Useful properties of mint and contraindications, application

People have known the benefits and harms of peppermint ever since the plant was first discovered. Menthol flavor is the hallmark of most toothpastes and chewing gums. Mint tea, water are popular summer drinks. The herb and its aroma have become firmly established in human life.

Description and types of mint

The benefits and harms of mint do not depend on the variety, but the taste varies slightly. Wild plant varieties:

1. Field mint, grows in fields, rare forests. Has a delicate aroma and taste. The aroma of menthol is weak
   
2. Feline mint grows along roads, on hillsides, in sparse forests. The taste and aroma have lemon, spicy notes. Loved by cats.
   
3. Water mint grows in humid places. Strong menthol flavor and aroma.
   
4. Fragrant mint is found in the Mediterranean and warm humid places. The aroma is menthol, the taste is muted.
   
5. Japanese mint grows in Japan, contains a lot of essential oils, menthol taste and aroma is pronounced.
   
6. Forest mint or oregano, oregano, grows in forests, in clearings. Has no menthol taste and aroma.

Garden plant varieties:

1. Peppermint bred in the 16th century in England. Has a bright, slightly bitter taste. The honey from the plant is also menthol.
   
2. Curly mint grows wild in northern Africa. Cultivated in Russia, Europe and North America. The aroma is weak.
   
3. Chocolate mint combines menthol, lemon and chocolate in the scent. Loves sunny and humid places.
   
4. Mexican mint, another name is lofant. Sharp spicy aroma, but no menthol undertones.

Chemical composition and calorie content of mint

The beneficial and harmful properties of this herb are due to its chemical composition. Vitamins contained in the plant:

• A - 212 mcg;
• B1 - 0.082 mg;
• B2 - 0.262 mg;
• B5 - 0.338 mg;
• B6 - 0.129 mg;
• B9 - 114 mcg;
• C - 31.8 mg;
• PP - 1.706 mg.

Useful macro and microelements:

• calcium - 243 mg;
• magnesium - 80 mg;
• sodium - 31 mg;
• potassium - 569 mg;
• phosphorus - 73 mg;
• iron - 5.08 mg;
• zinc - 1.11 mg;
• copper - 329 mcg;
• manganese - 1.176 mg.

The calorie content of the plant is insignificant, only 70 kcal, which is useful for losing weight.

Why is mint useful?

Useful properties of the plant are suitable for the treatment of nervous diseases, against indigestion.For the beauty of the skin and hair, the treatment of eczema, fungus, toothache, herbal extracts are used in traditional and folk medicine.

The benefits and effects of mint on a woman's body

For women, the medicinal properties of the herb mint are more than harmful. You just need to follow the recommendations. Mint is beneficial for the face, for colds, diseases of the female reproductive system. It is prescribed for:

• painful periods, due to pain relieving properties;
• premenstrual syndrome, from migraines and muscle pains;
• nervous breakdowns and depression.

In addition, mint is good for the stomach, its properties are to cure digestive disorders and alleviate the condition in case of poisoning, eliminating vomiting, nausea.

The benefits and effects of peppermint on men

The effect of mint on men is controversial. The herb heals them as well as women. But the substances contained in the plant harm men. Peppermint negatively affects male potency and hormones.

The total dose of the plant is calculated by a specialist, but tea once a week will not do any harm. For older males, the herb will be useful as a tonic and at the same time a sedative.

The harmful properties of mint herb for men outweigh the beneficial ones, so it is not recommended to be treated.

Is mint good for pregnancy

Medicines with a plant treat constipation, nausea, but for pregnant women, not only in the early stages, mint is contraindicated. The grass will harm the fetus, it can provoke a miscarriage in the early stages. An exception is when, after consultation, the doctor prescribed the exact dose of the plant and the method of administration.

Is it possible to mint with breastfeeding

Nursing mothers can only use mint in the form of aromatherapy without consulting a doctor. On the recommendation of a specialist, it is useful to take the plant inside in small doses to increase the amount of breast milk. To do this, the herb is mixed with other products: dill seeds or oregano plant.

The unnatural imitation of the scent will harm nursing mothers even if inhaled.

Folk recipes with mint for the treatment of diseases

The benefits for the human body have been known since ancient times, recipes where the mint plant appears were prescribed to patients by Avicena, Hippocrates and other doctors. In the 21st century, traditional medicine is the heir to ancient healers and a student of traditional approaches. It is called herbal medicine. To reduce the health benefits, peppermint is treated with caution, and after consultation with a therapist or herbalist.

