How to drink peppermint tincture. Peppermint - medicinal properties and contraindications for health

Hi all!

I really love autumn mornings. For cheerfulness, transparency of the air, a feeling of change. Take a deep breath. Can you feel it?☺

The smell of sea and mint also gives such freshness and energy.

I have a special relationship with mint.

I like everything about it: the appearance, the color, so fashionable this season, the smell of fresh and dried leaves, the taste.

I even like the word ☺

IN Greek myths nymph Minthe was attracted male attention sweet - a gentle, awakening mint aroma, and Aphrodite considered mint to be her favorite herb.

The incredible fragrance and belief in the cleansing and life-giving abilities of the herb and mint leaves have made it one of the most popular in the world:

this plant is used in eastern temples and western churches for air purification and energy, as a symbol of hospitality in the Middle East and a warming drink in America.

I want to consider in detail the medicinal properties peppermint.

From this article you will learn:

Peppermint - beneficial properties and uses

Chemical composition of mint leaves

Peppermint is an absolutely versatile plant that can be eaten, drunk, and used as medicine.

Mint does not lose its medicinal properties either in fresh or dried form, or as an essential oil.

Mint leaves contain up to three percent essential oil, the main component of which is menthol, as well as ascorbic acid, carotene, tannins. Various trace elements: manganese, copper and vitamin C.

What exactly is peppermint good for?

Healing properties of peppermint:

• This plant relieves muscle spasms, especially in the intestinal area, so drinks and infusions based on mint or peppermint oil is able to alleviate problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, colic in children, nausea, including from chemotherapy, and flatulence.
• Peppermint stops the growth of various bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and some fungi.
• It is recommended to gargle with diluted pepper oil, inhale it and use it in case of respiratory diseases and even tuberculosis, use it as an external remedy in creams to soothe itching and redness
• It's easier to breathe with mint. People suffering from asthma and allergic rhinitis should try dropping a little oil on a handkerchief and inhaling it.
• Oil is added to water during cleaning and humidifiers to disinfect air and surfaces and eliminate unpleasant odors. It is very useful to add it to the water in a bath or bath.
• Mint tea good for headaches. Another great option is to use mint tincture. Massage movements It is rubbed on the temples, wrists, and neck area.
• Regular use of mint leaves helps cope with constipation and worms.
• Recent studies have shown that this herb is very effective in the complex treatment of the virus herpes simplex, easing its symptoms.
• Peppermint tea helps cleanse Airways, acts as an expectorant, antiviral, and diaphoretic.
• The oil can be diluted in warm water or added to toothpaste, this will help get rid of sore throat, problems with sores in the mouth, unpleasant odor and even from .
• In tense and stressful periods, when the eyes are already dark from fatigue, the smell of mint will help: surround yourself with this smell, using peppermint oil instead of perfume or heating a few drops in a water bath. You can add it to your bath and aroma lamp. This will invigorate, relieve headaches and dizziness, and increase performance.
• Antibacterial properties help fight acne and dandruff - for this, mint tincture or oil is added to water or skin cream.
• Relief of muscle pain and spasms - added to olive oil, for example, for massage, or in a bath.
• Peppermint oil can be used to treat infections urinary tract, as it has rich antibacterial properties.
• The oil can also be used externally in wet form to relieve pain, as menthol provides a cooling effect and helps reduce swelling.
• Products with mint are used as immunostimulants; they also increase blood circulation and saturate the brain with oxygen.

What is the difference between peppermint and lemon balm or lemon balm?

Peppermint and lemon mint are often confused.

Strictly speaking, lemon balm is not called mint, but lemon balm, which has many similarities in appearance with mint.

Both of these plants are perennial, of the Yamnotaceae family, essential oil and medicinal.

But the chemical composition, taste and smell are still different, and the properties are correspondingly different.

Melissa has a lemony scent, contains fewer essential oils, and is used in cooking more as a seasoning, while peppermint is used as a flavoring and edible herb.

How to collect and prepare peppermint?

Photo of peppermint leaves

It is collected and grown in most regions of our country from late spring to autumn, but you can buy it in fresh almost the whole year.

And it even takes root on many people’s windowsills. It is better to collect wild mint in dry weather during its most active period, in June-July.

If only leaves are collected, they are laid out on a clean cloth or paper. And the leaves with stems are tied into bunches and hung in a dark, cool and well-ventilated room.

The main thing is to avoid exposure to sunlight.

Store-bought mint can be dried in the same way, you just have to rinse it first and shake off the water thoroughly.

After drying, store it in a tightly closed jar or fabric bags.

How to grow mint at home?

Medicinal mint is easy to find in gardens, villages and on the side of paths, where it grows without special care.

If you want to grow the plant at home, then at the end of summer and beginning of autumn you need to dig up a bush with a lump of earth and replant it in a pot with drainage and moistened soil.

Avoid overcooling and pinch off leaves evenly different sides bush, without damaging the junction with the stem.

How to keep mint fresh?

Finally, a few rules for buying fresh herbs.

The leaves should be bright green, without spots or moisture. The smell is predominantly menthol and light spicy-hot pepper.

My favorite restaurant suggested an excellent way to store mint, and any herbs, fresh.

Place clean, dry stems and leaves with damp paper towels in a sealable container.

A layer of mint is a layer of towel. Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator.

The towels gradually release their moisture, and within a week you will have fresh grass.

Peppermint - methods of use

How to use peppermint:

• Mint water

It's very simple to do - just add a few fresh mint stalks to the water, you can first rub them between your fingers.

