Benefits and contraindications of peppermint. Scrub for feet from fatigue

Latin variant peppermint- Mentha piperita L. This name is explained by the presence of a burning taste of the leaves of the plant. The root is branched, it can go into the soil to a depth of 70-80 cm. The stem is erect, the leaves are covered with soft short hairs.

Small, pale pink or pale purple mint flowers gather in inflorescences that look like spikelets at the top of the shoot. The plant blooms all summer and part of September.

Types of mint

In the 17th century In England through crossbreeding wild species Peppermint or English mint was obtained. Now mint is distributed throughout Russia and many European countries. The plant is unpretentious: it feels good under the snow, tolerates cold, but prefers light and moisture. Today, the famous cultivated types of mint are black - has a red-purple hue of the leaves of the stems, and white - the color of the leaves is white. In the latter, the essential oil is more tender, but it turns out to be small, so it is more rational to grow black.

Composition of mint

vitamins

How to prepare mint

The leaves are used in medicinal, culinary and cosmetic purposes. To prepare the leaves, they are collected in July and August at the beginning of flowering, preferably in the first half of the day, laid out in sheaves for several hours so that it withers, laid out again and dried at 30-32 ° C.

Mint is one of the most beloved herbs in the people. Often used to make tea, but like other herbs, mint has beneficial features and contraindications, which are useful to know. This plant is not only used in tea, it is widely used in herbal medicine, cosmetics, cooking, mint flavor is very well suited for bath procedures. Usually, mint lovers do not have suspicions about possible harm. But is it possible to treat yourself to tea from this herb often? Does mint really have health benefits? Is there any harm? To get answers, it is worth a little more understanding of this herb.

Mint and its varieties

Mint is a genus of perennial plants in the Lamiaceae family. This herb with a pleasant smell is very unpretentious, due to which it is very widespread in nature, and is also suitable for growing in garden plots.

Mint has at least 20 varieties, the most famous of which are:

  • pepper, this species is most often used in medicine and cooking;
  • long-leaved, made from it essential oils and spices;
  • field, this wild-growing species is often cultivated in garden farms;
  • Japanese, distributed in a small area, used in cosmetics and for flower decorations;
  • water, widespread, can be used for the same purposes as pepper;
  • spiky, used in cooking and perfumery.

Most species are used, but peppermint is currently the most popular. This species is obtained by crossing wild-growing water mint and spearmint. The plant is usually harvested in dry weather during the flowering period, not only the leaves, but the entire aerial part are of value.

The use of mint

Even in ancient Egyptian and Assyrian sources, there are references to this herb, later Avicenna described it in detail, focusing on medicinal properties. Mint is also found in Greek mythology, current name this herb originates from Greek. In ancient Rome, tables were rubbed with fresh mint before a feast, and the room was sprinkled with infusion to give it a fresh aroma. In the old days in Rus', the infusion of this herb was very loved, it was not only drunk, but used for rinsing and rubbing the body and used in the bath (Peter I was a big fan of such procedures with mint). This plant was also used in the preparation of soap.

The substance that gives mint its characteristic flavor and aroma is menthol.. It is isolated from mint essential oil, which is obtained by distillation from the entire ground part of the plant. Both oil and menthol are widely used in the cosmetic and alcoholic beverage industries, pharmaceuticals and folk medicine. In cooking, the herb is most often used fresh or dried. Menthol is added to tobacco in some types of cigarettes to reduce irritation in the lungs and bronchi.

In cooking, mint is popular in many cuisines of the world, in particular, the British like to put it in lamb sauces, the Americans use it as an additive to various salads, juices and drinks, in Mediterranean and Arabic cuisines the herb is often served fresh or used in spicy mixtures. It is believed that the taste and aroma of mint are in harmony with meat (poultry, lamb and lamb) and some vegetables (stewed cabbage, carrots, onions, legumes). Fresh mint leaves add a spicy flavor to many vegetable soups. The minty flavor pairs well with cheese.

