Useful properties of tea with mint and its harm. Tea with mint

Health 28.04.2014

Dear readers, today I propose to talk about such a familiar and probably beloved herb as mint. One name "mint" and immediately comes the aroma, right? At least, I always have such associations. This fragrant herb has long been considered healing.

She is popular even today. Moreover, its medicinal properties are complemented by applications in cooking and cosmetology. Remembering mint, we most often associate it with freshness. After all, the "calling card" of this plant is its aroma - fresh and spicy.

What modern industry has not come up with “with the taste and smell of mint”: perfumes and deodorants, teas and cocktails, ointments and toothpastes. But what is it? Marketing ploy? Or does mint really have such a wide spectrum of action? I propose to get acquainted with this such familiar herb and find out what benefits it can bring, how and for what it can be used.

To begin with, there are quite a few varieties of mint - about 25. The most common for us is peppermint. In pharmacology, in addition to it, steppe and water mint is also sometimes used. Peppermint appeared as a result of crossing two species - water mint and spearmint. It is found in two varieties: white mint (fully green) and black mint (has a red-purple stem and veins on the leaves).

In appearance, an inconspicuous plant, however, was valued in ancient times. It was believed that mint was able to clarify the mind, so Roman thinkers and philosophers wore wreaths of mint. Aristotle walked around in wreaths of mint, somewhere they exorcised evil spirits, in Russia they hung it everywhere to remove the evil eye. It was presented as a gift and even payment for goods or services.

The main “trump card” for which peppermint is valued is the menthol contained in it. Special mint oil, by the specific spicy smell of which we recognize mint. This essential oil is found in the ground part of the plant - leaves and inflorescences.

Mint. Compound.

In addition to menthol, mint contains a whole list of medicinal substances of absolutely natural origin:

Ascorbic acid
Tannins
Carotene
Rutin
Phytostyrenes

Mint. Beneficial features

1. Soothes pain
2. Mint has a strong bactericidal effect
3. Has a vasodilating and choleretic effect
4. Tones
5. Soothes
6. Has anti-cancer effect

All these properties of mint make the range of its application quite wide. Moreover, it is used not only in alternative medicine recipes, but also in official pharmacology. Everyone knows mint tablets for nausea, ointment for coughs and runny nose. What can we say - the old familiar "Pectusin" is also made on the basis of mint.

How can fragrant grass help? What problems does it solve?

Medicinal mint is used to treat colds, bronchitis, laryngitis, sore throats and diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
It will help to cope with headache, nervous excitement, insomnia and depression.
It will relieve constipation and colic, the bitterness of mint will help the outflow of bile and cleanse the liver.
Stabilizes the heart rate, dilates blood vessels and helps with high blood pressure.
Well disinfects the oral cavity, freshens breath, reduces inflammation of the gums.
It will help women cope with the difficulties caused by the menopause period.

I suggest watching a video about the beneficial properties of mint.

Mint. Application

Mint tea. The most common recipe using "menthol herb" is mint tea. Such a drink will relieve nervous irritability, soothe, give a sound healthy sleep. Also useful for colds. We will need four leaves of fresh mint. Finely chop them and pour a cup of boiled water. We wait 20 seconds and drain the water. After that, again pour the mint with a cup of boiling water and let stand for 2 minutes. According to indications, you can drink one glass of mint tea during the day. I don’t know about you, but I love this tea so much. We have a lot of mint growing in our dacha. And then you pick a few leaves, brew them, or just put 1-2 leaves in any tea and enjoy the aroma. Just don't convey. And I always dry it for the winter. Moreover, no matter how much I dry it, it is always not enough. I always give to my friends. Everyone knows my love for mint.
Mint infusion. This recipe uses dried herbs. We take one tablespoon and pour a glass of boiling water, let it brew for 30-40 minutes. We filter and drink a third of a glass twice a day, 20 minutes before meals. Mint infusion is used as a preventive measure for gastritis, to get rid of nausea and pain in the heart. After drinking half a glass of funds, you can stop vomiting. The same infusion will help to cope with bad breath. In this case, it is used as a rinse.
Mint decoction. This tool will facilitate the condition of the female body during menopause. Two teaspoons of dry mint pour 500 ml of hot water and bring to a boil over low heat. Boil for 10 minutes and then let it brew for another 30 minutes. Take one tablespoon three to four times a day half an hour before meals.
Peppermint essential oil helps with bloating, heartburn. You can put a couple of drops of peppermint oil in a tablespoon of water or on a piece of sugar. It is also used for inhalations carried out using a nebulizer. So treat bronchitis or a cold, accompanied by a cough.
Can be cooked and mint alcohol tincture . To do this, a teaspoon of dry mint is poured with 100 ml of alcohol. We let it brew for a week and use it for headaches, anointing whiskey.