The dried leaves are brewed as tea, but if this drink is too rich for you, you can take two-thirds black or green tea leaves and one-third mint leaves and brew them together.

My favorite option is Herb tea with the addition of grated ginger, a spoonful of honey and a few fresh leaves mint.

During cold season, you might enjoy a combination of elderberry, yarrow, linden blossom, mint and ginger.

• Mint decoction

Fresh or dry leaves are boiled for 10 minutes, then left for half an hour and filtered. Or pour it overnight hot water in a thermos.

This decoction is drunk prophylactically in case of stomach problems, increased excitability and stress, during colds, half a glass 2-3 times a day.

• Mint tincture

The crushed leaves are infused with vodka in a ratio of one to two for a week in the refrigerator. The tincture is used mainly externally: for rubbing, bathing, gargling.

Essential Peppermint Oil

Peppermint essential oil has all the same properties as fresh mint.

It refreshes, restores and invigorates, refreshes, has an antiseptic and stimulating effect.

Awakens the skin, cleanses the skin of acne (see recipe), normalizes the functioning of the sweat glands, and increases blood circulation. Essential oil also helps great with hair problems, read more

You can buy real peppermint essential oil Here

In general, I can sing the praises of this grass for a long time!

In warm weather it gives freshness and vigor, in cold weather it helps to warm up and survive the worst weather. And then, it's delicious!

It’s especially popular in the kitchen now that I’m interested in healthy and healthy eating. Here are two of my favorite recipes.

Delicious recipes with mint

• Light salad with mint

Mix dill, onion, oranges and mint leaves in equal proportions. If you put grilled shrimp or fried pieces of chicken breast on top, it will also be satisfying.

• Salmon with mint sauce

Steak or any other red fish can be cooked in the oven, grilled or pan-fried.

The main thing is the sauce.

You need to mix one tablespoon each of finely chopped fresh mint, cilantro and chopped onion, grate about a teaspoon fresh ginger, one finely chopped tomato without skin and seeds, 3 crushed cloves of garlic, two tablespoons each olive oil and lemon juice, a pinch of pepper and salt.

I just make the sauce while the salmon is cooking in the frying pan, literally ten minutes and the restaurant is on the road at your home!

Video about the beneficial properties of peppermint

The medicinal properties and contraindications of peppermint have been known for a long time. Even ancient Roman philosophers and thinkers spoke of it as a herb that clears the mind and gives health. IN Ancient Rus' fragrant bunches were hung in the hut to ward off evil spirits. And in Asian countries, mint was used to pay for services and goods.

The plant is still valued today. Wherever they don't use it fragrant grass- in cooking and cosmetology, medicine and perfumery. But peppermint is especially popular among traditional healers. Teas, decoctions and infusions are prepared from it, used for masks and hair rinsing. Why is this weed, inconspicuous at first glance, so good?

What grows in the garden?

There are more than a dozen varieties of mint, but the most famous and popular in our country is peppermint. It is this that inexperienced gardeners often confuse with lemon balm. Indeed, these herbs are very similar in appearance, but have some differences in their chemical composition.

The aroma of mint is bright and rich, with a pronounced hint of menthol. This is explained by the high concentration of essential oils in the leaves and flowers of the plant. Melissa has a softer smell and resembles the aroma of lemon. No wonder it is called “lemon grass” or “lemon balm.” There are much fewer esters in lemon balm - no more than 1%.

What is healthier, mint or lemon balm? It is impossible to answer this question unequivocally. Each herb is good in its own way, but they have almost the same effect on the human body. However, despite the high medicinal properties of lemon balm, Alternative medicine prefers peppermint. Maybe because of its fresh and slightly tart aroma?

Composition and medicinal properties of peppermint

According to pharmacognosy (the branch of pharmacy that studies raw materials of natural origin), the value medicinal plant due to the high content of menthol oil. In mint leaves it is 4–5%, and in inflorescences - a little more than 6%. This is a fairly high concentration and what better conditions growth, the large quantity ether is present in the soft parts of the grass.
When applied topically, menthol oil has an irritating and cooling effect, has a pronounced bactericidal effect, and actively affects nerve endings.

This is interesting. Mint got its name in honor of the ancient nymph Minta, who was killed by the wife of the ruler of the kingdom of the dead, Hades. Therefore, it is popularly considered a women's herb and is widely used to relieve menstrual cramps.

What else is mint good for? In addition to menthol oil, the medicinal plant contains a whole list of healing components:

• vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, carotene;
• organic acids;
• resinous and tannin compounds;
• bitterness;
• Hesperides;
• fiber, fats, proteins and carbohydrates;
• Sahara;
• microelements - iron, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, potassium;
• saponins.

Peppermint is used as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, vasodilator and sedative. The bitterness it contains improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, restores intestinal motility, and stimulates bile secretion. The smell of menthol helps you concentrate and improves brain activity, activates memory and attention.

Many studies have proven the anti-cancer effects of peppermint. It is also effective in the treatment of herpes, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. The herb is especially useful for women. Traditional healers recommend it to relieve symptoms of menopause, PMS, and various gynecological diseases.

Contraindications to the use of peppermint

Excessive use of mint-based medicines can adversely affect health and general health. Therefore, when starting treatment, you must remember the limitations:

• varicose veins;
• low blood pressure;
• period of breastfeeding (possibly decreased lactation);
• individual reaction to plant components.

There is a popular belief that mint is contraindicated for the stronger sex due to its ability to reduce libido. There is no scientific confirmation of such information. However, men should listen to the advice of traditional healers and not get carried away with herbal medicine. The calming and relaxing effect of the herb may well affect potency.

