Mint: useful properties and contraindications. Peppermint tea - harm and restrictions on use. When to collect

In the article we are talking about mint tea - the benefits for men and women. You will learn how to make mint tea various recipes and find out if the tasty and healthy drink contraindications.

Mint tea is good for women and men

Rich, refreshing, natural, healing and fragrant drink is popular all over the world. It is valued for its pleasant taste and availability. Is mint tea good for you?

The benefits of mint tea are as follows:

invigorates and improves brain activity;
reduces headaches;
well restores the functions of digestion;
relieves nausea, relieves spasms stomach colic, restores bile balance, reduces flatulence and bloating;
beneficial effect on nervous system: relieves anxiety and improves sleep quality.

The benefits of mint tea are undeniable respiratory diseases, so cook it if you need to improve expectoration, eliminate nasal congestion, reduce fever. Drink mint tea preventive purposes to strengthen the immune system and prevent beriberi.

The beneficial properties of mint in tea are determined by the components that make up the plant:

menthol;
ascorbic, pantothenic, folic acids;
tannins;
thiamine;
riboflavin;
phytoncides;
trace elements: copper, phosphorus, zinc, iron, magnesium, sodium and potassium.

Benefits of mint tea for women

The benefits of mint tea for the female body are as follows:

normalizes hormonal background;
improves the condition in the premenstrual period and during menstruation;
restores skin cells;
eliminates the symptoms of menopause.

In the absence of contraindications, women can drink mint tea 2 cups a day. A low-calorie drink (8.5 kcal per 100 g) is popular with those who carefully control their weight. It reduces appetite, permanently eliminates the feeling of hunger and reduces cravings for sweets. Drinking mint tea between meals speeds up the metabolism, which has a beneficial effect on the figure and overall well-being.

Benefits of mint tea for men

Men with a tonic drink should be more careful, because the added mint to tea will benefit or harm, depending on the amount.

One cup of mint tea before bed can help relieve stress and relieve insomnia.. In large quantities, mint reduces testosterone levels, which will cause male impotence.

Is it possible to drink peppermint tea during pregnancy

The properties of mint in tea for pregnant women are controversial among obstetricians and gynecologists. Some claim that in small quantities mint:

smoothes unpleasant symptoms early toxicosis;
eliminates dizziness and constipation;
tones the uterine muscles;
prevents heartburn;
reduces swelling of the limbs;
boosts immunity.

With the use of mint tea, it can also bring harm to women in position:

allergic reactions;
excessive muscle tone of the uterus, leading to miscarriage;
severe heartburn (especially in the 3rd trimester);
reduction in blood pressure in hypotensive patients.

After the birth of a baby, knowing how mint tea is useful for a woman, doctors recommend drinking it rarely (2-3 times a week). If pregnancy and childbirth proceeded with complications, if there were health problems before conception, then the use of the drink should be agreed with the observing gynecologist.

Mint tea recipes

Mint tea can be brewed with various additives

Various additives help to diversify the taste of tea and supplement the benefits of mint - cinnamon, lime or lemon, honey, pine nuts, as well as blackcurrant leaves, raspberries, cranberries or strawberries. Prepare natural drink the best recipes for yourself and your family.

Soothing tea

cook soothing tea to relax before going to bed, relieve headaches and get rid of insomnia.

Ingredients:

Peppermint leaves - 1 tbsp.
Oregano - 1 tbsp.
St. John's wort - 1 tbsp.
Chamomile pharmacy - 1 tbsp.
Honey - 1 tbsp.

How to cook: Mix all herbs in a ceramic or glass teapot. Pour the mixture with 2 cups of boiling water. Insist 15 minutes.

How to use: Drink 1-2 glasses. The effect of the prepared drink will answer the question, is it possible to drink mint at night?

Result: Herbal tea with mint soothes, eliminates headaches, relieves stress accumulated during the day.

With ginger and honey

In the morning, ginger-mint tea will invigorate, in the evening it will soothe and relax.

Ingredients:

Black tea - 1 tsp
Sprig of mint - 1 pc.
A slice of ginger root.
Honey - 1 tsp

How to cook: The indicated ingredients are for the preparation of 1 serving of the drink. Brew black tea. Place mint and ginger in a bowl. Fill them with hot tea. Insist 5 minutes. Add honey before drinking.

How to use: Strain the prepared tea or drink it straight with mint and ginger. A day - no more than 2 mugs.

Result: What is the benefit of mint tea with ginger? Regular consumption of the drink will reduce the amount of cholesterol, strengthen blood vessels, speed up metabolism, restore weakened immunity, prevent inflammation and relieve stomach cramps.

With cranberries and honey

Tea with mint, honey and cranberries perfectly quenches thirst (in summer it can be drunk chilled). The drink relieves fatigue and increases efficiency.

Ingredients:

Chinese red tea - 2 tsp
Cranberries - 100 gr.
Cane sugar - 2 tsp
Crushed peppermint leaves - 1 tsp
Sprigs of peppermint - 2 pcs.
Honey (to taste)

How to cook: Pour tea and mint into a warm teapot. Slowly pour in boiling water. Insist 5 minutes. Rub the cranberries and mix with sugar.

How to use: Divide the cranberries and honey into cups, then pour the mixture over the prepared tea.

Result: The benefits of black tea with mint and cranberries are undeniable - you normalize digestion, reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, increase immunity and quickly restore the body after vitamin deficiency.