Mint in cosmetology

The disinfecting and tonic properties of mint could not go unnoticed by cosmetologists. And from their standpoint, they also claim the benefits of mint, recommending its use in the preparation of lotions.

Preparing a tonic mint lotion.

Peppermint tonic lotion is as easy to prepare as a decoction. Take the color of mint or mint leaves (1 tablespoon) and pour a glass of boiling water over low heat for 15 minutes. We wait until the broth cools down, and wipe the face.

Mint mask for sore and watery eyes.

Inflamed red watery eyes will be saved by a mint mask. We take two tablespoons of mint and pour 500 ml of boiling water. We insist for half an hour and filter and squeeze. In fact, we are preparing a decoction, but now we need not a liquid, but a slurry of brewed grass. That is, the resulting broth can be used at your discretion, but we wrap the chilled slurry in several layers of gauze. Apply to eyes for 15 minutes.

Mint mask to strengthen hair and fight baldness.

We take a tablespoon of mint and two teaspoons of lemon balm and oak bark. Pour 500 ml of boiling water and let it brew for a day. Squeeze and mix the resulting slurry with yogurt (2 cups). Apply the product on the scalp and hair and hold for about half an hour. After the procedure, we wash the hair with shampoo.

But the alcohol tincture of peppermint is used to combat baldness. Every evening it should be rubbed into the affected areas of the scalp. It is better to do this with a cotton pad. By the way, the mint infusion obtained during the preparation of the mask can be used after washing as a hair rinse. Here is such waste-free production.

Mint in cooking.

The fragrant herb is often used for culinary purposes as well. Fresh mint leaves are used in salads, vegetable soups. They complement the taste of cheeses and fish dishes, decorate confectionery.

Dried and fresh mint is found in recipes for marinades and sauces, and is actively used to make cocktails and soft drinks.

Here are some mint recipes:

Mint jam. Recipe. 300 g of fresh mint (you can take not only leaves, but also stems and flowers) pour 0.5 liters of water. To enhance the taste and smell, you can add finely chopped lemon along with the peel. Cook all this for 10 minutes and let it brew for 24 hours. After we filter everything and cook the resulting infusion again, this time adding sugar (700-900 g) for about two hours on a very low heat, practically do not cook, but “simmer”. Pour into jars and close for future use or use immediately. It can be used as a tasty and healthy remedy for colds.
Greek Cucumber and Mint Sauce (Tzatziki) . Grate peeled and seeded cucumber on a grater. Put yogurt (natural, unsweetened) in a colander lined with paper towels or gauze. You need to separate the liquid. This will take about four hours. Mix strained yogurt and grated cucumber, add salt (0.5 teaspoon), chopped garlic (12 cloves), pepper and chopped fresh mint (about 20 leaves). Let stand in the refrigerator for a couple of hours and try.
Non-alcoholic Mojito (mint cocktail) . In general, this drink is considered alcoholic, but it is also tasty in a “sober” form. We tear six sprigs of fresh mint into pieces and throw it into a glass, pour a teaspoon of sugar there. The original recipe calls for brown sugar, but I've tried plain white (if I didn't have brown on hand) - delicious! Rub mint with sugar. We cut into four parts half a lime (also, if desired, you can replace the lemon). Next, fill it all with crushed ice and pour about 200 ml of sparkling water. If you want an alcoholic mojito, add 40 ml of rum. A matter of taste and circumstance.

Mint. Contraindications

The prohibition for the use of drugs based on mint is low blood pressure (hypotension). It is not necessary to use peppermint oil for pregnant and lactating women. Mint should not be given to children under four years of age. Also, do not get carried away with mint for men. Long-term use of it can cause a decrease in libido and a decline in “male power”.

In both men and women, overdose may cause sleep disturbance. And in general, it should be remembered that mint is a medicinal product, which means that it must be used strictly according to the prescription.

And you need to know one more subtlety in the use of mint. For anyone with gastrointestinal problems, mint can trigger heartburn. So let's be wise. Don't overdo the mint. Everything is in good measure.

How to choose mint?

Actually, there are three options - buy, collect and prepare or grow with your own hands.

1. Buy mint.

With dried grass, everything is simple - it is always sold in pharmacies. Both separately and as part of fees (usually sedative, chest or choleretic). But fresh can be found mainly in large supermarkets. Since mint is used for culinary purposes, it means that it can be found in stores as a cooking product. Or you can buy it in the market. If you buy mint in a supermarket or from private sellers, pay attention to its color, and just smell it. It must smell like mint. Her scent is pronounced.

2. How to collect and dry mint.

Here we will already need to go a little further than the nearest pharmacy or supermarket. Best of all, outside the city, in the forest, where the grass is not saturated with exhaust and polluted city air. Many people plant mint in their garden plots, then to use it for health and beauty.

You can store it fresh or in water or in the refrigerator. If you put it in water, it will remind you of such a fresh fragrant bouquet. How nice, right? I love. But she won't stay that way for long.