Attention. Peppermint is not advisable for people employed in hazardous industries or those involved in operating precision machines and mechanisms. The medicinal plant is not recommended for workers with high emotional load: dispatchers serving in emergency response teams.

If the dosage or frequency of use of peppermint is exceeded, adverse reactions may occur:

• allergies;
• intestinal disorders, belching;
• heaviness and pain in the gastrointestinal tract, heartburn;

In order not to provoke possible unwanted reactions, you should know when and how to use a medicinal herb.

Scope of mint

Beneficial features Peppermint was studied in detail at the end of the 18th century by British scientists. It was in England that a number of experiments were carried out proving beneficial influence plants on the human body. The studies examined the irritating ability of menthol, its effect on the constriction and dilation of blood vessels. The resulting effect was used to create Validol, which eliminates angina attacks.

What else does mint help with? The scope of its use is very wide - it is various diseases and pathological conditions:

1. Headaches, toothaches, bruises, neuralgia.
2. Skin lesions - dermatitis, burns, acne, insect bites.
3. Dandruff, greasy hair.
4. Wrinkles, enlarged pores, facial ptosis.
5. Respiratory infections, influenza, acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections, rhinitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis.
6. Gynecological ailments, painful and heavy menstruation, menopausal syndrome.
7. Ailments of the liver and gastrointestinal tract - spasms, colic, nausea, flatulence, cholecystitis, hepatitis, helminthic infestations.
8. Irregularities at work of cardio-vascular system- tachycardia, vasospasm of the heart, angina pectoris, increased blood pressure.
9. Nervous irritability, insomnia, emotional stress, deterioration of attention and memory.

Peppermint is quite effective as a preventative. oncological neoplasms, especially in the area prostate gland, lungs, colon, chest and skin.

Attention. The medicinal plant increases the body's immunity and resistance to prolonged exposure to radiation, so it is often used as an additional measure during chemotherapy.

The medicinal properties of mint have made it truly indispensable in many situations. Moreover, the plant is used not only in traditional medicine recipes.

Pharmacy drugs

On the shelves of pharmacies you can see a lot of medicines made on the basis aromatic herb. These are packaged mint teas and crushed raw materials in cardboard boxes, essential oils in concentrated form.

Menthol, isolated from leaves and flowers, is included in tablets for motion sickness, ointments, pencils for runny nose and headaches, and is also used to make known drugs- Mark, Validol, Pectusin, Valocordin, Corvalol, Doctor Mom, Ingafen, Menovazin, Zelenin drops and many other medications. Menthol oil is widely used to flavor toothpastes, mouth rinses, shampoos, and face creams.

The use of mint in folk medicine - popular recipes

All parts of peppermint - leaves, flowers and stems - have beneficial properties. They are used in dry or fresh form, both internally and externally. From healing herb prepare infusions, decoctions, teas, make extracts and essential oils. Each of dosage forms used according to its indications, it has its own peculiarities of reception and limitations.

Mint tea

A medicinal drink with a refreshing and soothing aroma, used for nervous breakdowns, physical and emotional stress, insomnia, irritability and fatigue. Mint tea eliminates cramps and colic in the abdomen, has a choleretic effect, and improves appetite. This infusion is especially useful for respiratory diseases and sore throat.

Attention. Patients with hypotension should take peppermint tea infrequently and in small quantities.

Prepare a medicinal infusion as follows:

• a spoonful of dried leaves and flowers (required) is poured with a glass of boiling water;
• keep in a sealed container for 15 minutes;
• filter and take in small sips half an hour before meals.

Mint tea is also brewed from fresh herbs. In this case, green leaves are dipped in a mug of hot water and kept for 10 minutes. The same infusion is good for gargling and teeth, washing oily and acne-prone skin.

Mint decoction

It is better to prepare the product from the hard parts of the plant, which are difficult to part with beneficial substances - stems, branches, lower leaves. It is used to combat constipation and increased acidity stomach, sour belching. Prescribed as an additional remedy for pulmonary hemorrhages.

Attention. Decoctions, unlike teas and infusions, are always filtered only when hot.

For the mint drink you will need:

• 2 tbsp. l. crushed raw materials;
• 500 ml water.

The herb is poured into a thermos and filled with hot liquid, left for 30 minutes, and filtered. The decoction is taken cooled, 2-3 sips before meals.

For sore throat, rhinitis or adenoiditis, the product is used for inhalation. Healing vapors are inhaled hot for 10–12 minutes. In case of skin diseases, soothing baths are prescribed based on a water extract from the plant - 70 grams of dry herb are taken per 10 liters of liquid.

Peppermint tincture

The medicine is prepared using alcohol or vodka. Used for rinsing and inhalation when infectious diseases ENT organs, eliminating headaches and migraines.

The following ingredients are used to create the extract:

• 50 grams of dry mint;
• 250 ml of alcohol or vodka.

The grass is poured with alcohol and kept in a closed vessel for 25–30 days. The finished tincture is filtered and consumed 15–25 drops per dose.

A similar extract is prepared from fresh mint. The whole bush is torn off, chopped and poured with boiling water to just cover parts of the plant. Sugar and 0.75 vodka or alcohol are added to the mixture. Leave in a dark and cool place for at least a month.

Attention. Mint tincture helps with sleep disorders, hiccups, toothache and headaches. It improves the functioning of the heart muscle and is used for women's diseases. The drug is not recommended for use by pregnant women, hypotensive patients and children.