With cinnamon and lime

If you want to lose weight, then choose a recipe for mint tea with cinnamon and lime.

Ingredients:

large leaf green tea- 2 tsp
Lime - 0.5 pcs.
Sprigs of peppermint - 2-3 pcs.
Cinnamon stick (length 3-5 cm) - 1 pc.

How to cook: Pour mint and tea into a heated teapot, put cinnamon. Fill with boiling water. Insist 2-3 minutes. The more you steep the tea, the more the cinnamon will start to taste bitter. Instead of cinnamon sticks, powder can be used, but in this case, the tea will have to be strained.

How to use: Take in the morning or evening, cold or hot, freshly made tea with the addition of lime slices or squeezed juice from it, honey or fresh berries.

Result: How useful is green tea with mint, cinnamon and lime? It is great for those who want to lose weight: it improves metabolism, cleanses the body of toxins, reduces sugar levels and breaks down fats.

Moroccan tea

In the homeland of Moroccan tea, the drink is taken throughout the day to quench thirst. European tourists prefer to drink it chilled with the addition of ice cubes. Try this invigorating drink.

Ingredients:

Green tea - 2 tsp
Sugar (to taste)
Peppermint leaves (to taste)

How to cook: Pour green tea into the kettle, pour hot water(temperature not more than 85 degrees) and leave for 15 minutes. Without stirring, carefully pour into a stainless steel teapot through a filter. Add sugar. Bring the drink to a boil. Tea is ready. It remains to add mint: do not spare the leaves if you want to get a drink with a pleasant bitterness. If you like, add milk or spices (ground cinnamon, cloves), lemon or orange zest.

How to use: Pour tea into tall glasses and drink throughout the day, but no more than 5-6 cups.

Result: Tea has an excellent tonic effect, increases efficiency and gives strength for the whole day.

For more information about mint tea, see the video:

Contraindications and possible harm

With the benefits of mint tea, harm from the drink is possible if you have:

allergy to menthol;
low blood pressure - mint tea will lower it even more, which will lead to drowsiness, lethargy, dizziness;
varicose veins or heartburn - mint causes an exacerbation of these pathologies;
impotence;
constipation - tannins in mint have a fixing effect.

What to remember

The beneficial properties of mint tea are in the effect on the nervous system and digestion, heart and blood vessels. The drink has an anti-inflammatory effect, strengthens the immune system, and is effective for beriberi.
Peppermint green tea is especially beneficial for those who want to lose weight.
With all the benefits, hypotension, allergy sufferers, pregnant and lactating women, people suffering from varicose veins and gastrointestinal diseases can feel the harm from mint tea.
For men, peppermint tea should only be taken in small amounts.

There is a lot of controversy about the properties of mint. This plant can bring the body great benefit and may cause infertility. The article reveals all the secrets of the competent use of this fragrant plant.

Mint is the oldest medicinal plant. Healers already at the time of the Assyrians and Egyptian pharaohs used its healing properties.

It got its name from the ancient Greeks. Legend has it that Persephone, the wife of Hades (Hades), the god of the underworld, turned his mistress Mentu into a plant. This is how mint appeared, a delicate plant with a cold smell.

What is useful mint for women and men?

Mint is considered more of a "women's herb" because female body it brings more benefits.

Mint benefits for women:

regulates hormonal levels, reducing testosterone levels and increasing progesterone levels
improves physical state with PMS, menopause, reduces menstrual pain
relieves nausea during toxicosis of pregnant women

The benefits of mint for men:

increases the tone of the whole body, which contributes to increased potency
increases sensitivity and reduces tension, which increases the pleasure of lovemaking

But mint should not be used in large doses like any medicine.

How to brew mint?

brew mint in porcelain dishes, if there is none, then in glass
before putting the mint in the teapot, pour boiling water over it
pour mint with water 5 minutes after boiling, and not immediately, in order to preserve trace elements as much as possible
insist after pouring boiling water for 15 minutes
for 1 cup of ready-made tea, it is recommended to take 1 tsp. fresh or 0.5 tsp. dry mint leaves. These are the proportions for tea, in medicinal decoctions put more mints
drink mint tea only freshly brewed and without sugar

Mint tea is a drink on its own, but mint leaves can be added to regular tea or herbal preparations.

The benefits and harms of mint tea

Thanks to the main active component- menthol, mint tea soothes the soul, strengthens the body:

reduces pain syndrome
regulates metabolic processes
removes spasms
improves the function of the gastrointestinal tract
raises mental activity
regulates the functioning of the cardiovascular system
tones and invigorates
calms the nervous system

Peppermint tea can only be harmful if consumed in excess. There may be pain in the heart, drowsiness, headaches, dizziness, sleep disturbances, heartburn, weakness. Frequent use mint tea (more than 3 cups daily) is detrimental to " male power and the ability to conceive.

The use of mint in medicine

Mint has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, choleretic, sedative properties.

In medicine, it is used in the treatment of many diseases:

insomnia
neuralgia
hypertension
gastritis
gynecological diseases
asthma, vomiting, colds, rheumatism

Various tablets, ointments, drops contain a mint component.

What is useful mint decoction?

Broths are distinguished by a high concentration of nutrients. Decoctions are prepared if necessary to provide a deep effect on the body.