Both wild and garden mint should be harvested during the flowering period. It happens once a year and falls in June-July. It makes no sense to collect mint before - young plants will lose their properties and aroma after drying.

You need to collect only dry mint. So options after rain or early in the morning, when there is still dew on the leaves, will not work. We need to wait. Until the leaves dry, and only then pluck the leaves separately or together with the stem.

Collected stems and leaves should be divided into small bunches and hung to dry out of sunlight - in a darkened but well-ventilated place. You can create suitable conditions on the balcony or attic. If only the leaves were collected, then they can be laid out on the canvas, but also removed from the light and provide access to fresh air.

Dried mint can be stored in a glass jar with a tight lid or placed in cloth bags.

3. Grow mint at home. Like any other herb, mint can be grown at home on a windowsill.

From me to you my favorite homemade mint lemonade recipe.

Take chilled sparkling water, lime or lemon, add everything to mineral water to taste, pour into a glass, put a mint leaf there and decorate the glass with it on top or on the side. Simple, useful, affordable and very fragrant!

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Mint tea is a very healthy and fragrant drink, the slightly tart taste of which leaves few people indifferent. The drink has many useful properties, but the list of contraindications is also considerable. Who can and should drink mint tea, and who is better off abstaining - read our article.

What are the benefits of mint tea?

Mint is a perennial herb with a refreshing aroma and unique health benefits. According to legend, it got its name from the name of the nymph Minfa, who, for misconduct, was turned into a bush of garden mint. In medicine and home use, many types of mint are used: wild, pepper, lemon, menthol, etc. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. Different varieties are suitable for making tea with mint, but most often they choose wild, pepper, field or menthol. You can independently grow mint of the type you need on the windowsill, on the balcony or in the country - it is a very unpretentious plant. Peppermint tea will warm you in winter, support your immune system during the cold season, and perfectly quench your thirst on a summer afternoon.

What are the Benefits of Peppermint Tea?

Mint tea is brewed using fresh or dried leaves. If you want to dry mint, harvest it before flowering - in this case, it will bring the greatest benefit. Mint contains:

acids: folic, ascorbic, pantothenic;
macro- and microelements: potassium, sodium, copper, zinc, magnesium, iron and phosphorus;
tannins;
phytoncides;
riboflavin;
thiamine.

Peppermint tea in moderate doses has a beneficial effect on the heart (potassium and magnesium), increases hemoglobin levels (iron), improves skin condition (zinc), and more. The range of application of mint tea for treatment and prevention is very wide.

What is mint tea used for?

Tea with mint leaves is used to relieve headaches, normalize digestion, relieve stress and give tone. It is drunk to reduce pain, including during menstruation, and improve hormonal levels.

What conditions does mint tea help with?

diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
colds, flu, SARS;
migraine;
hypertension;
nervous exhaustion;
insomnia.

It is also effective in indigestion and diarrhea, has a positive effect on the body with nausea. Peppermint tea lowers the acidity of the stomach and promotes the outflow of bile, and also strengthens the immune system. Due to its antibacterial properties, it is great for soothing the mucous throat during a sore throat, bringing relief and normalizing the process of swallowing saliva.

How to brew mint tea

Mint drinks can be consumed both hot and cold. In the summer heat, cool mint tea perfectly quenches thirst. To properly prepare it, decide whether you want to drink a drink based only on mint or if you want to add additional ingredients to it. Basic welding rules:

brew mint in a glass or porcelain teapot, other materials are not suitable;
do not use boiling water, let the boiled water cool down to at least 95o;
you need to drink tea fresh - after a day it loses its beneficial properties.

Mint + black tea

Pour 1 tsp into a 1 liter teapot. dried mint and 1 - black tea. Boil water and wait until it cools down to 90o. Pour hot water over mint and tea and steep for at least 2 minutes.

Mint + green tea

Pour 1 tsp into a 1 liter teapot. dried mint and 1 - green tea. Instead of dried raw materials, you can use a sprig of fresh mint. Boil water and wait until it cools down to 80o. Pour hot water over mint and tea and steep for at least 3 minutes.

Mint + lemon balm

Boil 0.5 liters of water and pour 1 tbsp. dried mint and 1 lemon balm. Let the drink steep for at least 5 minutes. Honey can be added to taste.

Mint + ginger and honey

Grate a small piece of ginger root to make 2 tbsp. grated product. Place it in the teapot, add 1 tbsp. mint and pour 1 liter of hot water (not higher than 95o). When the tea is brewed, add 4 tbsp. honey. An excellent drink for the treatment and prevention of colds.

Mint + lemon zest

1 tsp mint pour 200 ml of hot water. Let it cool down a little (up to 75o) and add lemon zest to taste. This tea is great for headaches and stimulates the immune system.