The use in medicine is due to the beneficial properties of this plant. What are the benefits of mint for the body? In addition to menthol, it contains terpenoids, ascorbic acid, carotene, flavonoids, tannins and various trace elements. Each of these substances contributes to the benefit of this fragrant herb.

Useful properties of mint

The main ones are the following:

  1. With nausea and vomiting, mint in any form is used to alleviate this syndrome.
  2. At nervous disorders and insomnia peppermint tincture, tea or decoction are indicated as a sedative.
  3. Light choleretic effect perfectly improves digestion.
  4. The taste and smell of mint can improve appetite.
  5. Peppermint has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it possible to use it for colds as an aid.
  6. This plant also has an antispasmodic effect, so mint can be used for spasms. gastrointestinal tract and headaches.
  7. Peppermint tea or infusion is good for suppressing bloating and flatulence.
  8. At cardiovascular diseases menthol drops are often used, they are very effective in relieving an angina attack. The vasodilating effect of menthol is used in pharmacology: the drug Corvalol contains it as an additive, and Validol as the main active ingredient.
  9. With various skin diseases, the cooling effect of menthol helps to suppress irritation and itching. These same properties help in removing skin symptoms allergies.
  10. The cooling and refreshing properties of menthol are widely used in dental and oral care.
  11. In the treatment of diseases Bladder The anti-inflammatory effect of mint has a very significant effect.
  12. In the fight against migraine, the nature of which is not yet fully understood by medicine, the combined properties of mint are often and very effectively used.
  13. Menthol is also used to relieve muscle pain with rheumatism and similar autoimmune diseases.

In herbal medicine, the importance of mint is unusually high; it is often included in various herbal preparations for the treatment of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, cold infections, skin diseases and to suppress nervous tension. Mint infusions, decoctions and drops are an indispensable attribute of traditional medicine recipes. They are used as compresses for intercostal neuralgia, as an external antiseptic for open ulcers and burns, as a rinse for sore throats and bronchitis, to relieve hoarseness and hoarseness, to relieve toothache. Inside, such drugs are used for various colic in the abdomen. They also help against coughing, with nausea and heartburn. The soothing effect of mint is also used to relieve nervous manifestations during the climax.

Having figured out how mint tea is useful, you should pay attention to some contraindications.

Possible contraindications of mint

The abundance of medicinal properties of this plant cannot make it useful for all people without exception. The very noticeable effect exerted by menthol and other substances on the body imposes the first important limitation: like any medicinal plant, mint should not be consumed too much and often. There are no clear criteria for this parameter, it is enough just to be guided by common sense. Some people have allergies or intolerances to the substances that make up peppermint, avoiding this herb will save them all. unpleasant manifestations backlash. In addition to general considerations, there are quite specific contraindications:

  1. The antispasmodic effect, acting in conjunction with a sedative, can lead to a decrease in blood pressure. Therefore, mint is contraindicated in severe hypotension and a pronounced decrease in vascular tone.
  2. During pregnancy, mint teas, the benefits of which in other cases are obvious, should be used very discreetly. With toxicosis and associated nausea, you can drink a little of this tea to alleviate the condition.
  3. Children under the age of 5 should not drink mint tea, the harm and benefits of this drink for a growing body have not yet been fully studied, it is believed that negative factors more than positive.
  4. At increased sleepiness mint in any form should be avoided, its sedative properties will increase lethargy and weakness.
  5. Do not drink mint tea while driving Vehicle, concentration and reaction speed can be very noticeably reduced.
  6. Some diseases of the biliary tract (for example, gallbladder dyskinesia of the hypomotor type) are associated with a violation of the ability of organs to actively contract, releasing digestive substances. The antispasmodic properties of mint may exacerbate this syndrome.

Self-preparation of various herbal preparations must necessarily be based on existing recipes, too high a dosage of mint, as well as too low, can adversely affect the expected therapeutic effect.