Benefits of mint decoction:

regulates digestion
promotes weight loss
reduces the concentration of sugar in the blood
positively affects the immune system
normalizes sweating
lowers blood pressure
protects the body from the effects of radiation
treats cough, soothes sore throat, reduces headaches
relieves heartburn, nausea
normalizes blood circulation

Peppermint tincture: medicinal properties and contraindications

The high usefulness of peppermint is determined by its composition:

essential oil- menthol, provides the taste, smell, analgesic and antispasmodic properties of mint
tannins- give an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory effect, accelerate the healing process, destroy bacteria
carotene- natural immunostimulant
vitamin P- reduces capillary permeability, relieves swelling and inflammation
vitamin C- strengthens the immune system, reduces vascular permeability
betaine- Regulates the digestive system by activating fat metabolism in the liver and stimulate bile production
phytosterols- "plant hormones", reduce the concentration of cholesterol, improve metabolism
phytoncides- provide protection against bacteria, microorganisms
trace elements- regulate the functioning of the nervous system, the production of enzymes

There are also several contraindications to the use of mint tincture:

allergy
hypotension
decreased stomach acid
varicose veins, since menthol reduces the tone of blood vessels
diseases of the liver, kidneys

Melissa mint: medicinal properties

Melisa is also called "lemon mint" because it has a mint-lemon aroma.
There is less essential oil in lemon balm than in mint, so it is more often used in cooking as a seasoning, and not just as a flavoring agent.
Lemon mint is used to combat depression, as an antiviral and antispasmodic agent.

Medicinal properties of mint tincture

Alcohol tincture of mint is used for neuralgia, irritability, insomnia. It relieves pain, reduces spasm. Apply a few drops to the temples, forehead, back of the head and rub. Or take 10-15 drops shortly before bedtime for a week
With bronchitis, inflammation of the nasopharynx, trachea, tincture is used for inhalation. Peppermint relieves swelling and inflammation, reduces pain, and makes breathing easier. Solution: add 15 drops of tincture to 1 liter hot water breathe this vapor. Repeat 3-4 times a day
Mint tincture can be made as follows: pour 20 g of dry leaves with 100 ml of alcohol, moonshine with a strength of 75%. But you can also use regular vodka. Insist in a dark place for 2 weeks. Take 3 times a day for 25 drops, which must be diluted in 1 glass of water. Used to relieve spasms, migraines, nausea and vomiting

The effect of mint on the heart

Peppermint is useful in the treatment of angina pectoris, as it dilates coronary vessels and stabilizes heartbeat. It is part of validol, valocordin. It normalizes cardiac activity, improves blood circulation
For heart diseases, it is useful to drink infusion: 4 tbsp. dry mint is poured with a liter of boiling water. It is necessary to infuse the broth for about 2 hours. You can drink it like regular tea. The calming effect of the tea is enhanced by adding valerian root.
It is necessary to limit yourself to 2-3 cups a day, otherwise the pain in the heart will resume, headaches will begin.

Mint for depression

For relax depressive states it is good to use mint tea: 1 tbsp. a spoonful of dry leaves is poured with a glass of boiling water immediately after boiling. Infused 1 hour. Take half a glass in the morning and at night
If the condition is very serious, then prepare a decoction: 1 tbsp. pour a spoonful of dry leaves with 1 glass of water and boil the broth for 10 minutes. After boiling, leave for another 10-20 minutes, strain. Take a decoction of 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day before meals for 2-4 weeks

Mint for infertility

Infertility is a direct contraindication to the use of mint infusions and decoctions. Especially if you don't use peppermint, but the field.

But if the cause of infertility in women is increased number male hormones- androgens, then the doctor may prescribe a mint infusion. 2 cups of infusion per day has been proven to significantly reduce androgen levels.

Peppermint tea during pregnancy. Can pregnant women drink mint?

It is not recommended to drink mint for pregnant women, as this can provoke the appearance of uterine tone. Mint also increases estrogen levels in the body, which can contribute to miscarriage.
But since mint relieves nausea well, it is recommended to drink mint tea for toxicosis, dizziness, heartburn, and a cold. But no more than 2 cups a day and after 3-4 days it is advisable to take a break
The dosage of mint tea for pregnant women should be discussed with the doctor beforehand.

Can children give mint?

It is forbidden to give mint tea to children under 3 years of age. If the child is not too active, then mint should not be given before 5-6 years of age, since mint can cause drowsiness and lethargy.

In addition, mint in children can become a source of allergies. Therefore, before giving a child mint tea, it is necessary to consult a pediatrician.

Soothing peppermint decoctions for young children

For young children, mint decoctions can be prepared, which are added to the bath for bathing. This bath will relax and soothe the baby, can be used up to a year.

Prepare a simple decoction:

take 50g of the collection - oregano, mint, calendula flowers in equal parts
Pour three liters of boiling water, leave for half an hour
Strained infusion add to 10 liters of water
In such baths, it is necessary to bathe the child before going to bed 3 times a week.
The minimum number of procedures is 5-7, if there is no allergy and the child likes it