Mint + cranberry

Pour 1-2 sprigs of mint into 1 liter of water that has boiled and cooled to 90 °. Let it brew for 15 minutes. At this time, grind the cranberries, put them on the bottom of the teapot (or glasses immediately), pour mint broth and leave for 5 minutes, covered with a lid. A healthy summer drink that is delicious to drink chilled!

Cold mint tea

Pour 1-2 sprigs of mint into 1 liter of water that has boiled and cooled to 90 °. Let the drink brew for half an hour, add ice before drinking.

The benefits and harms of mint tea for men and women

Men should be wary of mint tea - it has a negative effect on potency. Of course, nothing will happen to you from one cup, but you should not regularly drink peppermint, especially if you already have low testosterone levels. A man can drink a glass of mint tea at night to relieve stress or overcome insomnia, but you don’t need to get carried away with this drink. If you want, on the contrary, to increase potency, make a choice in favor of wild mint - it has been used for these purposes since ancient times.

Mint in tea has a positive effect on the female body, if you have no contraindications or individual intolerance. It improves the condition during menstruation, relieving periodic pain, restores hormonal balance, contributes to the normal course of menopause and eliminates the unpleasant symptoms of menopause. Peppermint tea is useful for skin problems and menstrual irregularities. It is used to improve metabolism and weight loss, as well as to cleanse the body - removing toxins and toxins.

Mint tea during pregnancy and breastfeeding

With all the beneficial effects of mint tea on women, it is better to refuse it during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Peppermint promotes the production of the female hormone - estrogen, which, if mint tea is abused, can cause premature contractions and childbirth. It is believed that mint does not directly affect the fetus, but the right choice would be to consult a doctor. If a pregnant woman has signs of varicose veins, she should not drink mint tea in any case.

Sometimes gynecologists prescribe mint tea to expectant mothers for:

fight against toxicosis in the early stages;
normalization of digestion and elimination of constipation;
increase the tone of the muscles of the uterus;
removal of edema.

When breastfeeding, drinking mint tea is fraught with a decrease in pressure and poor health. This, in turn, can lead to palpitations, including in a child. Mint negatively affects the amount of milk. If you plan to breastfeed your baby, do not drink peppermint tea. It will come in handy if you plan to stop breastfeeding.

The effects described above are inherent in peppermint, which is commonly used to brew tea. If you don't want to cut this herb out of your diet, try looking for spearmint. It does not affect the hormonal background, does not have a hypotonic effect and, with rare use, has a beneficial effect on lactation.

The effect of mint tea on children

Doctors do not recommend drinking mint tea for children under 5 years old. The menthol found in mint often causes allergic reactions. Do not give your child peppermint tea if they have kidney or nervous system problems. Also be aware of tannins - they affect digestion and can lead to constipation. Some moms use peppermint tea in small amounts to relieve a baby's fever.

If you want to introduce peppermint tea into your child's diet, remember two things:

when making tea for a child, use half as much mint
It's best to talk to your pediatrician first.

Peppermint tea can have a negative effect on babies. If a nursing mother drinks mint, this leads to heart rhythm disturbances, including in the baby. During this period, mint tea should be avoided.

Drink contraindications

Like any medicinal plant, mint has contraindications for use. Do not drink mint tea:

with individual intolerance to the components;
with allergies;
people with low blood pressure;
with varicose veins;
pregnant and lactating women (exceptions are made only on the recommendation of a doctor);
children under 5 years old;
men who have problems with potency.

Even if you have no contraindications, drink mint tea in moderation so that it really brings benefits, not harm. Drinking too much of this drink can make you feel weak and dizzy. As with any medicinal herb, mint should not be overdone.

According to ancient Greek legend, mint was once the nymph Minpho, who fell victim to love squabbles and was turned into a menthol plant by the goddess of fertility. From time immemorial, mint tea has been considered a healthy drink that can calm the soul, dispel anxieties and clear thoughts. Thanks to menthol, citral, carvone, geraniol and other components, it is so fragrant and healthy. However, when brewing mint tea, the benefits and harms must be taken into account in order to get not only pleasure, but also the sense of the drink.

There are many types of mint: wild, room, menthol, field, lemon, pepper. Wild mint is a rare member of the mint family. Tea from such mint helps to activate the brain and gives vigor. Tea is not made from room mint, but it perfectly flavors rooms. Young shoots of field mint brewed with tea perfectly relieve headaches. The use of peppermint helps in solving many problems of the digestive tract. Tea from menthol mint is similar in its properties to peppermint, but it has more saturation, as it contains a huge amount of menthol in the cell structure.

Peppermint Tea Brewing Methods

To fully unleash the full potential of the beneficial properties of the plant, you need to learn how to brew mint tea correctly. Of course, the process itself depends on whether mint will be the only basis of the drink, or whether it is planned to combine it with black or green tea.