Speaking about the benefits and harms of mint, one cannot help but recall the common statement about the damage that this herb causes. male potency. Many men avoid peppermint tea for this reason. But does it make sense? modern science considers such theses nothing more than a myth. There is unverified information about possible reduction activity of spermatozoa under the influence of menthol, but if this is true, then such an effect is possible only when significant amounts of this substance enter the body, no tea drink doesn't contain that much.

reason to talk about negative impact only the soothing property of mint gives potency. But this property is widely known, and one should not replace one effect with another. The sedative effect of peppermint tea may reduce sexual function both a man and a woman, but for this you need to drink a few glasses. After drinking a cup of tea with mint, healthy man will not feel any decrease in their sexual capabilities. In some countries, such as Morocco, the culture of drinking mint tea is rooted in antiquity. Moroccans drink this tea several times a day, and it does not harm their sexual function.

The article discusses peppermint - medicinal properties and contraindications for its use. You will learn chemical composition plants, and how it is useful for women's and men's health. We will tell you how to use mint in the treatment of gastritis, pressure, runny nose and burns. Following our advice, you will learn how to prepare decoctions, infusions, oils and drops from the plant.

A little about mint - this is a herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae family (lat. Lamiaceae). Latin name— Mentha piperita. Other names: motherboard, breastplate.

Appearance (photo) mint

Genus Mint (lat. Mentha) unites 42 species of plants. Peppermint is a hybrid of the aquatic (lat. Mentha aquatica) and garden (lat. Mentha spicata) varieties.

Cultivation of mint is possible in gardens, on personal plots and at home. You will learn more about home growing from. It is grown on an industrial scale in the Voronezh region and the Krasnodar region.

This is an unpretentious plant that can be grown even on the windowsill. It prefers moist, loose soil. Mint is propagated by layering, cuttings and division of the rhizome.

The plant has a fibrous horizontal rhizome. The erect stem reaches a height of 100 cm. The shoots are branched, densely covered with leaves.

The leaves are opposite, pointed, oblong-ovate. The edges of the leaf plate are sharp-serrated.

Small light purple flowers are collected in semi-whorls and form spike-shaped inflorescences. Mint flowers in June-September.

The fruit consists of four nuts. The plant bears fruit very rarely.

The chemical composition of mint

What is included medicinal herb:

  • menthol;
  • essential oil;
  • routine;
  • saponins;
  • fatty oil;
  • resins;
  • phytosterols;
  • tannins;
  • ascorbic acid;
  • caffeic acid;
  • oleic acid;
  • chlorogenic acid;
  • ursolic acid;
  • carotene;
  • arginine;
  • glucose.

Due to its rich composition, the plant has a whole range of medicinal properties..

Nutritional value and calories

100 g of mint contains 3.8 g of protein, 0.9 g of fat, 14.9 g of carbohydrates, 8 g of dietary fiber, and 78.6 g of water.

Calorie content per 100 grams - 70 kcal.

How to prepare and store

Harvest mint in June - July, cut only fully bloomed plants. Collect during the day in dry weather, when there are no dew drops on the leaves.

It is better to carefully cut the plant, and not tear it with your hands. You can harvest both whole bushes and individual leaves. Put the cut mint in the shade, it will lose in the sun most essential oils, and hence the beneficial properties.

Immediately after collection, rinse under cold running water, dry thoroughly on paper or regular towels for several hours. Then spread the mint in one layer on paper, dry in a shaded and well-ventilated place for 3-5 days.

Store in glass jars or linen bags. Shelf life - no more than 2 years.

How to choose a spice

When buying a spice in a store, pay attention to the packaging, it should be:

  • tight, check if it is not damaged or opened;
  • opaque to keep the sun out.

Also remember to check the expiration date and pay attention to whether the spice is stored in a dry place in the store, out of direct sunlight.

Beneficial features

The healing properties and contraindications of the plant lie in its composition. The main component is menthol, which normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular, nervous, digestive and genitourinary systems.

Peppermint is used to treat diseases of the digestive system. It eliminates heaviness in the stomach, flatulence and has choleretic action. Effectively relieves attacks of nausea, has a calming effect on the gastric mucosa.

