Peppermint is a perennial plant with a very pleasant soft spicy aroma. It has useful healing properties and is used to treat and prevent various diseases. However, in some cases, toning and other properties of mint, even in small quantities, can lead to deterioration of well-being. Therefore, before using, you should familiarize yourself with the contraindications to its use.
- Useful properties
- Usage
- In medicine
- In folk medicine
- In cosmetology
- Other methods
- Contraindications
- Overdose
- For pregnancy and lactation
- For men
- For children
Curative properties are possessed by a plant that was collected and stored in the right timeconditions. Collect mint should be in the period from July to August, during its flowering. After harvesting the plant should be dried well. For this, the stems are formed into a bundle or cut leaves and flowers are spread on paper, and then placed on fresh air in a shady place. Also, mint can also be dried in a well-ventilated room.
After drying, the grass should be placed in a glass jar or porcelain dish, tightly closed with a lid and stored in a dark place.
Useful properties
The value of peppermint is determined by its composition. It contains menthol, vitamin C, rutin, magnesium, carotene, iron, calcium, potassium, flavonoids, various tannins and ethers.
The plant has anti-inflammatory, tonic, soothing, analgesic, vasodilating, choleretic action. In addition, mint was used in ancient times to obtain a cooling effect in the treatment of colds, fevers, etc.
to the table of contents ^Application of
to the table of contents ^In medicine
Peppermint preparations are widely used in traditional medicine in the form of tablets, drops, ointments, oil, extract, infusion.
Peppermint successfully cures colds and throat diseases( pharyngitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, chronic tonsillitis).Herb infusion is used as an antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory drug in acute rhinitis, bronchitis, bronchiectasis and other diseases accompanied by coughing. Its unique properties allow us to normalize the heart rate and regulate blood circulation in the body.
The use of the plant for the treatment of gastric diseases and pain in the digestive system is widespread. It helps to eliminate heartburn, flatulence, nausea, relieves spasms in the abdomen. The bitterness of grass is useful for the liver and for removing stones from the gallbladder, eliminating heartburn, reducing flatulence, colic, indigestion and nausea.
The plant is also used externally as an antispasmodic, topical irritant, with inflammatory skin diseases, arthralgia, neuralgic pain, itchy dermatoses and burns. It is used as an essence in toothpastes and solutions for refreshing the oral cavity, when rinsing the throat.
In folk medicine
In folk medicine use inhalations, decoctions, water and alcohol infusions,prepared at home.
- For insomnia and restless sleep, nervous disorders, emotional instability and mental overload, , it is recommended to brew before going to bed and drink 200 milliliters of a weak tea with 2 mint leaves. It is also useful to take a bath with the addition of mint broth: 1 tablespoon of the plant to brew 1 liter of boiling water, boil in a water bath for 5 minutes and leave to stand for night. Strain the resulting broth and pour into the water. It is better to take a bath in the evening for 15 minutes.
- For nausea, heartburn, spasms in the intestines and stomach, smelly belch : 2 tablespoons of herbs pour 500 milliliters of boiling water, insist for 15 minutes and strain. Eat 50 milliliters 4 times a day. When heartburn associated with high acidity, effectively combine the water infusion of mint with fresh potato juice.
- Water infusion is also used externally for lotions and washes for arthritic and rheumatic pains, seizures, inflammatory processes of the skin and itching.
- In case of colitis, liver disease, bile ducts and gallbladder : 1 tablespoon of mint leaves pour 200 ml of boiling water and insist in a thermos for 30 minutes. Drink every 2 hours for 1 tablespoon. Medicinal infusion of leaves is also recommended for intestinal colic and digestive problems.
- As expectorant and sweatshop for cold : 2 tablespoons of herbs pour 300 milliliters of boiling water and leave to infuse for 1.5 hours. Drink 5 times a day for 1 tablespoon.
- Inhalations with mint infusion are effective in pharyngitis, bronchitis and angina.
- With headaches, fresh peppermint leaves should be slightly mashed and applied to the temples and forehead. You can also use tincture on vodka in the form of compresses. To make it, you need to grind 1/4 cup of dried stems and leaves of the plant, then put the raw material in a glass jar and pour ¾ cups of vodka and ¼ cup of water. After that, close the lid tightly and put it for 14 days in a dark place.