1. Preparation of green tea with mint involves the following sequence of actions:

- bring 1 liter of water to a boil and wait until it cools down to 80 ° C;

- pour 1 teaspoon of leafy green tea and 1 teaspoon of dried mint or a fresh sprig with mint leaves into a porcelain teapot;

- let the drink brew for three minutes.

2. Preparation of black tea with mint involves the following steps:

- boil 1 liter of water;

- pour one teaspoon of black tea and mint into a glass or porcelain teapot and fill it with water at a temperature of 90 ° C;

- after 2 minutes, you can pour the drink into cups;

- For sweetness, you can add a little honey.

3.Preparing pure mint tea based on the same steps as the previous recipes: for 1 liter of boiling water, you need 1 teaspoon of dry mint or a few small sprigs of fresh. Honey is a nice addition to this recipe. It can be added directly to a drink or consumed as a snack.

№	Type of tea	teapot material	Proportions	Water temperature	Brewing time
1	Green tea with mint	Porcelain		80°C	3 minutes
2	Black tea with mint	Porcelain or glass	1 teaspoon tea, 1 teaspoon dried mint, 1 liter water	90°С	2 minutes
3	Pure mint tea	Porcelain or glass	1 teaspoon dry mint, 1 liter of water	90°С	2 minutes

Useful qualities

The use of this drink has a wide range of healing properties. The most important advantages include the following:

1. Tea brewed with menthol, field, lemon or peppermint eliminates anxiety and saves from insomnia;

2. Wild mint tea improves brain activity and invigorates the body;

3. Such a drink is a good natural antiseptic and analgesic. Headaches, migraines, aching joints can be eliminated from the periodic use of this remedy. In addition, the drink perfectly helps with various respiratory diseases, improves expectoration, copes with a stuffy nose and lowers body temperature;

4. This hot drink helps hypertensive patients lower blood pressure;

5. A decoction of peppermint and menthol helps to eliminate nausea, relieve stomach cramps and colic, and also improves the general condition of the digestive system and helps with the production of bile. For people suffering from flatulence, this drink allows you to reduce the amount of gases in the intestines, as it reduces the activity of fermentation processes;

6. This drink also has an anti-inflammatory effect. Such tea not only helps in restoring the general condition of the body, but also contributes to the formation of strong immunity.

Harm of mint tea

With all its benefits, there is a certain harm to mint tea:

1. Menthol as the main organic substance of the plant can cause an allergic reaction;

2. Due to its ability to lower blood pressure, tea is not recommended for people with low blood pressure, as this will lead to lethargy and dizziness;

3. In the presence of varicose veins, drinking this drink can aggravate the situation;

4. Peppermint tea can worsen the effects of heartburn;

5. Since mint contains tannins, it is not recommended for people suffering from constipation;

6. Drinking peppermint tea with any homeopathic remedies may cause unwanted side effects.

Is mint dangerous for men

The answer to the question of whether men can drink mint tea depends on the type of plant being brewed. Of course, drinking tea with peppermint or lemon mint, which contain a large amount of menthol, will negatively affect male libido, as it will suppress the testosterone production process.

If you brew tea with wild mint, the result will be just the opposite. That is why the use of drinks with wild mint was forbidden in the ancient Greek troops.

The harm and benefits of mint tea for women

It has long been known that drinking peppermint tea has many benefits for women. Firstly, the menthol component of the drink helps in stabilizing the hormonal background of a woman. Secondly, mint tea will ensure a painless flow of menstruation.

However, even if a woman is healthy in all aspects that relate to the use of mint tea, there are two categories that are still not recommended to enjoy this refreshing drink: pregnant women and breastfeeding women.

When drinking mint tea during pregnancy, there is a risk of an allergic reaction that has not been observed before. In particular, peppermint is dangerous for this situation, as it provokes bleeding, which is dangerous for the period of gestation. And during the third trimester, it is this drink that can cause a burning sensation in the stomach. However, in some cases, mint tea is prescribed for expectant mothers. For example, with severe toxicosis in the first trimester, with excessive flatulence, with food poisoning, colds. There are many opinions about whether it is possible for pregnant women to have mint tea, but in order to avoid problems with the development of the fetus, it is better to consult a personal doctor.

Unfortunately, after giving birth, the situation does not change radically if you plan to breastfeed your baby. Drinking peppermint tea while breastfeeding, there are certain risks for the baby and his mother.

The effect of mint on the body of a nursing or pregnant woman

Regarding the question of whether children can have mint tea, there is also no consensus. The best solution is to keep this drink until the age of 5. Especially dangerous is the intake of mint tea by children who have problems with the kidneys and the nervous system.

Based on the foregoing, we can distinguish categories that can drink tea with mint and who are not recommended.

		Can you drink mint tea?