Also good for the liver and gallbladder. It is used to cleanse these organs of toxins and toxins, it helps to remove stones.

Mint decoctions, infusions and teas are used for bronchopulmonary diseases. The plant eliminates inflammatory processes in the bronchi and helps to remove sputum from them. Mint relieves cold symptoms and has a diaphoretic effect.

It is also used in dentistry. The plant disinfects the oral cavity. It is useful for stomatitis, gingivitis, periodontal disease.

Mint for women

The benefits of peppermint for women's health are in its beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and hair. The plant has nourishing, strengthening and protective properties.

Mint is used in gynecology for the treatment inflammatory diseases. A decoction of the plant is added to sitz baths. Such procedures have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Mint for men

Plant-based medicines increase potency and normalize blood circulation in the pelvic organs. Mint has a negative effect on man's health only with regular overdose. The herb is useful in moderation - 1-2 glasses of mint tea per week.

A decoction of the herb is used externally to wash the feet. This procedure helps eliminate bad smell and reduces sweating.

Application in cooking

Fresh and dried mint leaves are used in cooking. The spice is added to sauces, salads, drinks. The grass is combined with lamb, poultry, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.

Peppermint oil is used in the confectionery industry. It is added to pastries, creams, desserts.

Application in cosmetology

Peppermint essential oil is used in cosmetology

Peppermint extract is used in the cosmetics industry. It is added to creams, lip balms, masks and hair shampoos.

Peppermint regulates sebum production, tightens pores and purifies the skin. Plant-based cosmetics are used to care for oily and combination skin.

Mint is suitable for any type of hair. Peppermint shampoos and balms nourish dry hair, reduce oily scalp and improve the appearance of curls.

Mask for the face

Mint nourishes and tones the skin. A decoction of the plant is used to wipe the face in the morning and evening. Peppermint oil is combined with other ingredients and masks are prepared based on them. Such products are suitable for problematic and oily skin.

Ingredients:

  1. Yellow clay - 1 tablespoon.
  2. Peppermint essential oil - 2 drops.
  3. Almond oil - 2 teaspoons.
  4. Lemon oil - 1 drop.
  5. Water - 1 tablespoon.

How to cook: Dilute the clay with water, stir until smooth. Add oils and stir.

How to use: Wash your face, blot excess liquid with a dry cloth and apply a mask. Rinse off warm water after 15 minutes, when the clay dries. After the procedure, moisturize the skin with cream.

Result: The mask increases the blood supply to the skin, eliminates inflammation and reduces the fat content of the epidermis.

Hair Mask

A decoction of the plant is used to rinse the curls after shampooing. Mint extract is added to ready-made cosmetical tools for hair care or make homemade masks based on it. They are suitable for bold type hair.

Ingredients:

  1. Peppermint oil - 2 drops.
  2. Jojoba oil - 20 ml.

How to cook: Heat jojoba oil in a water bath to 36-37 degrees, add mint oil, mix. The amount indicated in the recipe is for medium length hair.

How to use: Rub the resulting mixture of oils into the scalp massage movements. Comb your hair with a fine-toothed comb to distribute the mask throughout your hair. Wrap your head with polyethylene, warm with a towel and keep the product for 2 hours. The mask can be left on all night. Next, rinse your hair with water lemon juice(for 1 glass of water 1 teaspoon of juice) and rinse with shampoo.

Result: The mask prevents hair loss, accelerates their growth and improves appearance.

Application in traditional medicine

IN home medicine decoctions, infusions, drops and oil are made from mint

In folk medicine, mint leaves are used as medicinal raw materials. Raw materials are harvested during the flowering period of the plant. For therapeutic use medicinal herbs on its basis prepare infusions, decoctions, oils.

Like any other medicinal plant, mint has its own consumption rate, the excess of which leads to negative consequences. Daily rate fresh leaves mint - up to 15 g, mint drinks - no more than 2 glasses.