Peppermint essential oil

The drug is actively used for diseases of the nervous, digestive and cardiovascular systems:

• tachycardia, arrhythmia, angina pectoris;
• hypertension;
• heartburn, belching and nausea, pain in the gastrointestinal tract;
• flu, sore throat, laryngitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, tuberculosis;
• irritability, insomnia, emotional stress.

The product has a pronounced analgesic effect, so it is often used for sore throats, caries, gum inflammation, and migraines.

Peppermint essential oil is used for diseases of the heart, central nervous system and respiratory system. Methods of using menthol oil can be different:

1. A little ether is dripped onto a piece of sugar or into a spoon of honey and taken together with tea, juice or lactic acid drinks.
2. Inhalations using a nebulizer or a regular pan of hot water are done once a day.
3. In soothing baths add 7-10 drops of menthol concentrate to the entire volume of liquid;
4. To rinse, dissolve 3-4 drops of ether in a glass of warm water;
5. Compresses are prepared from ¼ tsp. products and 25 ml of alcohol or vodka.

Concentrated mint oil perfectly cleanses and aromas the air in the room. To do this, just drop a little ether into the aroma lamp.

Beauty Recipes

The beneficial properties of peppermint have been found wide application in cosmetology and perfume industry. Based on it, many skincare products with a soothing, tonic and cooling effect are made. Well, since the plant has an aseptic effect and perfectly eliminates unpleasant odors, it is often included in deodorants, antiperspirants and mouth rinses.

Skin care for face and hands

Peppermint is good for the skin different types. It tightens, tones and smoothes dull and wrinkled skin, cleanses oily skin and reduces sebum secretion, fights acne and pimples. With regular use, the dermis is saturated with vitamins and microelements, and the complexion improves.

Lotions and creams, nourishing and moisturizing masks are prepared from mint. For example, to combat oily, acne-prone skin, prepare a product from 5 tbsp. l. dry inflorescences and a glass of boiling water. The mixture is infused, filtered, poured into ice trays and frozen. Every morning, wipe the face with a cold product and apply a suitable cream.

For flabby and wrinkled skin, a mask of crushed fresh leaves, yolk and sour cream is suitable. The ingredients are mixed and applied to the face. Leave for 15–20 minutes and rinse with cool water.

Attention. Peppermint will help sunburned and inflamed skin. The herb will quickly calm and restore the epidermis and eliminate redness.

The medicinal plant is no less useful for the skin of the hands. Creams based on menthol oil will quickly restore the whiteness and softness of your brushes, add a pleasant aroma, and strengthen your nails. And hot baths will relieve pain in the presence of arthrosis and arthritis of the joints of the fingers and wrists.

Peppermint for hair

Fragrant herb is especially useful for oily curls. It reduces production sebum, eliminates dandruff, moisturizes hair and nourishes the scalp. For treatment, you can use menthol oil, which is added to shampoo and rinse water or herbal infusions, which are used to wash clean strands.

Peppermint restores hair well after curling and coloring, adds shine and a pleasant aroma, and accelerates growth. Regular use of the herb will help keep your hair healthy and full.

Peppermint during pregnancy

The effect of mint on the body of pregnant women has been fully studied, so no one doubts the benefits of the herb for the expectant mother. Remedies based on aromatic herbs help in many situations:

• excellent fight against early and late toxicosis;
• eliminate discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract;
• improve intestinal motility and food digestion;
• relieve spasms and pain of unknown etiology;
• calm nerves, help cope with stress and irritability, and improve sleep.

It must be remembered that you should take peppermint-based products only after consulting a doctor, since the herb has a number of contraindications, which were mentioned above.

Attention. If a woman suffers from varicose veins or low blood pressure, which is very common during pregnancy, it is advisable to limit the use of mint.

Particularly interesting is the effect of the medicinal plant on lactation. In small doses, the herb can increase the amount of milk, and in excessive doses, on the contrary, it can reduce it. Thus, if a woman wants to stop lactation, she should increase the use of infusions and teas.

The medicinal properties and contraindications of peppermint have been well studied for a long time. It has been proven that this unique plant capable of fighting many diseases and long years support feminine beauty. However, it is recommended to consult a doctor when taking the herb for medicinal purposes, since the plant has a number of contraindications.

Attention. The article is for informational purposes only. Specialist consultation is required.

The unique aroma and cooling taste of this herb have attracted the attention of perfumers and culinary specialists for thousands of years. The fragrant plant was not ignored by healers either. Hippocrates, Paracelsus and Avicenna recommended mint for headaches, digestive disorders, heart pain and inflammation of the respiratory tract. Now mint is widely used in official medicine.

Traditional healers prepare decoctions, teas, alcohol and oil tinctures from it, and use it in baths and medicinal lotions.

The herbaceous perennial grows throughout Eurasia and North America, and is found in Australia and South Africa. It is cultivated in large plantations for pharmaceutical, culinary and cosmetic purposes. Mint is also found in the wild - in wet meadows, along the banks of streams and even in the mountains.

Scientists have described more than 20 plant species, differing appearance and chemical composition. Characteristics common to all species are a vertical stem, oval leaves and small two-lipped flowers. The most popular varieties in folk medicine are lemon, field and pepper.

Lemon Balm

This is one of the most ancient spicy cultures, known to ancient cooks and healers. Its botanical name is Melissa officinalis L.

The plant has an extensive root system that allows it to establish itself in any soil. The straight stem stretches upward by 50-120 cm. The oval, slightly wrinkled leaves have an unusual minty-citrus smell.

Peppermint is a perennial herbaceous plant, one of 25 species of the Mint genus, belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This type of mint was artificially bred by crossing wild species of spearmint and wild mint. Since then it has been cultivated. It is not found growing wild.