- For painful menstruation and for relief of menopause : 2 teaspoons of dried plant pour 500 milliliters of boiling water and boil in a water bath for 5 minutes. Drink 1/3 cup 2 times a day.
- With toothache, a fresh mint leaf should be applied to the affected area.
In cosmetology
Infusions based on fresh or dry leaves of peppermint are successfully used in cosmetology for giving tone and freshness to the skin, as well as removing inflammation. To prepare the infusion it is necessary to pour 2 tablespoons of the leaves of the plant with boiling water, insist 20-30 minutes, strain and moisten the wadded disk to wipe the face. The obtained composition cleanses the skin and narrows the pores, while simultaneously moisturizing and tightening the contours of the face.
To improve the complexion, it is recommended to prepare a lotion of cucumber juice( 50 milliliters), mint infusion( 50 milliliters) and parsley broth( 50 milliliters).This lotion should be wiped face in the morning and evening after washing.
To tonify the skin of the eyelids, you need to attach a cotton disc moistened in a chilled infusion to the eyes.
Peppermint is often used for strengthening hair. Decoctions, water infusions and shampoos with the addition of essential oil plants carefully clean the scalp and hair from dust and excess fat. In addition, mint has a bactericidal and soothing effect, so it is useful to use with irritation of the scalp, itching. Hair after application of means with mint looks healthy and starts to grow faster.
For hair, you can use oil in its pure form, or as a component of home masks. For rinsing it is recommended to prepare water infusions and decoctions.
For use in pure form, you need to put a few drops of liquid on the palm of your hand, then rub it into the scalp with gentle movements, rinse after 30 minutes. This massage stimulates the flow of blood to the hair follicles, supplies them with the necessary vitamins and minerals.
- Mask for growth, volume and strengthening of hair : 5 drops of essential oil of mint, 1 tablespoon of cream( 30%), 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of olive oil. All the ingredients are mixed, applied to dry or moist locks, rubbed into the skin. Strands wrap with polyethylene and a towel. After 30 minutes rinse with shampoo.
- Mask for moisturizing and nourishing the hair : 1 teaspoon of lemon and cognac juice, 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil and coconut, 4 drops of peppermint oil. First, heat jojoba oil and coconut oil in a container, then add cognac and lemon juice to the mixture, and then mint oil. Mix all the ingredients and apply for 1.5 hours on hair and rinse with shampoo.
Other ways of
Thanks to the wonderful smell, peppermint is used for aromatherapy and a few drops of essential oil are added to the bath to calm the nervous system.
Peppermint is widely used in cooking. It can be added both in dough and desserts, and in soups and second dishes to give them an unusual spicy flavor, decorate with beautiful soft leaves any cake or snack. Use grass and in the preparation of drinks and sauces.
Contraindications
Mint, like other medicinal plants, has its contraindications. It is forbidden to use medicines and various herbal infusions to people who have:
- Individual intolerance.
- Low blood pressure.
- Varicose veins.
The plant causes increased drowsiness, this must be taken into account by drivers and people whose profession requires increased concentration of attention.
to contents ^Overdose
When ingested, peppermint can provoke:
- Dizziness.
- Headache.
- Burning sensation in the stomach.
- Muscle tremors or slow heartbeats.
With external application possible:
- Allergic skin rashes.
- Eye irritation.
- Sores in the mouth.
All of the above symptoms may indicate an overdose or an individual intolerance. In this case, you must stop using the tool.
to the table of contents ^In pregnancy and lactation
Caution is necessary to use mint during pregnancy and lactation. The high content of essential oils in it can cause an ambiguous reaction in both a woman and a baby, up to diathesis and other signs of allergy. In addition, frequent use of peppermint in pregnant women can provoke miscarriage in the early stages.
For men
Peppermint reduces male libido, so it is recommended that men take it only as needed and in small quantities.
to table of contents ^For children
One of the contra-indications of peppermint is children's age till 3 years. Children from 4 years are allowed to brew weak tea, but it is better to consult a pediatrician.