	Children under 3 years old
	Children under 5
	Children over 5 years old
	Hypertension
	Hypotonics
	People with varicose veins
	Allergy
	breastfeeding mothers
	pregnant

Thus, mint tea, the benefits and harms of which are indicated above, must be consumed rationally in order to avoid a wide range of ailments. Mint, despite its excellent taste, is a medicinal plant, and any medicine does not tolerate an overdose.

Botanical characteristics of peppermint

Today, about three hundred species of mint are known to man, but only about 20–25 species of this plant are widely used. There is no particular need to name all types of mint, given that peppermint is mainly used in folk medicine. The main difference between mint and other types of plants is, of course, its aroma. However, the aroma of peppermint is much stronger than that of its relatives.

Pepper is a perennial plant from the mint family. The stem of peppermint is tetrahedral, hollow, about one meter high. The leaves are ovate, elongated, with teeth along the edges, and the root is horizontal and woody. Flowering of this plant begins in June and lasts until September.

Most of all, the stem and leaves are valued in peppermint, which must be collected before flowering, since it is at this time that the plant has the most essential oil - menthol. In the chemical composition of mint, the main element is menthol. About 2.5% of menthol is contained in the leaves, in inflorescences its amount reaches 4-6%.

The use of mint

Rich in menthol (contained in the leaves of the plant), which has local anesthetic, antispasmodic and antiseptic properties, promotes reflex expansion of the coronary vessels. With or pain in the stomach and intestines, mint is used orally. For neuralgia, toothache, or as an antiseptic and analgesic for respiratory diseases with bronchitis and bronchiectasis, mint is used externally.

For the treatment of migraine, menthol is used in a mixture with paraffin in the form of pencils. Also, menthol is part of Zelenin drops, valocordin, drops and ointments for the treatment of the common cold. Peppermint oil is also used for inhalation. Peppermint oil is included in the composition of mint drops and tablets. Mint water is added to improve the taste of potions and to rinse the mouth. Menthol alcohol is used to treat neuroderma. To improve digestion, increase appetite, to get rid of nausea and vomiting, infusions and tinctures from mint leaves are used.

But mint is used not only in our country, for example, in Bulgaria it is used to treat diseases of the stomach (with spasms) and intestines, with flatulence, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, as well as a choleretic agent, with gallstones and jaundice , as an analgesic for hepatic colic, stimulating cardiac activity and relieving headaches.

Mint leaves have also been used in Germany. There they are used in the form of tea to get rid of diseases of the digestive tract, flatulence and improve appetite, and they also take mint baths.

Decoctions, tinctures and mint oils are prepared for the same diseases in Australia.

Mint leaves are quite common in France. There, mint is used as an antispasmodic, choleretic, wound healing agent, as well as to improve appetite and digestion.

As an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, disinfectant for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, neuralgia, insomnia, migraine, mint leaves are used in Poland. In the same place, mint leaves are used for inflammation of the periosteum, middle ear and other diseases. In addition to all this, mint is included in fees to improve taste and smell.

Russian folk medicine uses mint leaves as a refreshing, choleretic and diaphoretic agent. From the leaves of wild mint, juice is made, which is used for, and also as a diuretic, mixing a tablespoon with white wine.

Mint leaves and flowers, fresh or dried, are used to prepare various dishes as a seasoning for salads, soups, meat and vegetable dishes, and added to sauces and teas for flavor.

Tea, which includes mint, has a choleretic, diaphoretic, calming effect. Mint is part of the gastric collection and in the fees for taking baths.

Mint is widely used in the food, confectionery and perfume industries, it is contained in toothpastes and powders, etc.

To get rid of headaches, essential oil (in an alcohol solution of 1: 4) is rubbed into the skin, it is also used for migraines, skin inflammations, or for inhalation for colds.

mint preparation

Mint infusion is prepared as follows: 2 teaspoons of mint leaves are poured into 250 ml of boiling water (daily dose), infused for an hour, and then filtered. During the day, it is recommended to drink the remedy in sips.

Useful properties of mint

The essential oil, which contains menthol, determines the taste of mint. The beneficial properties of the plant are also determined by such substances as esters, phellandrene, pinene, jasmon, piperitone, mentofuran, etc. In addition, tannins, flavonoids, and bitterness were also found in mint. It is the menthol contained in mint that makes it a bactericidal plant.

Peppermint is especially valued in medicine in the therapeutic field. It is prescribed as a sedative, vasodilator, analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. Mint is able to normalize the digestive system (it will relieve heartburn, nausea, increase appetite, help with diarrhea, reduce gas formation in the intestines), have a choleretic effect (it is used to remove stones from the gallbladder and cleanse the liver).

The beneficial properties of mint are not limited to this, it is used as a diaphoretic and cooling agent in the treatment of fever and, pharyngitis, runny nose. For the treatment of inflammation of the respiratory and genitourinary systems, mint is again used. Mint has a stimulating effect on the circulatory system and heart, relieves headaches, and lowers blood pressure. Peppermint has proven itself especially well in the treatment of migraine.