Peppermint is also known by the following names: cold mint, chilli mint, peppermint, cold mint, English mint.

This fragrant plant reaches a height of 60-80 cm. The tetrahedral stem is often reddish in color, covered with numerous oblong leaves of a dark green color, sometimes with a purple tint. Peppermint blooms in July-August with light purple small flowers collected in spike-shaped inflorescences.

Mint grows very well on calcareous clay and marshy soil. Peppermint is propagated by layering. Root system creeping plants with many above-ground shoots. Chlodka is grown near the house, in gardens, in vegetable gardens; it is very popular and valued as a medicinal, cosmetic and culinary plant.

WITH therapeutic purpose In folk medicine, pharmacology, and cooking, fresh and dry mint leaves and shoots are used. Thanks to high content menthol, they have a pleasant, spicy, cooling taste and delicate aroma.

Pharmacological composition

Leaves, shoots and inflorescences are the main storehouse useful substances, a real green pharmacy. They contain essential oil in large quantities, tannins, bitter and biologically active substances, phytoncides, fats, sugars, carotene, vitamins C and P, mineral salts.

Composed of many medicines There are dried leaves, oil and essential extracts of peppermint.

Medicinal properties and uses

The medicinal properties of the plant are used both in folk and traditional medicine.

1. Peppermint has an analgesic effect on headaches and toothaches.
2. Antiseptic properties are used for throat diseases and in dentistry. The beneficial properties of the herb are even used to make mouthwashes and toothpastes.
3. It has a significant astringent and antiemetic effect. Since ancient times, mint drops have been used for nausea.
4. Peppermint is also used for insomnia, nervous disorders, for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, asthma, colds, inflammation of the digestive system, stomach ulcers, stones in the liver and kidneys, and atherosclerosis.
5. Fresh leaves are used for dermatitis, for compresses, and face masks.

Recipes and methods of use:

• Peppermint tea: 1 tbsp. spoon leaves with 1 glass of boiling water, let it brew for 10-15 minutes.

1 cup of this tea a day improves sleep, relieves irritability and nervousness.
- It is recommended to drink 2 cups of tea when you have a cold.
- 3 cups throughout the day have a positive effect on diseases of the stomach and intestines, which are accompanied by cramps, flatulence, and bad-smelling stools.
- 1 cup of warm tea, drunk in small sips, will immediately act on nausea, vomiting or the urge to vomit.

It must be remembered that mint is female herb, can reduce the amount male hormones, so men should not get too carried away with weed, as it increases excitability, including sexual excitability.

• Peppermint infusion: Pour 2 teaspoons of crushed herb leaves into 1 glass of boiling water, leave for 20 minutes, strain. This infusion is recommended to be taken for female diseases (both heavy and insufficient menstruation), hemorrhoids, hysteria, nervous disorders, gastritis, rheumatism, pain in the heart, lungs and toothache.
• Alcohol tincture: 20g. dried herbs pour 100 ml. 75% alcohol or vodka. Infuse in a dark place for two weeks. Use for inhalation when inflammatory processes mucous membrane of the nose, throat, trachea, with bronchitis. Also used externally for rubbing for migraines, headaches, and skin inflammations.
• Mint baths: 50g. Brew dry mint in 10 liters. water. Such cosmetic baths are taken for skin diseases and exacerbation of psoriasis. It has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. This concentration of infusion is also used for enemas. For itchy dermatosis, use a mint bath with a decoction of knotweed.

Peppermint and traditional medicine

In traditional medicine, mint herb is used to obtain menthol, cardiovascular medicines (the well-known validol and corvalol), drops for the common cold, and cough medicines. Dozens of different drugs are produced based on mint, which have soothing, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, expectorant, and choleretic properties. Peppermint tincture of essential oil will effectively help with nausea, vomiting, intestinal and renal colic.

Use in cooking

In cooking, mint is used as a seasoning. Soups, salads, meat, fish and vegetable dishes, seasoned with fresh peppermint, are very healthy. Slightly less commonly used in cooking dried grass, but, for example, fish dishes using dry mint seasoning only get better.

Contraindications

Individual intolerance to mint. Drinking mint tea is not recommended a long period. If the dosage is exceeded, sleep deterioration, bronchospasms, and heart pain may occur. People with low blood pressure and pulse should not use mint, this can lead to sharp decline strength

Peppermint essential oil

Essential oil is obtained by water or steam distillation from fresh or dried leaves of the herb. To get 1 l. you need about 45-50 kg of oil. raw materials. This oil contains more than 30 components: menthol, cineol, thymol, limonene, dipentene, tannins, flavonoids.

Today, the oil has become very popular and widely used. It helps cope with some health problems and is also used to maintain beauty.

The oil has medicinal properties:

1. Has an analgesic effect. Rubbing the oil into your temples (one drop at a time) can help relieve headache. When applied externally, in the form of a lotion to the site of an insect bite, it will help relieve irritation and itching.
2. The oil is a strong antiseptic and is effectively used for colds and flu. Peppermint oil will eliminate cold symptoms (rub into chest 1-3 drops of oil), will relieve pain, reduce temperature (rub 2 drops into the sole of the foot). In addition, it has antiviral and antibacterial properties and is used for inhalation, which helps relieve nasal congestion, soften cough, and reduce sore throat.
3. Peppermint oil, used internally, relieves spasms and pain in the stomach and intestines, and serves as an excellent choleretic agent.
4. A bath with the addition of peppermint oil has an antidepressant effect, relaxes and calms, improves mood, and relieves feelings of anxiety and fear.
5. Aroma baths using peppermint oil eliminate menstrual pain, normalize intestinal function.
6. To whiten teeth, it is recommended to add 2-3 drops of peppermint oil to toothpaste from time to time. If you add 1 drop of oil to a glass of water, you will get an excellent mouth rinse.