Peppermint Essential Oil: Properties and Uses

The aroma of mint affects a person on an emotional, physical and mental level.
Peppermint oil has a tonic effect. Its aroma restores strength, relieves stress, increases mental activity, removes tension, relieves headache restores heart rate
With a headache, mint oil is rubbed on the forehead, back of the head, temples, and then applied cold compress to the head
At nervous disorders, fears, it is good to have a handkerchief in your pocket with a few drops of oil on it, so that when nervous exhaustion inhale the aroma
When fainting, instead of ammonia, you can give a sniff mint oil and rub it into whiskey
To relieve stomach pain, rub your stomach with essential oil and apply a cold compress. Also, with pain, bloating, heartburn, it will help if you drink a glass of water with 2-4 drops of oil; or eat a sugar cube with 2-4 drops of essential peppermint essence
Baths with the addition of 6 drops of mint will help restore the heart rhythm. The same baths will improve the condition of the liver
Nausea will be relieved by inhaling the aroma of peppermint oil.
Peppermint oil compresses (4-6 drops are enough) help with acute respiratory infections: relieve coughing attacks, relieve fever
Massage with mint (6 drops per 10 ml of the main massage oil) will help relieve pain from arthritis, bruises, rheumatism, sprains, muscle pain
If you apply cotton wool with essential oil to a sore tooth, then the pain subsides.
Aromatherapy using essential oil (3-6 drops per aroma lamp) mint - great method relaxation

Applying peppermint oil to your face

To keep your skin in good shape, wipe it daily mint ice cubes:
1 st. a spoonful of dry leaves in half a liter of boiling water, insist 2-3 hours, filter and freeze in ice molds. This procedure will improve blood circulation in the skin and prevent inflammation.
If you wash yourself with this infusion 2-3 times a day, then the skin condition will improve significantly, and dark spots and wrinkles will be less noticeable

Mint Rejuvenating Mask:

mix 1 cup oatmeal(finely ground), 2 tbsp. spoons of mint infusion, 3 tbsp. spoons warm milk. Apply the mask for 15-20 minutes. The skin must be clean. Wash away. The procedure is best performed before bedtime.

Using peppermint oil for hair

Mint can help with such hair problems:

dandruff
oily scalp
brittle, dull hair

To do this, add mint oil to the shampoo, at the rate of 2 drops per 10 g of shampoo (1 serving of shampoo). This enrichment enhances blood circulation, activates hair growth, relieves inflammation. skin removes itching and irritation.

You can make a mint rinse. Take 2 tbsp. mint spoons and 1 tbsp. boil water for 10-15 minutes. Cool, strain, add 3-4 drops of mint oil. After washing your hair, you need to rinse your hair with this decoction and rub it a little into the roots.

Mask with mint oil for weakened and colored hair: to 2 tbsp. spoons castor oil add 2 drops of peppermint oil. Apply oil to your hair, cover your head with a film. Hold the mask for about 40 minutes. Rinse your hair with shampoo.

For oily/normal hair, use the recipe: mix 2 egg yolks, 1 tsp lemon juice, 3-5 drops of peppermint oil. Hold the mask for 15-20 minutes, rinse with shampoo.

Peppermint essential oil for acne

To get rid of acne, it is enough to wipe the face with a cotton pad with a few drops of mint essence 2-3 times a day. This must be done gently and gently.

If you have oily/combination skin, you can add peppermint oil to your toner or skin cleansing gel to help clear breakouts and improve skin health.

The use of mint in cooking

In cooking, it is better to use apple or spearmint. These species do not produce bitterness when heated. But pepper is also popular.
Fresh mint is used to season meat, vegetable dishes, salads, cocktails, liqueurs, ice cream, desserts, sweets are made from it, used as decorations. Dry leaves are also used, but mainly for making tea, infusions, as a seasoning for meat, for sauces, in baking.
Mint is used as an independent spice, trying not to combine with others. Its dose should be minimal: 1-5 g of fresh herbs, 0.2-0.5 dried per serving. Add mint to dishes shortly before cooking, 5-10 minutes

Lilia Vladimirovna, 47 years old:

“I make my own face masks. I apply the mask once a week. For 4 months, age spots became less noticeable, and skin tone really increased. It seems to me that I look fresher, as if after a rest. But the wrinkles haven't gone away."

Anna, 20 years old:

“I have had acne regularly since I was 13. The pores on the nose and cheekbones are enlarged. Now I wash my face with a gel, to which I added essential oil (2 drops per 10 g of gel, added it directly to the bottle and mixed it), I cauterize the inflammation that appears with mint tincture and drink mint tea once a day. The face has become clearer, and acne appears less. What helped - I don’t know, maybe in the complex. ”

Olga, 30 years old:

“I love taking peppermint oil baths. I add mint, lavender and rose oil to the bath, 6-10 drops each. The effect is amazing, I feel great after it, rested and cheerful.”

Lyudmila Ivanovna, 55 years old:

“On the advice of my daughter, I began to wipe my face with ice cubes from mint infusion. Helps to wake up in the morning and relieve swelling.

Karina, 35 years old:

“I used to drink coffee in the morning, now I switched to green cocktail: you need to take one small bunch of parsley and mint, half a lemon without zest, 2-3 tbsp. spoons of honey, 1.5-2 liters of water. Mix everything in a blender, drink fresh, helps to cheer up in the morning.”

Video: About mint

This plant is no longer recognized by its appearance, but by its aroma, which is incomparable to anything fragrant, fragrant. The smell of mint is fragrant, slightly cooling - a symphony of aromas and freshness - is not forgotten for a long time and remains in memory.

Many people love to drink mint tea to calm down and relax a little. This fragrant herb, beloved by many, is the subject of our conversation today. Of course, I will also talk about useful medicinal properties ah peppermint.