You have learned about the uses and contraindications of peppermint. Let us consider in more detail the recipes for the preparation of medicines based on plants.

Decoction for gastritis

Decoction medicinal herb normalizes the digestive tract, cleanses the body of decay products and increases appetite. The drink is used to prevent and treat gastritis and other stomach disorders.

Ingredients:

  1. Leaves of the plant - 1 tablespoon.
  2. Water - 500 ml.

How to cook: Pour boiling water over mint leaves, put in a water bath and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, warm with a towel and leave for at least 15 minutes.

How to use: Take ½ cup 3 times a day.

Result: Drink reduces acidity gastric juice eliminates inflammation and pain syndrome.

Infusion of pressure

Ingredients:

  1. Dried herb - 1 teaspoon.
  2. Water - 200 ml.
  3. Honey - 1 teaspoon.

How to cook: Grind the leaves, pour boiling water, cover and let it brew for 20 minutes. Dissolve a spoonful of honey in your drink.

How to use: Take 1 tablespoon of drink 3 times a day.

Result: Infusion reduces blood pressure, calms the nervous system and normalizes sleep.

Oil for burns

This oil is used as antiseptic for treatment skin diseases and restoration of the epidermis after burns. The remedy eliminates inflammation and accelerates the healing of the skin.

Ingredients:

  1. Dried mint - 100 gr.
  2. Vegetable oil - 200 ml.

How to cook: Cut the raw materials, put them on the bottom of a glass container, pour oil heated to 37 degrees and close the lid tightly. Infuse the remedy for 8 weeks. Shake the oil periodically. Strain the finished product through cheesecloth and store in the refrigerator.

How to use: Apply the oil on the damaged areas of the skin and leave until completely absorbed.

Result: The tool accelerates regeneration, softens the skin and prevents scarring.

Cold drops

Mint drops are used to treat a runny nose and relieve inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. They effectively eliminate hoarseness. Menthol is included pharmaceuticals for the treatment of the common cold.

Ingredients:

  1. Plant leaves - 10 gr.
  2. Water - 300 ml.

How to cook: Grind mint leaves, pour boiling water over them, cover and leave for half an hour. Strain the finished product through a double layer of gauze. Store in refrigerator.

How to use: Place 2 drops in each nostril.

Result: Drops facilitate breathing, relieve inflammation and swelling of the sinuses.

For more information about mint, see the video:

Application for weight loss

Mint is used for weight loss. Tea is brewed and added to food during the cooking process. The smell of mint reduces appetite, and chemical substances in its composition soothe the nervous system. By removing the overexcitation of the central nervous system, the feeling of hunger is also dulled. The process of losing weight becomes less disturbing.

Mint cleanses the body of toxins. And if you add a piece of ginger to tea, the drink will help speed up your metabolism.

To prepare tea, a few mint leaves are brewed in a glass of boiling water or green tea, drink 1-3 cups a day. Do not overdo this drink if you have low blood pressure or bradycardia.

Contraindications and side effects

Before starting treatment with mint-based products, you should consult with a specialist. The doctor will prescribe the appropriate dosage and course of administration. An overdose of mint leads to drowsiness.

Contraindications to the use of herbal medicines:

  • low blood pressure;
  • During pregnancy and breastfeeding;
  • children's age up to 6 years;
  • individual intolerance.

You learned about the benefits of peppermint medicines and contraindications to their use. Let's summarize.

What to remember

  1. Mint is widely used in cooking, cosmetology and home medicine, and is also used for weight loss.
  2. Useful properties of mint and contraindications to its use are in the composition of the plant.
  3. Plant-based products have antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic effects.
  4. Before using mint as medicinal product it is necessary to consult a specialist, especially during pregnancy.

Mint is unique plant. Her story begins with ancient rome. In those days, she was one of the most honorable herbs and had a very wide range use. Wreaths were woven from it and rubbed holiday tables to give the room a special aroma.

The beneficial properties of mint were first highlighted by the father of world medicine - Hippocrates. He described them in detail in his legend, noting that a more useful plant donated by nature does not exist.