Mint has a complex effect on the nervous system: it tones, soothes, relieves insomnia, improves brain function.

Quite often, mint is also used in dentistry as a mouth rinse, for preparing solutions, getting rid of pathogens, etc.

It can be concluded that mint is both pleasant to the taste and has a healing effect.

Contraindications to the use of mint

Mint is contraindicated in people who are hypersensitive to its components, as well as people with individual intolerance to mint. You can not use mint for people with low blood pressure (arterial hypotension).

It is important to know that mint can reduce the tone of venous vessels, which can easily exacerbate another already existing disease. Quite often, under the influence of mint, varicose veins become aggravated. To avoid this, it is best not to use mint for people with such a disease.

It is not necessary to give mint to small children under the age of three. It is not recommended to use mint for men, as it can reduce male libido. Mint should be avoided by people suffering from drowsiness. You can't use mint either. If you already have problems with conception, then be sure to refuse mint, as this plant can only aggravate this problem.

Expert editor: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna| Phytotherapeutist

Education: A diploma in the specialty "Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the University named after N. I. Pirogov (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Moscow University of Peoples' Friendship (2008).

Mint is an ancient aromatic plant that was discovered and used many centuries ago. The plant began to gain its popularity back in Ancient Greece, but when its fame reached Ancient Rus', here it was given the name “mint” we now know. As a rule, the grass was used for medicinal purposes, but it was also used in everyday life. She washed the floors, so that the air in the room became better. Similarly, it was considered an excellent hand rinse. Back in those days, people were convinced that this herb helps to refresh the mind. For this reason, noble people put wreaths on their heads, which were woven from mint.

Specialists distinguish a large number of its varieties.

What are the types and varieties of mint

australian mint,
pineapple mint,
pennyroyal,
water mint,
dahurian mint,
longleaf mint,
fragrant mint,
ginger mint,
canadian mint,
spearmint,
small-flowered mint,
peppermint,
field mint,
apple mint,
japanese mint,
and etc.

We most often find peppermint, field and fragrant mint.

The chemical composition of mint

Vitamins: A, C, D, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, PP.

Minerals: iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, sodium, zinc, phosphorus.

Acids: valeric, linoleic, mellisin, oleanolic, acetic, ursolic.

Mint is especially valued for its essential oil content (2.5-4.5%), which consists of menthol and its esters. Interestingly, the leaves contain only 0.5% menthol, while the stem of the plant contains 40%.

mint calories - 50-70 kcal per 100 g.

Useful properties and health benefits of mint

has analgesic and diuretic properties,
helps with flu
prevention and treatment of colds,
relaxes the abdominal muscles,
improves digestion,
treats diseases of the stomach,
relieves flatulence,
helps with diarrhea
promotes weight loss
stops putrefactive processes in the intestines,
eliminates the feeling of nausea,
treats diseases of the respiratory system,
fights tuberculosis, asthma and bronchitis,
slows down the heartbeat
helps with hypertension
eliminates headaches,
relaxes the nervous system
relieves irritation and fatigue,
helps to sleep
strengthens eyesight
refreshes the mouth
heals wounds and bruises,
reduces the growth of unwanted hairs
treats skin diseases
relieves skin itching,
improves the condition of the skin and hair.

Properties and uses of peppermint essential oil

Peppermint oil is one of the popular essential oils. It fell in love with its aroma, which captures pleasant notes of chill.

The mint smell is considered to be feminine, it symbolizes her charm, courage, desire for adventure. The energy of mint is able to completely renew and restore a person's strength. That is why oil is often used to improve the functioning of the nervous system. It gives self-confidence, relieves irritability, relieves feelings of anxiety, strengthens the heart. In addition, it is recommended to carry peppermint oil with you if you get motion sickness in transport.

In cosmetology, it is used to treat skin diseases, diseases of the oral cavity and improve the condition of the hair.

Mint tea is good for health

Peppermint tea is drunk for calming and for spiritual harmony. In addition, the fragrant drink eliminates indigestion, increases appetite, and perfectly tones up in the heat. It is used medicinally to reduce cough and reduce fever.

Peppermint tea recipe

It is very easy to prepare. You need fresh mint leaves or 1 tbsp. dry raw materials brew 1 cup boiling water. The broth will be ready in 10-15 minutes. Optionally, you can add a slice of lemon and a cinnamon stick.

Is it possible to drink mint during pregnancy

Pregnancy is an unpredictable period, so there are still many opinions about the use of mint while expecting a baby. In general, mint solutions are not contraindicated and will be very useful, but in limited quantities. It is recommended to drink them 1 time per day 3-4 times a week.

During pregnancy, the herb helps with nausea, relieves colic, itchy skin and relaxes the nervous system. In addition, tea with mint leaves is very good for constipation, which is common in this period in women.