Growth and chemical composition of mint

Peppermint grows in the garden, in the meadow. Harvesting is carried out when it blooms. Dry in a ventilated area. The composition of mint contains the presence of essential oil, bitterness, organic acids, flavonoids, trace elements (zinc, selenium, molybdenum, copper, manganese, strontium).

The main ingredient in peppermint oil is menthol- produces: soothing, analgesic and antiseptic effect and actually determines the main healing properties of mint itself. The effect of menthol pharmacological properties mint in general, complements the presence of organic acids that have adaptive properties and normalize the nervous system. Flavonoids have antispasmodic properties. The aerial part of mint is used to obtain essential oil by steam distillation of water.

Menthol is the main component of ointments (menovazin, efkamon), solutions, drops used to treat angina pectoris, neurosis, hysteria, itchy dermatoses. Validol and Corvalol, Zelenin drops and menthol pencils, mint tablets used for nausea, tooth drops and many other medicines and products containing menthol.

Mint: useful medicinal properties

The benefits of peppermint are undeniable, as traditional medicine This herb has a long history.

Peppermint and peppermint oil has antiseptic properties, in relation to the entire intestinal microflora, due to the presence of menthol. When using mint preparations, the pancreas and kidneys normalize and improve their work.

Mint tincture is used for rinsing and lotions: for diseases of the throat, for sores in the mouth.

This plant contributes to: improving mood, increasing efficiency, relieving stress, anxiety, irritability, normalizes.

Good mint also affects cardiovascular system, contributes to the normalization of pressure, the removal of migraine.

Baths with the addition of a decoction of its leaves relieve nervous excitement.

Mint - female grass , it improves the functioning of the female genital area, helps with menopause and is involved in the regulation menstrual cycle, relieves spasms and even slightly reduces the amount of unwanted hair.

But strong half humanity to be carried away by it Not recommended- it quite strongly reduces the level of testosterone in the blood, and therefore reduces sexual desire.

The use of mint in folk medicine

Make out mint infusion and drops on alcohol.

Mint infusion- preparation method: pour 1 liter into a saucepan. water put 2 tablespoons chopped herbs. Cover the pan with a lid, make a small fire and boil for a quarter of an hour, then insist for half an hour. Strain. Take - a glass four times a day. The timing of the meal doesn't matter.

mint drops- Pour 1 liter into 100 g of dried mint. 40% alcohol. Keep 1 month in the dark. After the specified period, strain. Reception - three times during the day, 5-20 drops. The course of taking mint preparations is up to six months.

Mint tea - its useful properties and preparation

There are two versions of the healing infusion - the actual brewed peppermint herb, and a mixture of green or black with mint. Connoisseurs can add honey and lemon to the drink.

It is more useful when a freshly plucked sprig of mint is added to freshly brewed tea, dry raw materials no longer have that inexpressible fragrance, volatile during storage essential substances medicinal plant quickly disappear.

When preparing tea with mint, the ingredients are taken in a ratio of 1: 1, take the same amount of crushed dry mint raw materials or fresh leaves 5-6 per teaspoon. Pour not steep boiling water, but slightly cooled, at about 90 degrees. Before use, let it brew for a quarter of an hour.

There is also a cold variety of mint tea, when ice, lemon or lime are added to the drink. They like to drink it to refresh and quench their thirst in the summer heat.

The use of mint in cooking

Peppermint leaves are an excellent seasoning for dishes, due to the presence of a fragrant and aromatic smell. A handful of chopped herbs add a refreshing flavor to any culinary delight. National Caucasian dishes are not complete without mint. It is used to flavor a chilled drink, tea mixture. Milk will not turn sour when you add a mint leaf to it.

Also, the oil of this wonderful herb is used in the manufacture of certain types of soap and tooth powder.

Mint contraindications

In addition to the undoubted medicinal properties, mint can bring significant harm to our body.

it should not be abused with hypotension;
mint does not reflect well on male potency, especially with regular use of more than three mugs a day;
the response speed is somewhat reduced, so drivers do not need tea with mint early in the morning;
when applying pharmacological preparations with menthol, be careful not to get it into the eyes, on damaged skin surfaces;
do not advise her to small children under three years old;
at hyperacidity gastric juice with gastritis, can cause heartburn.

Mint is a perennial herbaceous plant, which is widely cultivated in household plots and grows in the wild. Usually mint leaves are dried and then added to tea. fresh plant used for making cocktails and for other purposes. Today there are many varieties, but the most common of them is peppermint. Consider its benefits and harms.

Composition of mint

Peppermint has found its application in the production of pharmacological preparations, the culinary industry, and cosmetic areas.

The variety is bred by combining two types of mint - water and garden. Today, peppermint grows everywhere, it is easy to obtain and use for its intended purpose.

Particular attention deserves the chemical list of elements that form the basis of the plant. So, in mint there are many essential oils. The leaves and stems are rich in methanol, an element that gives mint its flavor and aroma.

The plant is not deprived of acids. Among the most common and useful, it is worth highlighting chlorogenic, ascorbic, ursolic, oleanolic, coffee.

Mint also contains flavonoids, tannins, amino acids such as betaine and arginine, rutin, and saponins. Of the vitamins worth highlighting ascorbic acid, group B, tocopherol and retinol.

A decent list of mineral compounds is concentrated in fresh and dried leaves. These include calcium, potassium, sodium, zinc, manganese, iron, chromium and others.