Infusion and decoction of mint

A decoction and infusion of mint herb are beneficial for insomnia, leukemia, cholelithiasis, painful and heavy menstruation. They have antispasmodic properties, are useful for gastritis. The herb is used to treat depression.

The broth is prepared in this way.

1. 1 tbsp. l. fresh herbs are brewed with 1 tbsp. boiling water (250 ml).
2. The mixture is boiled for 10 minutes over low heat.
3. Filter, squeeze, allow to cool.

To prepare the infusion, you will need dry raw materials. Infusion recipe:

1. 4 tbsp. l. dry leaves pour 1 liter of boiling water.
2. The mixture is infused for 1 hour.
3. The infusion is filtered and drunk half an hour before meals, half a glass.

Peppermint, as a hair rinse, benefits oily and weakened types, but sensitive, damaged skin can be harmful.

Mint tincture

Peppermint in the form of a tincture will bring no less benefit than infusions and decoctions. It is rubbed into the hair roots to heal the scalp and eliminate oiliness. Another treatment is to gargle with a cold and mouth for a toothache. Cooking takes place according to the following scheme:

1. The fresh plant is finely chopped.
2. The herb is placed in a bottle, stacked tightly, but not rammed.
3. Pour alcohol so that it covers all raw materials. It is pre-diluted to 40-50%, although some advise 75% or even undiluted at all.
4. The bottle is placed in a dark place for two weeks.
5. The mixture is shaken thoroughly once a day.
6. After two weeks, the tincture is filtered and placed in a dark place until use.

Mint for hair will also bring benefits as a rinse, but for this, either the herb tincture is added to warm water, or poured over with a pure infusion.

Tea with mint

The herb is added to regular black or green tea. Or firmly brew the leaves of the plant in its pure form. In the first case, the taste is softer, it is possible to use it with milk. A lower concentration weakens the action, which is beneficial when the mint herb causes an allergic reaction in large quantities.

Mint water

The tool will heal the body, beneficial properties, when taken correctly, will not be neutralized by harm.

1. Water is good for the stomach - it will improve digestion, eliminate diarrhea, bloating. It will kill dangerous microorganisms, such as E.coli, but water is only suitable for preventing dysentery, not for treatment.
2. The use of mint herb for the liver is the ability to cleanse toxins, toxins, stimulate the outflow of bile. The micronutrients contained in the drink neutralize the harm from unhealthy foods.
3. The infusion of the plant strengthens the immune system when drunk daily. Peppermint water is beneficial, especially during a flu epidemic.
4. Washing your face improves your complexion and general condition.

They make a remedy by pouring crushed grass with warm water, then put it in a dark place for a day. The water must be heated to 60 ° C.

Mint baths and compresses

A solution for such procedures is prepared from a strong infusion or fresh grass crushed into gruel. Baths are done like this:

1. Still hot, strong infusion of the plant is diluted 1/3 with cold water.
2. Hands, feet, fingers are dipped into the solution, hold until it cools down.
3. After the procedure, the water is allowed to dry.

To enhance the beneficial properties, a drop of essential oil is occasionally added per liter of infusion.

For a compress, either moisten the fabric in a strong infusion and apply it to the place, or apply gruel from the grass to sore spots. Pounded leaves are also suitable.

Mint bath

Therapeutic procedures are performed for inflammation of the genitourinary system, respiratory tract, muscle pain. To prepare a bath, you will need 8 tbsp. l. raw materials, three liters of boiling water. Take a bath for no more than fifteen minutes.

Toning baths are prepared and taken differently.

1. 5 tbsp. l. crushed raw materials are poured with a liter of boiling water.
2. Half an hour insist under the lid, filter.
3. The infusion is poured into the bath. The water should be at body temperature.
4. The procedure is carried out for 20 minutes.

The option of preparing a bath, when the grass in gauze is tied to the tap, boiling water flows and the right amount is collected, it releases less useful properties from the plant.

Mint with lemon for weight loss

To lose weight, they drink drinks. When infused, a maximum of substances with useful properties are given. Popular options are cold mint infusions with either ginger and lemon or lemon and cucumber.

A slimming drink made from ginger, lemon and mint is prepared using the following ingredients:

• 2 liters of non-hot water;
• juice of 1 lemon and 1 chopped;
• mint - 12 fresh leaves;
• 1 tsp dry ginger or 2 slices of fresh root.

The ingredients are mixed in a jug or jar, let it brew for 2-3 hours. After readiness, it is useful to add 1 tbsp. l. honey, diluted in ¼ st. warm water.

A drink made from lemon, mint, cucumber for weight loss is made from the following components:

• 2 liters of cold water;
• 1 cucumber;
• 1 lemon;
• mint - 5 branches;
• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger.