Contraindication and harm

individual intolerance,
infertility,
breast-feeding,
children under 3 years old,
low pressure,
varicose veins.

Excessive consumption of mint leads to heartburn and a decrease in male libido.

How mint affects men. Impact on potency

The negative impact of mint on male potency is a very common misconception. A negative result is achieved only under the condition of prolonged brewing of the leaves (at least 5 minutes) and drinking mint broth in large quantities (2-3 times a day). If a man drinks only 1 cup of weakly brewed herbal tea, and even very rarely, then there is no reason for concern.

True, there is information that this plant slows down the activity of spermatozoa, but this does not apply to potency itself.

When to collect

The entire summer period is considered the time of mint collection. If you want to pluck the leaves for making fresh tea, then this can be done in the spring when the first sprouts appear. But if you need grass to harvest raw materials for the winter, then you should wait until mid-June. July is the peak harvest season. At this time, the mint has already grown and gained the maximum of its aroma. Leaves should be cut 1-3 times a month.

How to dry mint at home

1 way. Cut the grass stems along with the leaves and flowers. Rinse the lower part with clean water, wait until it drains. Then spread the mint on a clean cloth somewhere in the shade, out of direct sunlight.

2 way. Collect the grass in thin bunches and hang on a hook in a dark place. The room must be well ventilated. The sun has a negative effect on the aroma of grass - avoid it when harvesting raw materials.

3 way. For a quick harvesting process, an oven is also suitable. But this is not recommended, as many useful properties of the herb are lost.

How to store mint in the refrigerator

1. Freezing. Thanks to the manufacture of modern refrigerators, there is an amazing way to store herbs, berries, vegetables, etc. for a long time. So why not use this method and freeze mint? A particularly excellent option is freezing, which will easily find their application. They can be added to homemade smoothies, as well as consumed in soups and salads. In the winter season, frozen mint can be brewed and enjoy an incomparable fragrant tea with healing properties.

2. "Wet" method. You can use a good option that will keep mint leaves fresh for 7 days. To do this, it is recommended to moisten a towel, wrap mint in it and send it to the refrigerator. You can resort to the help of another option: put the mint in a bucket or vase. Firstly, it will allow you to keep it for a long time, and secondly, it will saturate your home with an unsurpassed aroma. Only in this case it is necessary to change the water in which mint is standing daily.

3. Dry way. The "drying" of medicinal herbs has long been famous - this allows them to be stored for many years. The only drawback when choosing this method is that over time, mint loses its beneficial properties. That is why it is best to renew the supply of mint every year. Drying methods have been discussed above.

The use of mint for health and beauty

Mint treatment

For insomnia, headaches and irritability. Drink mint tea 1-2 times a day.

With increased acidity. 20 g mint + 10 g valerian + 15 g chamomile + 10 g dill seeds + 10 g caraway seeds + 5 g hops. Pour the herbal mixture with 5 cups of boiling water. Take a decoction in the morning on an empty stomach, 1 glass every 2 hours throughout the day.

For digestion. Take 1 glass of peppermint decoction in the morning and evening.

From wounds and bruises. Grind the mint and apply it as a compress on the sore spot. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.

For the oral cavity. With inflammation of the gums and their bleeding, rinse your mouth with a decoction of mint. It is recommended to brush your teeth with tooth powder, which includes grass.

Applying mint to your face

Mask for oily skin. Grind fresh leaves or add water to dry raw materials. Apply the herb on your face and leave for 15 minutes, then rinse with water. You can add 1-2 drops of peppermint essential oil to your favorite beauty product or base oil.

Moisturizing mask. 1 tbsp chopped leaves of the plant (or 1 drop of essential oil) + 1-2 tbsp. olive oil or honey. The mixture is applied to the face for 10-15 minutes.

Ice cubes for the face. Prepare a decoction of mint and fill ice molds with it. Wipe the face with ready-made cubes in the morning and evening. This method perfectly tones the skin, gives it a healthy look, a blush appears. In addition, there is a narrowing of the pores. The method is not suitable for sensitive skin.

How to use for hair

Mint improves hair growth, gives them shine, and prevents them from tangling. Apply 2-3 drops of essential oil to the comb and distribute it along the entire length of the curls.

rinse aid. Prepare 0.5-1 l (depending on the length of the hair) mint decoction. Rinse your head with it after washing your hair, you do not need to rinse it off.

Application in cooking

Grass is used in the preparation of smoothies, cocktails, soups, fruit and vegetable salads. Mint gives an unusual taste and aroma to dishes and confectionery. For example, gingerbread with mint is very famous. It has become fashionable to use it as a flavoring for soft drinks, such as lemonades.

Recipes with mint

Chocolate mint cocktail

Mint is a very popular and beloved folk remedy. Its healing properties help to overcome many ailments, and the tonic aroma relaxes and calms the nervous system.