You can use not only essential oil, dried and fresh leaves, but also mint seeds. They are rich in special substances that normalize the activity of the gastrointestinal tract. That is why many pharmaceutical preparations from heartburn and gastritis have a mint flavor.

Calorie content of a fresh bunch weighing 100 gr. is 67 kcal. But, as a rule, when using mint, no one pays attention to these indicators. Impressive List useful qualities able to cover any calorie content.

The benefits of mint

The main advantage of the plant lies in its ability to put in order the human nervous system. Dried or fresh mint tea taken after a heavy labor day, soothe and improve well-being. Mint drink is useful to drink to combat insomnia and chronic fatigue.
Mint stimulates brain neurons, which improves memory, visual perception, concentration of attention. It is very useful to use tea with leaves of the plant for elderly people who are at risk of developing dementia.
The plant expands the blood channels, improves blood flow through the vessels and arteries, eliminates cholesterol plaques. All this contributes mild prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic syndrome.
Since mint is completely natural, it is often replaced with synthetic ingredients. medicines. Also, raw materials are added to the composition chewing gums. Mint disinfects oral cavity and prevent caries.
Mint leaves are especially beneficial. gastrointestinal tract and the entire digestive system as a whole. Mint improves appetite and secretion of gastric juice, all of which lead to better digestibility food and prevent its fermentation.
mint absorbs toxic substances, radionuclides, salts heavy metals and brings them out. The plant has a beneficial effect on the activity of the gallbladder, liver, kidneys, organs of the genitourinary system.
Gruel from fresh mint leaves is used in cosmetic purposes to combat acne, skin rashes, allergies, various dermatological problems. A decoction of mint is useful for rinsing hair, as it eliminates dandruff and itching.
In addition, there are many more diseases in which the plant has therapeutic effect. Among these ailments are disorders of work digestive system, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and caries, gastritis, migraines and frequent headaches, menopause and menstruation.
Peppermint is used to lower blood pressure in hypertension. The plant is widely used in gynecology. The leaves are effective in respiratory ailments and diseases. respiratory tract. Also, mint tea will help to cope with nervousness and unreasonable anxiety.
AT modern area nutritionists are increasingly recommending their patients to take mint for weight loss. Plant-based decoctions accelerate everything metabolic processes, enrich the cells with oxygen, against this background they break body fat(cellulite).

Diarrhea. Brew a handful of fresh leaves or a tablespoon of dried raw materials in 250 ml. steep boil. Let the mixture sit for about 2 hours. Then filter in a convenient way. Divide this amount into 2 doses, use at lunchtime and evening time in small sips. There is another way to prepare a mint remedy for diarrhea. Brew strong black tea, supply hot drink 5 leaves and drip 2 drops of iodine. Stir, drink one cup three times a day.
Digestive disorder. Every second person faces this problem. modern man. To improve the activity of the digestive system, mix a spoonful of mint with 260 ml. hot water and leave for 3 hours. Warm, filter, drink like regular tea.
Colds. In the flu season, with beriberi and low immunity, mint will help you out. Prepare a decoction based on the plant, add a little honey to it and drink a healing potion. Such a remedy will improve health, remove phlegm from the respiratory tract, relieve sore throat and reduce fever during fever.
Sleep problems. If you suffer from insomnia, increased nervousness and excitability causeless worries, drink peppermint tea several times a day. As an addition, have a drink with dried fruits or add honey to tea.
Acne. If you are experiencing acne, skin rashes, other problems of this kind, you need to wash yourself with mint broth. It is prepared from a handful of fresh raw materials and a cup of boiling water. After cooling, the product must be filtered and used twice a day. This composition will also remove redness on the skin, peeling, hypersensitivity.
Nervous excitement. Especially often mint is used by people who are faced with nausea and nervous overexcitation. To deal with pathological problems, it is necessary to grind a spoonful of dry raw materials into powder, then pour vodka in a ratio of 1 to 20. This remedy is infused for about a half moon, then 15 drops are taken three times a day. Do not forget to drink the tincture with water.
Depressive state. When tired chronic type, apathy, depression should drink a decoction of mint and lavender. Take the plants in a ratio of 5 to 1, pour hot water and let it brew for 3 hours. After that, take half a glass each time before going to bed. For the period of therapy, it is better to limit yourself from stress or learn to respond to them not too emotionally.
Excess weight. If you have problems with overweight, cellulite and other imperfections, make it a habit to take mint baths several times a week. Fill the bath in the usual way, add more fresh or dried mint. Carry out the procedure for half an hour. Such a move will help get rid of body sweating and make the skin smoother.

The harm and benefits of mint for pregnant women

Mint belongs to the category of those plants that must be included in the diet with extreme caution. Here it is important to take into account the opinion of a specialist. As with any product, mint has its pros and cons.
Significant harm can be done during gestation. Be careful with such raw materials. Mint can increase uterine contractions. The plant increases production female hormones, hence the tone of the genital organs increases.
Regular consumption of mint reduces arterial pressure. The plant contains antihypertensive enzymes. The latter can reduce the pressure to a minimum mark. Be careful.
The composition may cause allergic reaction Please consider this before taking. This phenomenon occurs during gestation, even if previously mint was easily tolerated by the body.
No more than two cups of mint tea a day will help the fair sex to cope with toxicosis. The drink stabilizes activity internal organs and relieves feelings of nausea. As a result of drinking tea, sleep improves, nervous tension disappears.