Use of oil in cosmetology

Peppermint oil has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, but it must be used very carefully. Its use will help get rid of rosacea. You can use oil different ways, for example, add a park of drops to a tube with cream, gel, etc., or make masks, scrubs to cleanse the skin from it (add 1-2 drops of oil to a mixture of sea ​​salt and olive oil). It is also used to combat acne and skin inflammation. To do this, prepare a mint lotion: 4-5 drops of mint oil per 150 ml. mineral carbonated water, wash your face with it several times a day.

Using hair oil

The oil not only helps improve appearance hair, but is still an excellent remedy to prevent their loss and intensive growth. To do this, make oil baths: add 2 drops of mint oil to any base oil, heat in a water bath, then rub into your head and distribute over the entire length of your hair. It is recommended to cover your head afterwards plastic bag and wrap it in a towel, keep the mask on for several hours, or the whole night.

Contraindications

When individual intolerance peppermint oil. This oil should not be used by children under 6 years of age or pregnant women.

Herbal medicine - a long time ago known species herbal treatment. Many familiar plants have medicinal properties, including peppermint. Everyone can grow unpretentious plants with a bright aroma in their own garden plot and, if necessary, use them not only for culinary purposes, but also to solve some health problems. If you take into account some contraindications, you can get significant help in the treatment of a wide variety of ailments.

Where does it grow and what does it look like?

Mint is one of the most common spicy plants, numbering about 300 species (field, lemon, menthol, spearmint). The plant originates from the Mediterranean and has long been used in Ancient Greece, Rome and other countries for perfumery and medicinal purposes.

Peppermint (otherwise called “English” and “cold mint”) is a perennial herb, reaching a height of 50–100 cm. It is a cultivated plant obtained by crossing water mint and garden mint. The two main varieties of pepper are white, which has green stems, and black, which has dark red stems and dark foliage.

White peppermint has bright green leaves, green stems and pale flowers.

The plants are highly bushy. The strong tetrahedral stems can be bare or covered with sparse hairs. The pointed leaves with a serrated edge are usually oblong or ovoid in shape. Small flowers, collected in spike-shaped inflorescences, have a light purple or reddish color. Flowering begins in June - July and continues until August - September. The beginning of the accumulation of essential oils occurs simultaneously with the flowering of the plant, therefore the collection of mint is confined to the period July - August.

Black mint stems have an anthocyanin reddish color.

Currently, there are about 2 dozen selected varieties of peppermint. It is grown everywhere (in America, Europe, Asia). In Russia, industrial cultivation has been established in the Voronezh region and Krasnodar region. The most famous domestic, Belarusian and Ukrainian varieties: Prilukskaya, Medicinal 4, Ukrainian Pepper, Riddle, Charm.

A little about the characteristics of the plant: video

Medicinal properties of peppermint

The beneficial properties are explained by its unique chemical composition. Its leaves and stems contain tannins, ascorbic, caffeic and other acids, as well as vitamin P, glucose and a number of others. useful elements. The seeds contain about 20% oil.

In medicinal and for cosmetic purposes use leaves, essential oil and menthol.

The leaves are usually not used fresh, but infusions and decoctions are prepared from them, as well as baths and lotions. Infusions of leaves mixed with the addition of mint oil make up the “Mint Drops” tincture, which is a means of stimulating appetite and an antispasmodic for the stomach.

Peppermint is beneficial for a number of unpleasant symptoms:

• improves digestion, helps with nausea, is used as a choleretic agent;
• acts as a mild sedative and analgesic, helps with headaches;
• in case of sleep disturbances, mint works as a weak sleeping pill;
• decoctions and infusions help stop inflammatory processes;
• mint promotes muscle relaxation, so it can be used for stomach or intestinal cramps;
• helps reduce flatulence;
• is used for complex treatment cardiovascular diseases, as it causes vasodilation;
• Brewed leaves with the addition of honey helps ease breathing during colds;
• infusions relieve skin itching and help with other skin diseases;
• rinsing mint decoction helps with stomatitis;
• used in the treatment of diseases of the urinary system.

How does it benefit men, women and children?

For women, mint is considered especially useful: compositions are prepared on its basis for the treatment of inflammation of the female genital organs. In addition, it is recommended to take it to alleviate the condition of menopausal syndrome. Many women may be interested in the plant as cosmetic product, which reduces oily skin, tightens pores and helps eliminate acne.

For men, mint can help quit smoking if: strong desire smoke a cigarette take 2-3 sips of tea.

For children, mint is used as depressant. For restless babies, baths are given with the addition of mint infusion, and from the age of 3, weak tea can be given.

Uses of peppermint oil

Valuable essential oil is contained in all above-ground parts of the plant. Highest percentage oil content in flowers (4–6%), approximately doubled less oil contain leaves (2.4–2.75%), and very little is present in the stems. To extract the oil, mint is steam distilled. The oil is transparent, yellowish or greenish in color, with a pleasant refreshing taste and aroma. During long-term storage it thickens and darkens.

Peppermint oil is a clear, slightly yellowish liquid.

Peppermint oil is primarily used as a raw material for the production of menthol, which is used in the production of liqueurs, sweets, is added to toothpastes and powders, and is used in pharmaceuticals (menthol Vaseline for the treatment of the runny nose, menthol pencils for migraines and in its pure form for inhalation and internal use for various diseases).

