Mint useful not useful properties. How useful is mint? Medicinal properties and contraindications. The use of mint and its effect on the female and male organisms. Recipes for the use of mint for medicinal purposes

The unique aroma and cooling taste of this herb for thousands of years provided her with the attention of perfumers and culinary specialists. The fragrant plant was not left to the attention of the healers either. Hippocrates, Paracelsus, and Avicenna recommended mint for headaches, digestive disorders, heart pain, and inflammation of the respiratory tract. Now mint is widely used in official medicine.

Traditional healers prepare decoctions, tea, alcohol and oil tinctures from it, use it in baths and medicinal lotions.

The herbaceous perennial grows throughout Eurasia and North America, and is found in Australia and South Africa. It is cultivated in large plantations for pharmaceutical, culinary and cosmetic uses. Mint is also found in the wild - in wet meadows, along the banks of streams and even in the mountains.

Scientists have described more than 20 plant species that differ in appearance and chemical composition. Features common to all species are a vertical stem, oval leaves and small two-lipped flowers. The most popular varieties in folk medicine are lemon, field and pepper.

lemon mint

This is one of the most ancient spicy cultures, known to ancient cooks and healers. Its botanical name is Melissa officinalis L.

The plant has a branched root system, which allows it to be fixed on any soil. The straight stem stretches upwards by 50-120 cm. The oval, slightly wrinkled leaves are distinguished by an unusual mint-citrus smell.

Aug-29-2011

What is mint:

What is mint, useful properties and contraindications of mint, and does it have any medicinal properties? These questions often arise among those who care about their health and are interested in traditional methods of treatment, in particular, treatment with medicinal plants. And this interest is understandable.

Maybe in this article, to some extent, you can get an answer to these questions.

Mint (lat. Méntha) is a plant from the Lamiaceae family, with about 350 species. It grows almost everywhere on the globe, mainly in temperate regions, as well as in South Africa, the Indian archipelago and other places. More than 20 species of this plant are found in Russia.

This fragrant plant has a peculiar smell that is difficult to confuse with any other. This herb has a long odorous rhizome. It has simple or branched stems, tetrahedral. Its leaves are opposite, ovate-lanceolate, sharp. The edges of the leaves are covered with small teeth. Very often, this plant has a hairy, fleecy surface on its leaves, something like a fluff. The flowers of this herb are small, usually collected together in dense spherical whorls in the axils of the upper leaves. The calyx of the flowers resembles a bell with five prongs of a mauve color. Mint size reaches a height of fifteen to forty-five centimeters.

Mint blooms all summer, from June to August, capturing, in addition, also part of September. You can meet this wonderful plant almost throughout our country. Therefore, you should not have any difficulties in extracting this herb. In addition, it is also quite actively grown artificially, being very popular as an essential oil plant.

For most of us, mint is associated primarily with freshness and a pleasant chill, but we often forget that this herb has useful properties that are used in traditional medicine and just in everyday life.

Mint improves brain activity, relieves "spleen". This plant is mostly used in the form of infusions and decoctions.

Its most famous species is peppermint. This plant contains a number of useful substances: carotene, essential oil, tannins, ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

Where can you get this medicinal plant? Well, you can simply plant mint in a pot as a flowerpot. To enjoy tea with mint, it will be enough for you to “collect” no more than two or three small leaves from it.

Then, mint can be planted in your country house - this plant is unpretentious, it does not require special care. Finally, in order not to bother, you can buy it at a pharmacy and brew it. And for the laziest, it will be easier to buy ready-made bags of mint.

The main types of mint:

Pepper

Peppermint is a cultivated species obtained by man in the 17th century in England. It is sometimes referred to as English mint. It is cultivated most widely, in about 30 countries around the world.

This variety of fragrant plant has found wide application as a spice in cooking, as well as in medicine and cosmetology. This species is the leader in the content of essential oil and menthol.

As a spice, this herb is included in refreshing drinks, lemonades, fruit drinks. It gives a new taste to fruit salads. Add to meat and poultry dishes, baked goods, sweet dishes.

Water

Water mint is a marsh, herbaceous plant that can often be found in central Russia. It can reach a meter height, grows on the banks of reservoirs, on swampy soil. The flowers form large cluster-shaped inflorescences. Water mint has a strong menthol flavor. The content of menthol in it is high, but there are few essential oils. It is little used as a spice and for medicinal purposes.

long-leaved

Longleaf mint is probably the most common type of mint in the world. It is found in Europe, in Asia. It is rarely cultivated on an industrial scale (mainly essential oils are obtained from it). Long-leaved mint is noticeably taller than the rest, its shoots can reach a height of 120-140 centimeters. It has a developed rhizome creeping in the upper layers of the soil, dark green, oblong leaves. She has small purple flowers that form inflorescences. It has a gentle, menthol, non-irritating aroma.

Curly

Curly mint is one of the cultivated types of mint. It has a delicate, refreshing, slightly menthol flavor and aroma. It doesn't have a cold taste. It is cultivated on an industrial scale in European countries, in Ukraine and in Russia.

It blooms in September, purple flowers. This is a perennial, frost-resistant type of mint. It is widely used as a spice.

field

Mint field - its most common type. Found in different climates and regions. It is the oldest cultivated variety of mint. It is grown in China, Russia, Japan. The stems are small, about 50 centimeters tall, the leaves are dark green, oblong, oval in shape. The flowers are purple, form inflorescences.

Field mint is cultivated on an industrial scale. A spice is obtained from it - its dried and ground leaves. And yet - the essential oil, which is rich in this plant.

This odorous herb is added to vegetable salads, preserves, drinks, fish and meat dishes, and soups. It has good preservative properties.