Mint is forbidden to be included in the menu of children who are under 5 years old. Experts attribute this to the fact that the plant contains high concentration biologically active substances. These enzymes have different effects on the body. Sometimes it happens increased load to internal organs.
For a long time known fact that mint is not in the best way affects male body. Raw materials reduce libido and potency. The effect is achieved due to a strong sedative effect. Of course, mint will help you cope with emotional shock.
Regular consumption of mint various forms can become a problem of conceiving a child in the fair sex. In the presence of any ailments, the situation is greatly aggravated. Such studies were confirmed in a British laboratory.
Mint negatively affects the health of the girl during gestation. The systematic intake of raw materials complicates the course of pregnancy. Be careful. Always check with your doctor about new foods in your diet. Weakly concentrated tea is allowed in this case.
Consider individual intolerance to raw materials. Mint can cause a number of complications if neglected practical advice. In this case, absolutely all products containing such an extract are prohibited. You may experience severe headache, vomiting, nausea, and rashes. Seek medical attention if necessary.

Mint can be beneficial if you follow the rules and follow daily allowance. The plant has a specific composition that can cause significant harm. Consider contraindications and individual intolerance to raw materials. If you are not sure that you are completely healthy, in without fail pass medical examination. Do not self-medicate with mint.

Video: useful properties and use of mint

Mint is a plant familiar to each of us. Even people who have never seen this grass live, probably know its smell. Mint is one of the most common odoriferous plants and its use dates back to the most primitive times. It even appears in mythology: the Greeks associated the appearance of this plant on Earth with the nymph Minta, who was the beloved of the god Hades. His jealous wife Persephone turned Minta into a fragrant plant in anger. A mountain in the northwestern Peloponnese is also dedicated to her.

mint varieties

This herb is unpretentious, has many useful properties and pleasant aroma, thanks to which it is grown in gardens literally all over the world. She also feels good natural conditions without human care.

Mint belongs to the mint or labial family and it has more than 20 varieties! The most famous and common are the following:

Peppermint or English mint - it is most often used in medicine and cooking;
Long-leaved - mint, which is grown for the extraction of essential oil;
Meadow - a wild variety of mint, most often found in gardens;
Japanese mint is known for its large violet or mauve flowers;
Curly mint is a variety that does not have a sharp aroma and taste familiar to us.

All types of this herb differ from each other, but they can all be used for treatment or cooking. Especially worth noting is a variety such as catnip or catnip. In addition to the distinct lemon smell, it is famous for attracting all members of the cat family, including large and wild ones. This variety is often used not only for medicinal and gastronomic purposes, but also in perfumery.

Useful properties of mint

This plant is known for being:

Helps relieve pain;
Has a bactericidal effect;
Calms and tones;
Helps prevent cancer;
It has a choleretic and vasodilating effect.

Due to these beneficial properties, the scope of mint in medicine is quite wide. Moreover, it is important that it is used not only in traditional medicine, but also in modern pharmacology when creating the latest medicines. Many people have felt healing effect mint ointments for coughs, runny nose and tablets for nausea. Even the good old Pectusin, which has been saving us from colds for many years, includes mint extract.

So, ordinary peppermint, which can be purchased at any pharmacy, will help you cope with any kind of cold: laryngitis, sore throat and respiratory diseases.

It will also relieve headaches, overexcitement, help fight insomnia and even depression. It has a good effect on the gastrointestinal tract: it treats constipation, colic, helps with the outflow of bile and normalizes the liver.

It will be useful to take mint for the work of the heart: it stabilizes the rhythm of your heart, dilates blood vessels and thereby lowers blood pressure.

Thanks to its bactericidal properties, mint removes inflammation of the gums, disinfects the oral cavity and thereby freshens your breath.

The main reason peppermint has so many health benefits is because it contains menthol, which:

Calms the nervous system;
Expands blood vessels and regulates pressure;
It has an antiseptic and anesthetic effect.

Recipes with mint

Mint tea- the most famous way to use mint. It has all the beneficial properties of this herb: soothes, relieves irritation, helps to fall asleep. In addition, it is very useful in the treatment of colds, especially in combination with other medicinal herbs.
To prepare it, it is enough to grind 3-4 fresh mint leaves or take 1 pinch of dried herb. Fill them with a glass of boiled hot water and wait 15 seconds. After that, drain the water and again fill the grass with boiling water for 2-3 minutes. You can also put 2 leaves or half a pinch of dry mint in regular black or to make it even more useful.
Mint infusion is made from dried mint. To do this, take 1 tablespoon and pour it with a glass of boiling water for half an hour. Strain the resulting infusion and drink a third of a glass 20 minutes before meals several times a day. This remedy should be used as a prophylaxis for and to soothe nausea and heart pain. You can also use half a glass of infusion for rinsing when bad smell from mouth.
mint decoction – useful tool for women during menopause. To prepare it, you need to pour 2 teaspoons of grass with half a liter of boiling water and bring to a boil over low heat. Boil it for 10 minutes and leave to cool for half an hour. Then you can use 3-4 times a day, 1 tablespoon 20 minutes before meals.
Spirit tincture of mint- a good remedy for headaches, which will also be useful for the skin. Pour a teaspoon of chopped herbs with 100 ml of pharmacy alcohol and leave for a week in a dark place. After that, the infusion can be smeared on the temples to relieve headaches and on the face to further tone the skin.

We have collected more mint recipes in a special article:.