Today, mint has not diminished its popularity. It is used in folk medicine, cosmetology, cooking and even pharmacology. In each industry, it manifests itself in different ways, but its main goal is to positive influence on the human body.

The population has known about the beneficial properties of mint for a long time. The main ones are as follows:

  • Improves the digestive process.
  • Eliminates nausea.
  • Helps fight flatulence.
  • Has a sedative effect.
  • Able to relieve pain.
  • Expands blood vessels.
  • Eliminates inflammatory processes.
  • It has a general strengthening effect.
  • Raises immunity.

The uniqueness of mint is that it can be used both externally and taken internally as a drink. It has a refreshing taste and aroma, as it contains a large amount of menthol. Rich in oleic and ursolic acids.

Mint helps to get rid of diseases such as:

  • Bronchitis.
  • Asthma.
  • Gynecological problems.
  • Migraine.
  • Atherosclerosis.
  • Disturbed metabolism.
  • Inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.
  • Hypertension.
  • Rheumatism.
  • Radiculitis.
  • Toothache.

Renders beneficial effect on cardiovascular system. Regular use mint will help normalize the heartbeat and help strengthen and stimulate the performance of the heart muscles.

Peppermint helps to relieve stress and promotes strengthening and calming nervous system. It perfectly tones the body. Helps to cope with bouts of depression and aggression.

Thanks to tannins, it is able to eliminate vomiting and nausea. It helps a lot during pregnancy if a woman suffers from toxicosis. To eliminate it, just chew a few mint leaves. In addition, it will also freshen your breath and sanitize your mouth.

Mint helps to remove harmful substances from the body. Perfectly cleanses the kidneys and intestines. Renders soft diuretic effect. It also has a rather positive effect on the liver, protecting it from premature destruction.

In ancient times, mint was used as a natural aphrodisiac. It can greatly enhance sex drive both in women and in men. It helps female representatives to cure many gynecological diseases.

Used as a natural disinfectant. It helps to destroy various kinds of viruses and bacteria, and also prevents their further appearance and reproduction.

Quite often, this plant is used to eliminate constipation and colitis. It has an antibacterial effect on the intestines. Mint can even stop diarrhea. Helps relieve irritation of the intestinal mucosa.

Despite all its usefulness, mint also has a negative effect. With prolonged use of it, men may experience problems with potency.
In order for mint to bring benefit to the body, and not harm, do not neglect the contraindications to its use.

Contraindications:

  1. Children under the age of three. For this plant children's body may react very undesirably, manifesting itself in the form of allergic rashes.
  2. Reduced blood pressure. Active ingredients plants contribute to lowering, which can lead to harm to health.
  3. People suffering varicose veins veins is strictly forbidden to use the plant. It contributes to the narrowing of blood vessels, which will only aggravate the course of the disease.
  4. During pregnancy, mint is allowed, but in very small quantities. A large percentage of essential oils can harm the fetus.
  5. Allergy and individual intolerance to the product.
  6. The period of lactation in women.

Mint won recognition medicinal plant, but it can only be beneficial in small quantities. Excessive use of it can manifest itself in insomnia and pain in the heart.

Application

There are several varieties of the plant. But the most popular and sought after is exactly pepper. It has the richest taste and aroma.

Mint has gained great popularity not only in folk medicine. It is in great demand in the perfumery and culinary industries, is used for the manufacture of alcoholic beverages and medicines.

Traditional medicine in its practice uses not only the leaves of the plant, but also its stem and inflorescences. Essential oils are extracted from them, which are further used in various fields.

Pharmacology based on essential oils produces nasal drops that help eliminate nasal congestion and runny nose. Also quite often you can find mint lollipops for the throat. They help relieve inflammation and eliminate pain, contribute to a faster recovery of a person.

As part of toothpaste, mint helps protect teeth from cavities and freshens breath.

Regardless appearance mint does not lose its beneficial properties. Dried leaves are often added to tea, they strengthen the body and help to cope with various respiratory and viral diseases.