Cut the cucumber and lemon into thin slices, you can cut them smaller. Everything is placed in a jar, filled with water, insisted in the refrigerator for 8 hours. No honey is added to the mixture.

Peppermint essential oil: properties and uses

The benefits of peppermint essential oil are due to its composition. It consists of:

• carvacrol;
• neomenthol;
• linomen;
• cineole;
• thymol;
• pinene;
• menthol;
• pellandrene;
• menthyl acetate;
• terpinene.

Essential oil is useful when a strong effect of a concentrated substance is needed. Ether will be beneficial for:

• nausea, dizziness, vomiting during motion sickness in transport;
• loss of voice, hoarseness, softens throat;
• pain - toothache, headache, menstrual pain, muscle pain;
• loss of strength, stress.

For colds, essential oil kills viruses and microbes, lowers the temperature. It will benefit the circulatory system, relieve vascular spasms, and improve blood circulation in the brain.

The oil is useful both as a cosmetic and as a medicine. The latter - with bacterial dermatitis, the first symptoms of eczema, acne. When the type is oily, the extracts of this plant narrow the pores, dry out, dry - help to retain moisture.

In order not to cause harm, the ether is diluted with olive oil, 4-6 drops per 100 ml. The mixture is used for massages, compresses. They help with rheumatism, muscle aches or colds.

In aromatherapy, mint is beneficial by entering the body through the respiratory tract. Some believe that this effect is milder than when applied to the body and is not harmful. Others say that the beneficial properties when applied externally are not expressed, and inhaling vapors from an aroma lamp or during inhalation, a person receives a large dose of a substance that is absorbed faster.

Mint: benefits and harms for various diseases

Fresh mint benefits common health problems without harming the body. The herb is used in the form of decoctions, infusions and tinctures, inhalations with ether, and is eaten fresh. Medicines and biologically active additives are made from plant extracts.

Does peppermint help cough

When coughing, plant-containing products are beneficial due to their properties:

• soften the mucous membrane;
• kill pathogenic microorganisms;
• improve immunity.

Cough is treated with teas, decoctions and infusions from this herb. Tinctures gargle, decoctions and teas are taken orally. Inhalation with ether has the same properties as ingestion.

Peppermint increases or decreases blood pressure

Plant extracts lower blood pressure, people with hypotension should limit the use of herbal products. So that the plant does not harm health, limit the use of tea to once a day and refrain from infusions, baths, inhalations, compresses.

With a headache caused by low blood pressure, the extract of this herb will aggravate the situation, cause nausea, an attack of vomiting, the beneficial properties will turn into harmful ones.

Is mint possible for diabetes

For patients with diabetes, plant extracts are useful, the herb lowers sugar levels. But for men, people with low blood pressure or varicose veins, even with diabetes mellitus, mint is contraindicated in large quantities.

Peppermint for pancreatitis

During this illness, the herb is useful for healing. Properties to stimulate the secretion of bile, relieve spasms of smooth muscles, stimulate regeneration are useful in pancreatitis.

Is mint good for gastritis

During gastritis, the herb for medicinal purposes is used with caution. But observing the measure, in case of illness, mint products will not harm health.

1. Decoctions and herbal infusions soothe mucous membranes and relieve pain.
2. The plant relieves spasms.
3. The ether contained in the herb lowers the acidity of the stomach.
4. Extracts regulate appetite.

Self-medication for gastritis is contraindicated. First, they are treated by a gastroenterologist, then, after consultation, they independently support their health with herbs.

The use of mint in cosmetology

The beneficial properties of the plant are used for the beauty of hair and skin. Oily hair and skin need nourishing, toning, drying care.

Mint masks for face skin

With the help of masks with herbs, they smooth out minor wrinkles, treat acne, eliminate irritation, inflammation. Masks are prepared according to three main recipes.

Smoothing mask:

1. honey - 1 tbsp. l .;
2. chopped chamomile - 1 tsp;
3. chopped mint herb - 1 tbsp. l .;
4. 1 egg.

Honey is heated to a liquid state, but not boiled, so as not to lose its beneficial properties, beat the egg. Chopped herbs with honey are added to the egg, mixed thoroughly. A mask is applied to previously cleansed skin for 15 minutes, then washed off with water.

Mask for oily skin:

1. 1 tbsp. l. chopped mint herb;
2. ½ fresh cucumber;
3. 1 egg white;
4. ½ tsp lemon juice;
5. ½ tsp apple juice;
6. 1 tbsp. l. mashed potatoes.