Contraindications for use

Like others medicinal products, the plant has a number of contraindications. True, there are not too many of them, but take into account potential harm mint is necessary.

Complete contraindications for use:

• hypotension;
• allergy to menthol;
• varicose veins (a decrease in vascular tone when taken can aggravate the situation);
• Children under 3 years of age should not take mint preparations orally; it is especially contraindicated for infants - it can even lead to respiratory arrest;
• infertility problem (mint only makes it worse);
• increased drowsiness.

In addition to the above points, you should keep in mind that you should not drink mint tea before driving a car. There is also an incompletely verified statement about negative impact on male libido.

Long-term use can be harmful: the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach relaxes, so digestive juice is thrown into the esophagus, leading to heartburn.

Can it be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Since mint is one of the best remedies against nausea and vomiting, it helps pregnant women cope with morning sickness.

Pregnant women should not take medications containing mint oil!

• Place 2–3 teaspoons of leaves in boiling water (200–250 ml), boil for 3–4 minutes, leave covered for 10 minutes, strain. A cup of this chilled tea, drunk before a meal, reduces nausea and increases appetite. You can also rinse your mouth with warm broth;
• If signs of nausea appear, crush a fresh mint leaf with your fingers and inhale deeply several times.

In the second trimester, which usually passes without toxicosis, mint is used to improve digestion and increase appetite by adding fresh mint leaves to food.

In the last trimester of pregnancy, decoctions are recommended for feelings of anxiety, signs of late toxicosis and itching of the skin of the abdomen and legs.

On later It is better not to use mint during pregnancy - it tones the uterus and can cause premature birth.

Pregnant women who have gallstones should not consume mint. It stimulates the secretion of bile and can cause stone displacement, which is completely undesirable during pregnancy.

Although mint is considered safe for pregnant women, it is best to consult a doctor before using it.

Breastfeeding women are not recommended to regularly consume mint as it reduces activity and can lead to problems. heart rate. Nevertheless, the plant helps with problems with lactation, as it improves blood circulation. Therefore, rare single doses of the decoction by nursing mothers are allowed.

Use for various conditions of the body

Peppermint can be used to improve the health of the body in a variety of cases.

Cold. When you have a cold, the upper respiratory tract is the first to be affected. Peppermint promotes mucus separation and is recommended as an expectorant. Inhalations with the addition of peppermint oil treat a runny nose.

Insomnia. The calming effect of mint is especially noticeable in cases of sleep problems. To relieve overexcitation and treat insomnia, alcohol tinctures of menthol and oil solutions, and at home you can use a concentrated decoction or infusion of leaves.

Hangover. Considering that mint relieves nausea and heaviness in the stomach and reduces headaches, it is an indispensable means of relieving hangover.

Peppermint tea is the most popular way to consume mint.

Menstrual irregularities. Peppermint tea and oil help relieve painful sensations during menstruation, stabilize hormonal background and adjust the cycle.

Diabetes. For diabetes mellitus, mint will be beneficial as a choleretic agent, as well as a means of stimulating the functioning of the pancreas. Warm mint infusion helps lower glucose levels. Still, doctors recommend that diabetics exercise caution when consuming it.

Gastritis with high acidity. Although in some cases constant use mint leads to heartburn, it is successfully used to treat gastritis and even peptic ulcer. This is explained by the plant’s ability to relieve nervous excitement and nausea, often accompanying diseases stomach, as well as its bactericidal effect.

Skin rashes. Mint lotions and baths help relieve irritation and itching of the skin and eliminate rashes.

Russian ethnoscience Mint has long been used for refreshment purposes, to intensify the secretion of bile and sweating. Kidney stone disease is treated with fresh juice of mint leaves; the same juice with the addition of white wine is an effective diuretic.

In July-August mint blooms and it is at this time that it needs to be collected

Recipes for mint potions

To make medicinal potions, the entire above-ground part of mint is cut off. Yellowed and dried leaves are torn off, the stems are removed, leaving only high-quality leaves and inflorescences. For storage, it is best to dry it in the shade in the open air (shelf life 2 years). A good storage method is freezing, which allows you to use fresh mint at any time of the year. You can make jam from mint and lemon. Well boiled and rolled into jars, it can be stored all winter and used to treat bronchitis, sore throats and colds.

As a rule, peppermint is consumed internally in the form of an infusion of leaves. It is prepared with 2 tablespoons of fresh or dried leaves and 0.2 ml of freshly drunk water. Cover the mixture with a lid, wrap it in a warm cloth and leave for 1–1.5 hours. The resulting liquid is filtered and taken 50–70 ml before meals. This medicine is used to treat migraines and colds. In addition, this infusion helps get rid of toxins in case of poisoning if you drink it three times a day with meals, 1 tablespoon.

You can prepare mint infusion according to another recipe. Dry leaves (1 tablespoon) are brewed with a glass of boiling water and left for 1/2–2/3 hour, then filtered. This drug will help with abdominal pain (take 1 tablespoon every 3 hours), with vomiting (1/2 cup) and to reduce toxicosis during pregnancy (half a glass before meals, twice or thrice a day).

The same infusion will help with skin inflammation, itching or rashes; it can be prepared by making lotions from it or wiping the skin of the face and body.

Fresh gruel from mint leaves will help with fungal diseases (mycoses) of the feet if you apply it to the sore spot for 50–60 minutes. You can grind the leaves with coarse salt.

