betaine
- hesperidin
- carotene (up to 40%)
Peppermint is used as an anesthetic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-sclerotic, vasodilator, choleretic, diaphoretic, antiemetic, stimulating the activity of the heart and blood circulation.
Peppermint has other names: cold mint and english mint
Traditional medicine recommends this plant for inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract, bronchitis and bronchiectasis, catarrh of the pharynx and larynx, runny nose, pharyngitis, asthma, sore throat, toothache, migraine, neuralgic pain, hepatic and intestinal colic, seasickness, as well as diseases, accompanied by spastic contractions of the coronary vessels.
In the form of menthol, which has vasodilating, carminative, antiseptic, antispasmodic and local analgesic properties, this type of mint has a therapeutic effect in angina pectoris, gastrointestinal disorders, and stomach pain. Peppermint oil is an excellent antiseptic and refreshing agent that is used in toothpastes and powders, as well as for rinsing.
Peppermint oil is included in many potions to enhance their flavor.
For gynecological and cardiovascular disorders, liver and gallbladder diseases, spastic constipation and ulcerative colitis, it is useful to drink a decoction of peppermint.
Contraindications to the use of peppermint are low blood pressure, increased acidity of gastric juice, varicose veins. There are also age restrictions: it is undesirable for children under 3 years old to consume peppermint.
Peppermint treatment: traditional medicine recipes
Hot mint tea is useful for colds and flu. For its preparation 1 tbsp. a spoonful of dry peppermint leaves should be poured with 200 ml of boiling water and kept in a thermos for 10-15 minutes.
Mint baths contribute to the rapid release of nervous tension
For various digestive disorders, an infusion of mint leaves is used to improve appetite and prevent gastritis. It can be prepared as follows: 2 teaspoons of leaves, boil 200 ml of boiling water and leave for about 30 minutes. Then strain and drink 1/3 cup 15 minutes before meals 2 times a day. The same infusion is indicated for nausea, vomiting, scanty and heavy menstruation, pain in the abdomen and poisoning.
Mint contains tannins that protect the gastrointestinal tract from irritation
To alleviate the unpleasant symptoms of menopause, women are advised to take a mint broth (pour 2 teaspoons of mint leaves with 500 ml of hot water and bring to a boil).
For hypertension, use a collection of:
- 2 tbsp. peppermint
- 2 tbsp. chamomile spoons
- 1 tbsp. spoons of valerian
2 ml of boiling water is poured over 200 teaspoons of the collection, insisted for 30 minutes and 1/3 cup is drunk daily for 1 month.
For diabetes mellitus, diseases of the liver, gallbladder and pancreas, prepare a collection of 3 teaspoons of peppermint and 1 teaspoon of crushed dandelion root. The mixture is poured over 200 ml of water, boiled for 5-7 minutes, insisted under the lid for 30 minutes and filtered. Take 1/4 cup 2-4 times a day before meals.
Mint leaves can be used to prepare a soothing collection. It is necessary to mix them in equal proportions with valerian root and a three-leaf watch, and then pour 1 tbsp. a spoonful of collecting 200 ml of boiling water. The herbs need to be infused for an hour and taken in 100 ml 3 times a day with emotional instability and increased nervousness.
For nausea and headaches, a tincture of mint leaves has a positive effect. For its preparation, 10 grams of cut leaves are poured in 200 ml of 70% alcohol and insisted for a week in a dark place. Take 20-25 drops per 200 ml of cold boiled water.
Fresh Peppermint Leaf Dressing Relieves Severe Headache
With frequent headaches, the forehead, temples and back of the head are rubbed with peppermint tincture on a triple cologne. For sensitive skin prone to inflammation, mint infusion lotions are used. It perfectly tones skin cells, relieves itching and redness. With fungal diseases of the skin, gruel from fresh mint leaves, applied to the affected areas, helps.
Peppermint with salt is a good folk remedy for interdigital mycosis. Leaves (preferably fresh) are crushed, mixed with an equal amount of salt and placed between the toes for about an hour. The treatment is continued until the fungus disappears completely.
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