The ingredients are mixed, applied to the cleansed face for half an hour. Then wash off with cool water.

For the treatment of acne:

1. Boil 1 tomato, remove the skin from it, mash the pulp with a fork.
2. Add mint to the puree, tsp. fresh leaves.
3. Sprinkle in ½ tbsp. l. dry yeast.
4. Add 1 tsp. lemon juice.

The mass is mixed, applied for 10 minutes on the face. Then they are washed off under a tap or shower without soap. The procedure is done no more than 3 times a week.

Mint ice cubes for face

Ice cubes will help remove dark circles and tone the skin. They are useful to wipe your face in the morning instead of washing your face. To make ice you need:

1. Decoction of medium strength herb. Small ice molds.
2. The broth is poured into molds, left in the freezer for 12 hours.
3. After solidification, the ice is transferred to a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.

After wiping, the face is not wiped, the moisture is allowed to dry naturally. The water must be absorbed into the body through the skin.

Mint for hair beauty

To improve growth, strengthen follicles or dry oily skin, decoctions and herbal tinctures are used. The first is rinsed, the second is rubbed. Peppermint is useful as an oil to rub into the roots. It is not necessary to wash it off, sometimes it is completely absorbed.

Mask for oily hair:

1. 4 drops of essential oil are added to 30 ml of grape seed oil.
2. The mixture is rubbed into the head, applied to the hair.
3. After half an hour, the mask is washed off. Some suggest rinsing your hair with lukewarm water until it is rinsed off, others recommend using shampoo.

Hair growth mask:

1. 1 tbsp. l. cream;
2. 2 tbsp. l. honey;
3. 1 tsp avocado or olive oils;
4. 5 drops of essential oil;

The components are mixed, applied to the hair, dry or wet, the beneficial properties will appear in any case. The head is wrapped with cling film, insulated on top with a towel or a hat. After half an hour, the mask is washed off with shampoo.

Rinsing with herb infusion is the easiest way to take advantage of the beneficial properties. 2 tsp raw materials, pour 1 tbsp. boiling water, leave for 15 minutes and, having filtered, rinse your head. After that, the hair is allowed to dry naturally, only slightly blotted with a towel.

Mint in cooking

The leaves of the plant are used as a spice, add to salad, drinks, make jam, for the sake of taste, and not useful properties.

The benefits of mint herb jam will be noticed by those suffering from migraines, neuralgia or those with colds. It will lower the temperature, have an expectorant effect, and reduce pain of various origins.

The benefits of mint in the salad are not expressed; the herb is added in the same way as dill and parsley. Regular consumption of food will have the same effect as regular consumption of tea, soothe, improve immunity.

For heartburn, mint is mixed with kefir or excluded. The mixture is drunk once a day. It is useful to add a banana to the mixture.

Fresh mint herb, when eaten, is beneficial when the plant is eaten in moderation. Excessive consumption will be harmful and negative properties of the plant will manifest.

Potential harm to mint and contraindications

The general contraindications of the plant are as follows:

• asthma;
• hypotension;
• individual intolerance;
• phlebeurysm;
• age up to 3 years.

Separately, for men, the harm of mint is that the herb lowers potency, causes problems with conception.

For women, contraindications to the use of the peppermint plant are only pregnancy and lactation. This is a non-strict prohibition, observing the dosage prescribed by the doctor, it is useful to use the herb.

Mint is definitely harmful to sensitive skin, people with allergies.

When to collect and how to dry mint at home

Collecting the mint herb to preserve the benefits, flavor, occurs when the buds are formed. The deadline is the beginning of flowering. Cut off 15–20 cm of the stem. During the summer, 3-4 crops are harvested in the middle lane. Regular pruning will not harm the bush.

The harvested crop is dried in three ways, which one to choose is a matter of personal preference and capabilities.

1. The grass is collected in bunches, tied with a clerical elastic band. Further, a hook is made from the wire, for which the mint is suspended on a rope in a shaded place.
2. Distribute the plant on a baking sheet in an even thin layer and place it in a dry, shaded place. You can put the oven on the lowest temperature and put a baking sheet of grass there for several hours with the door open, but this is a risky method.
3. The attic floor is covered with clean, dry paper. After that, the plant is laid out on the surface. They open the window regularly, but make sure that it is closed in the rain.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of mint are individual, when there is no allergic reaction, contraindications, there is only benefit from the plant. The harm depends on the dose, not only on the presence or absence of intolerance. Side effects are due to high concentrations of the substance or excessive consumption. When using infusions and essential oils, observe the measure, then the use will only bring benefits.

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