Peppermint Oil: Properties and Uses

Peppermint essential oil is a wonderful remedy for heartburn and bloating. To feel it beneficial effect, just a couple of drops per tablespoon of water or a cube of refined sugar. This oil is also used for inhalation in the treatment of bronchitis and colds.

Can pregnant women drink mint?

Any girl who regularly consumes mint, preparing to become a mother, wonders: is it worth drinking mint tea during pregnancy? After all, mint is a medicinal plant, which includes many active substances, including essential oils. And peppermint essential oil is always contraindicated for a woman in position: it is oversaturated with many organic acids and tannins, which, if used regularly, can harm the health of an unborn child.

However, essential oil is not at all the same as tea, which is essentially just water with a negligible concentration of active substances. If you drink mint tea during pregnancy in small quantities (1 cup per day and no more), then it will have a beneficial effect on the course of pregnancy:

In the 1st trimester, it helps with toxicosis, relieves nausea and reduces bloating and indigestion;
Mint helps calm the nervous system and cope with fears and anxieties in prenatal period, which will have a good effect on the condition of the baby;
For colds and sore throats that cannot be treated with medication during pregnancy, mint tea will be the best and most strong medicine thanks to the properties described above;
Mint effectively fights dizziness and swelling;
Also, mint will increase female libido, which falls heavily during pregnancy.

Based on such beneficial properties, doctors can often even recommend that you drink some mint tea, but it is very important to observe the measure in this matter, especially in case of deviations or difficulties in the course of pregnancy.

However, it may seem that mint tea has no contraindications, but this is also not entirely true. After all, the beneficial substances contained in it can be harmful in certain situations:

Mint contains estrogen, which in high doses can cause premature birth or even a miscarriage. To avoid this dosage, it is recommended to drink no more than 1 cup of mint infusion per day and take breaks for 2 days after every 4 days of use.
Mint in some cases can reduce milk production, and therefore on recent months pregnancy, it is undesirable to use it so that there are no problems with feeding the child.
Mint dilates blood vessels and thereby lowers blood pressure- this can cause discomfort in hypotensive patients.
This herb can cause allergies and should be avoided during pregnancy under any circumstances.
And to top it off, eating mint can negatively affect the functioning of the liver and kidneys if you suffer from chronic diseases these organs.

Therefore, before making a decision, be sure to consult your doctor. After all, if you used to drink it without problems, this does not mean at all that during pregnancy it will also not be harmful to your body.

Mint while breastfeeding

Nowadays, the most common types of mint are peppermint and curly. Pepper contains a large number of menthol, the use of which dilates blood vessels.

Due to this property, a single intake of peppermint in a young mother can increase the amount of milk. This is due to the expansion of blood vessels: blood circulation increases and milk begins to stand out better. The paradox is that with regular use of peppermint or other sources of menthol, there is reverse effect and there is less milk. Therefore, when breastfeeding It is better to avoid regular use of peppermint.

Another thing concerns curly mint. It contains very little menthol, but it contains carvone, another beneficial substance, which is just the opposite - stimulates lactation with regular intake. Also, carvone is in the composition of cumin, dill and fennel, and just these herbs in traditional medicine used to increase milk production.

Therefore, just use a small amount curly mint will help a young mother, but of course, you need to know when to stop. By the way, it is very important to note that before use, you should make sure that you are brewing exactly curly mint, and if you cannot be sure of this, then it is better to refrain or ask a specialist for advice.

Mint for hair

Peppermint also helps in healing hair very well: its decoction is useful for dry, brittle, split ends and dyed hair. And, for example, a decoction of mint will a good remedy to strengthen and heal the weak brittle hair- it will give them shine and a healthier look.

Read more about the use of mint for hair in the article:.

Contraindications to the use of mint

First of all, mint is medicinal plant so don't use too much of it. It is also impossible for people who have hypersensitivity to menthol, carvone or other components of this plant. It is also contraindicated in people suffering from low blood pressure.

Also, due to its ability to dilate blood vessels and reduce their tone, mint can exacerbate. It should not be used for increased sleepiness, since this herb just has a calming and inhibitory effect.

Do not give mint to children under 3 years of age, and it should not be used by men with low libido, as it stimulates the production of estrogen, which will further exacerbate this problem.

And in any case, do not take mint if you have problems conceiving a child - using mint will only worsen your condition!

Mint: plant photo

mint collection

Mint should be harvested once a year, during flowering - from about the end of May to the end of July. To do this, pluck the leaves of the plant or leaves and pieces of stems. Older plants should be collected, since young ones lose significantly after drying. healing substances and aroma.

It is also important to collect mint as far as possible from any sources of anthropogenic pollution: roads, factories, big cities. And you should not collect plants early in the morning, when there is still dew on them - it is advisable to give them time to dry first. After harvesting, hide the herb from direct sunlight as soon as possible - this may adversely affect its healing properties.

Produced depending on how you collected it:

if with stems, then they should be tied up, forming bundles and hung in a dark, but well-ventilated room (for example, a balcony).
if you have collected only leaves, then they must be laid out on clean paper or cloth, also in the shade. After that, periodically stir and turn over so that they do not rot.

Drying mint in the oven should not be, because because of this, it can lose most essential oils and will cease to be so tasty and healthy.

After drying the plant, it is not necessary to crush it - it can be stored as a whole. To do this, use tightly closed jar in a dark and cool room. If there are no cans, paper or fabric bags will do.