During colds, bronchitis, sore throat good effect gives peppermint tea. To do this, you need to brew it like regular tea, pour 1 tablespoon of crushed dry leaves into 0.25 liters of boiling water and leave for 10–15 minutes. To relieve cough, you need to drop a little mint oil into water and inhale it.

Making mint jam - video

cure stomach disorders To prevent gastritis and reduce nausea, prepare an infusion of 2 teaspoons of dry mint leaves per 200–250 ml of boiling water. The liquid is left for 0.5 hours, filtered and drunk 15–20 minutes before meals, 60–70 ml twice a day.

For nausea and vomiting, taking 20–25 drops will bring relief. alcohol tincture mint dissolved in a glass of water.

To treat gastritis caused by high acidity, mint alone is not enough. It is added in an amount of 15 g to a mixture of other medicinal herbs: yarrow (15 g), St. John's wort (30 g), bean (one pinch). Chopped, well-mixed herbs are poured with boiling water (0.4 l), left for 2-3 hours, filtered. The resulting drink should be drunk throughout the day in 70 ml portions.

For patients with gastritis low acidity prepare herbal tea, including peppermint (20 g), marsh cudweed and knotweed (15 g each), yarrow, chamomile and valerian roots (10 g each), dill and caraway seeds (10 g each), hops (5 g ). The mixture of ingredients is brewed with 1 liter of boiling water, wrapped and left overnight. 1 glass should be drunk in the morning on an empty stomach, the rest throughout the day at regular intervals.

Medicinal herbs included in the collection along with peppermint, pictured

Yarrow has anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effects, promotes wound healing St. John's wort is used as an antibacterial, antiseptic, analgesic, wound healing, antirheumatic, diuretic, choleretic, astringent, anthelmintic, and also as a regenerating drug Pharmaceutical chamomile- a strong antiseptic with anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, choleretic, astringent, diuretic properties Valerian root is a good sedative that enhances the properties of mint.

To prevent hypertensive attacks, use a mixture of peppermint, chamomile and valerian (proportion 1:1:0.5). Having prepared an infusion from these herbs, drink 60–70 ml per day for 30 days.

Peppermint infusion helps relieve the discomfort that occurs during menopause. Dry mint leaves (2 teaspoons) are placed in hot water (0.5 l) and boiled.

1 tablespoon of leaves, poured into 0.5 liters of boiling water and infused for 2 hours, will help eliminate bad breath if you use the infusion to rinse the mouth.

Peppermint for 40 diseases - video

For headaches, mint can be used in different ways:

• bandage fresh leaves to the forehead;
• drink water with the addition of mint tincture - 10–15 drops per 200 ml. To prepare the tincture, finely chopped leaves should be infused for 7–8 days in 70% alcohol in a ratio of 1:20), adding them to water (200 ml);
• mint infused with triple cologne is used to rub the frontal, temporal and occipital parts heads;
• rub mint oil into the skin of the forehead and temples.

Taking peppermint tincture will help ease the symptoms of a hangover - it will relieve headaches and heaviness in the stomach. A good remedy An infusion of mint and sage (1:1 ratio) is considered, which after brewing is left in a warm place for 2–3 hours.

How to treat the liver - video

To people suffering diabetes mellitus, it is recommended to drink 0.25 cups of a decoction of mint leaves (1 teaspoon) and dandelion roots (3 teaspoons) 2–4 times a day. The specified amount of raw material is poured into a glass of water, boiled for 6–7 minutes, left for 0.5 hours and filtered. This decoction also improves the activity of the pancreas and has a choleretic effect.

If there are stones in gallbladder take half a glass (50–70 ml for children) of an infusion of 1 teaspoon of mint leaves per 0.25 liters of boiling water (leave for 30 minutes, filter, squeeze out the cake).

For neuroses and insomnia, prepare an infusion according to the following recipe: 20 g of dried leaves pour 0.5 l warm water, leave for 6–8 hours, filter. Take before bedtime (adults 100 ml, children 50–70 ml).

How to make your own mint tincture at home - video

Beauty Recipes

Peppermint is not only medicine, but also indispensable in cosmetology: it is added to masks for hair and skin, compresses, creams.

Benefits for hair

Mint infusion, if you rinse your hair with it, helps to improve the health of the scalp and hair (especially dry or colored hair). Nice smell invigorates and lifts the mood.

Even more effective means To maintain the beauty of hair, use a decoction of mint leaves and the same amount of linden inflorescences. This mixture needs to be poured into 400 ml boiled water and heat in a water bath for 15–20 minutes. Do not bring the broth to a boil!

The broth should be filtered and used for rinsing and even washing hair (for daily hair washing).

To treat dandruff, prepare a composition of 2 tablespoons castor oil and 2-3 drops of peppermint oil. The mask is applied to the hair and left for 30–35 minutes under a plastic cap, washed off with shampoo.

Using peppermint essential oil to maintain beautiful skin and hair - video

For skin beauty

To narrow pores and reduce oily skin, make masks of the following composition: 2 teaspoons of crushed mint leaves, string, chamomile plants, mix, add ground cereals(3 teaspoons), add boiling water until the consistency of thick sour cream is obtained, heat in a water bath for 10–15 minutes.

The mask applied to the skin is covered with a towel. You can rinse off with plain water, and after the mask, apply argan oil to the skin.

To moisturize the skin, prepare a similar mask from mint, chamomile and plantain.

Peppermint is an unpretentious crop that does not require much effort to grow, but will bring great benefits under the most various diseases. For a healthy person, mint will be a pleasant ingredient in various culinary masterpieces. To avoid troubles, before consuming mint, you should familiarize yourself with the contraindications for use.