The plant helps to stop various kinds of bleeding. An infusion based on it is able to eliminate heartburn and constipation. Normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as get rid of increased gas formation.

Mint helps cure diseases respiratory organs. For this purpose, it must be used in the form of inhalation.

It also has a wound healing agent. Essential oils that it contains help with wounds and scratches. It can also be used for frostbite and various cuts.

The infusion is also used for the treatment skin problems. Perfectly eliminates inflammation and dries problem areas of the skin. It has an antibacterial effect and relieves itching. It can be applied when acne, acne, various dermatitis and even psoriasis.

Mint compress helps with burns. Promotes the restoration of affected areas of the skin.

Mint is enough useful plant, but it must be used with caution, since in addition to a positive effect, it can also negatively affect the overall well-being and state of health.

Mint is perennial plant families of yasnotkovye. Its homeland is considered to be the Mediterranean region. In science, more than 100 subspecies of this plant are distinguished, but only 25 types of mint are currently used.

Mint has been widely used in cosmetology, herbal medicine, aromatherapy, pharmaceuticals, traditional medicine, and cooking.

The beneficial properties of the plant are primarily in high content menthol. This essential oil is found in the leaves and inflorescences of mint. The amount of menthol may vary depending on the place of growth. herbaceous plant and time of collection.

In addition to menthol, mint contains ascorbic acid, carotene, betaine, flavonoids, essential oils, and tannins.

The highest number useful substances in mint observed when collecting it before flowering.

Useful properties of the plant

Mint has unique beneficial and healing properties.

Menthol is the main ingredient a large number medicines. Medicines containing menthol are prescribed for the treatment of angina pectoris, with the expansion of cerebral vessels, increased nervous excitability. Menthol-based drops relieve swelling of the mucous membrane with vasomotor rhinitis.

The plant is part of many tinctures, drops, ointments, tablets, extracts, herbal preparations. Peppermint oil can eliminate toothache and headache.

Mint is used both in traditional and folk medicine, it is part of many medicines, tinctures, decoctions and more.

Mint is used as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, cholagogue. The plant has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, stimulates blood circulation. Mint is indispensable in the treatment of tonsillitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, various diseases respiratory tract.

It is used to improve digestion, eliminate nausea, prevent gastritis, flatulence, ulcerative colitis.

Mint perfectly stimulates the gallbladder and liver. It also has a beneficial effect on vision.

A decoction of mint has a disinfecting effect, it is used when inflammatory processes. Lotions from the decoction of the plant will relieve itching and swelling with insect bites.

Mint is also used to make soothing baths.

The leaves of the plant relieve irritation on the skin, and bactericidal property mint is used for cuts, scratches, frostbite.

In cooking, mint is used as a spice, it is added to a variety of sauces. Mint-based drinks have excellent refreshing, tonic properties.

In cooking, mint has a wide variety of uses: refreshing drinks, desserts, salads, a spice for fish dishes and much more.

The plant is widely used in cosmetology, it is part of various lotions, masks, creams, shampoos and balms.

Contraindications

There are a number of contraindications for the use of mint in food and medicinal purposes.

People with reduced blood pressure, low tone of venous vessels, hypersensitivity to menthol it is necessary to refrain from the use of mint.

The plant can not be used for treatment infants, as menthol can cause respiratory arrest. It is recommended to refrain from using mint in the treatment of children under five years of age.

The plant is contraindicated during lactation. At overuse mint can cause heart pain and insomnia. It is not recommended to use the plant for people suffering from various allergic reactions, chronic heartburn.

Useful and medicinal properties mints have long been used in many countries. In ancient times and the Middle Ages, healers and healers used mint to treat various diseases. Ancient Roman scientists believed that the plant has a beneficial effect on mental processes. healing power mint was known in Japan, China, Arab countries. In Rus', mint was used for medicinal purposes, eaten.

Currently, the beneficial properties of mint are used in the pharmacological, cosmetic, and food industries.