Peppermint – properties, use in the kitchen, use in cosmetics, contraindications

Peppermint (Latin Mentha piperita) is also called medicinal mint. This plant grows widely in its natural state in Europe and North America. In Poland, it has been cultivated and used in natural medicine for many years.

Pepper mint is a perennial and winter-hardy plant. It can grow up to 75 cm in height and develops two types of stems: raised, richly leafed, ending with a flower spikelet with purple flowers, and also spreading on the ground, less often and finely leafed, characterized by the ability to root. Mint it also develops numerous underground layouts.

Z peppermint leaves are obtained, which are dried in natural conditions or dryers (max. 35 degrees C) and stored in a sealed package, in a dry, dark and cool place, as well as oilwhich is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves and herb of this plant. On the other hand, with essential oil mint, you can get menthol by freezing.

Peppermint – composition and properties

Leaves peppermint they contain oil ethereal, the main ingredient of which is menthol, as well as tannins, flavonoids, bitterness and mineral salts. Thanks to this leaves peppermint they show properties antibacterial.

Extract with leaves mint can be used to support the treatment of digestive problems (especially poor digestion of fats), lack of appetite, because they stimulate the secretion of bile and gastric juice. Moreover, they regulate intestinal peristalsis and prevent gas and gas. In natural medicine mint extracts they are sometimes recommended as a support in intestinal colic, gallstone disease, and liver diseases. They can also be mildly diuretic and sedative.

It shows similar properties oil from peppermint. Strong action antiseptic is indicated by menthol, which, when applied externally, anesthetizes the skin, causing a feeling of coolness and reducing itching.

Peppermint for stomach ailments

Both leaves peppermintAnd oil Mint was used as a support in the treatment of stomach pains, digestive disorders, nausea, indigestion, as well as in intestinal colic. Due to the fact that the leaves peppermint they show action They are diastolic and relieve smooth muscle tension, and are used in ailments such as spasms of the upper gastrointestinal tract and biliary tract.

Peppermint for diseases of the liver and bile ducts

This plant can support the treatment of liver and biliary diseases, cholecystitis, as well as mild liver failure and reduced bile production. Today it is recommended to her use as an auxiliary in gallstone disease and jaundice, and in the recovery period after hepatitis.

Peppermint oil for cough

In natural medicine oil with peppermint is found application in catarrh of the upper respiratory tract and inflammation of the oral mucosa. It is sometimes used for inhalation to relieve the symptoms of sinusitis, colds and flu. In catarrh of the upper respiratory tract oil from mint can be used in adults use also externally (in the area of ​​the breast and nose).

Peppermint oil for headache

Peppermint leaves they show actions relieving migraines. They can also be applied topically in the form of an ointment or lotion for neuralgia and muscle pain.

Peppermint for skin problems

Because of that mint leaves They are rich in tannins, menthol and menthone also show action antibacterial, antipruritic, local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory. Due to the fact that they induce a feeling of coolness, they can be recommended, among others, in the course of chickenpox. Moreover pepper mint may be used in order to accelerate the healing process of unsightly blisters which are a symptom of herpes. According to some natural medicine specialists the list is peppermint they also show activity against yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida as well as dermatophytes and mold fungi.

Peppermint oil – contraindications and side effects of overdose

Peppermint oil, administered orally in doses higher than the therapeutic ones, may cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and in high doses even disturbance of balance and deep sleep. You shouldn’t get it use also externally, because in some cases it can cause irritation and redness of the skin.

Particular care should be taken when applying peppermint elderly people as well as young children. Use this plant is not recommended for pregnant women.

Peppermint – use in the kitchen

Pepper mint has found a fairly wide application in the food industry. It is sometimes used to make mint candies and some liqueurs, as well as chewing gums. In the kitchen, leaves peppermint can be added not only to cottage cheese and salads, but also to lemonade or other drinks designed to quench your thirst in hot weather. Pepper mint Moreover, it works well as an addition to potatoes and lamb.

Peppermint – use in cosmetics

Pepper mint it is also used in cosmetology. Due to its high content, menthol is primarily used as a component of toothpastes and powders for cleaning teeth and mouthwashes.

Pepper mint it is also used in hair care treatments. Thanks to its properties, it supports the treatment of dandruff.

Peppermint oil It can also be useful in combating the problem of chapped lips – it softens and smoothes the skin of dry lips. It also works well as a bath additive.

also peppermint oilDue to its refreshing scent, it can be used in the production of perfumes, colognes and scented candles.