This variety of mint is used in the confectionery industry to give products a pleasant, refreshing taste.

Apple

Apple mint is a widespread species that is grown for its spice. It has a soft, delicate aroma and a refreshing taste. It is found in the southern regions of Europe, Egypt, Asia. In Russia, it is grown in the North Caucasus.

This is a shrub reaching 50-70 cm in height. It has large, round, dark green leaves. The whole ground part of apple mint contains a lot of menthol and essential oil. It is used in the food industry and medicine.

Good for sweet dishes, desserts, drinks.

Useful properties of mint:

1. Mint, useful in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. It relieves inflammation well, anesthetizes, is a choleretic agent. Prepare as follows: 2 tablespoons of dry herbs are poured into 500 ml. boiling water and insist. The resulting broth is taken in a third of a glass three times / day. You can add honey to the broth - to taste. This remedy also helps with pain in the liver.

2. This fragrant herb can be used to reduce fever.

4. It is useful for the prevention of cataracts.

5. It can be used as an anesthetic for rheumatism (mint compresses) and to relieve itching from insect bites.

6. Mixed with olive oil, this fragrant herb is considered beneficial in the treatment of burns.

7. Inhalation of mint vapors relieves motion sickness in transport (it is not for nothing that mint sweets are recommended for those who fly in an airplane).

Mint contraindications:

Mint also has its contraindications. For example, it cannot be used by people suffering from hypersensitivity to its components. Of course, it is contraindicated for those suffering from its individual intolerance.

This odorous herb (and this is very important!), reducing the tone of venous vessels, can provoke an exacerbation of any other existing disease. For example, very often due to its use there is an exacerbation of varicose veins. That is why people prone to this ailment would be best to refuse mint. If you often suffer from heartburn, then it is also best for you not to use it. The fact is that mint can cause this unpleasant sensation.

Mint is contraindicated in children under the age of 3 years. Do not forget also that this medicinal plant tends to reduce male libido. If you are overcome by drowsiness, it is better to refuse mint. Another very serious contraindication to the use of this plant is infertility. If you have problems with conception, never use mint - in this case, it can only aggravate the situation.

But peppermint has a positive effect on female hormones, so if a woman wants to get rid of unwanted hair on her legs, chest and other places where women should not have hair, this medicinal plant will come to the rescue. Of course, the effect will not appear immediately, but the “overgrowth” of hair, if not completely disappear, then significantly decrease. This was established in the course of studies in which volunteers took part. The beneficial properties of this plant in the treatment of hirsutism (pathological hair growth) were noted.

Medicinal properties of mint:

The healing properties of field mint, peppermint, as well as common and medicinal lemon balm are widely used not only in traditional medicine, but also in the manufacture of all kinds of medicines. The main component of mint - menthol - has the ability to expand the heart vessels of the brain, as well as the lungs. It reduces the sensitivity of nerve endings and constricts peripheral vessels.

This odorous herb, like many medicinal herbs, is a fairly versatile plant, therefore, with its proper use, it is possible not only to carry out prevention, but also to treat diseases. There are quite a lot of diseases in which mint is used. These include both cardiovascular diseases and nervous diseases, mint is also used in the treatment of colds and liver diseases. This medicinal plant has a very good effect on the regulation of the function of the gastrointestinal tract.

It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, dilates blood vessels, increases appetite, improves peristalsis, relieves spasm of the bile ducts, and has a diuretic effect. This plant is used for migraine and nephritis. It is used for convulsions and gastritis. In addition, it has a hemostatic effect.

Mint for hypertension, treatment:

For the treatment and prevention of hypertension, mint can be used in the form of decoctions, tinctures, infusions and in the form of peppermint oil.

It dilates the vessels of the brain, heart and lungs, so it is often recommended for patients with hypertension.

To prepare an infusion of mint, take a small amount of dry leaves and pour boiling water over it. Leaves should be infused for 30 minutes. Take an infusion of 1 tbsp. l. twice a day for two weeks. After the end of the course, you need to take a break for one week.

You will need:

mint leaves - 2 tsp,

water - 200 ml.

You can prepare an infusion of mint and valerian. To do this, take a small amount of mint leaves and valerian root and pour boiling water over it. To prevent essential oils from escaping, cover the dish with the infusion with a saucer so that the bottom of the saucer touches the infusion. This is necessary to create tightness. Infusion take 1 dessert spoon twice a day for three weeks. After the end of the course, you need to take a break for two weeks.

You will need:

mint leaves - 2 tsp,

valerian root - 8 g,

water - 250 ml.

Mint for women:

What is useful mint for women? This medicinal plant is successfully used in the fight against various skin diseases - rashes, acne, dermatitis. Peppermint infusion will be useful for you in the care of oily skin. It well eliminates oily sheen, helps to narrow enlarged pores.

This odorous herb has the ability to smooth wrinkles, give the skin freshness, tone it, and remove signs of fatigue. An extract from its leaves can be included in homemade lotions, you can use various masks. You can also make ice cubes from mint infusion to wipe your face.

It has excellent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. Therefore, if the skin of your hands is prone to the appearance of small cracks on it, and also often peels off under the influence of cold, wind, prolonged contact with water and various chemicals, you can use hand baths two to three times a week, the composition of which includes decoction or infusion of herbs and leaves of mint and lemon balm.

To prepare a bath that can "heal" your hands, take 2 cups of boiling water 2 tbsp. l. peppermint herbs, 1 tsp each. leaves of lemon balm and sage and 1 glass of kefir. Brew the mixture of herbs with boiling water, leave for 30-40 minutes, then strain and add kefir. In a bath prepared in this way (its temperature should be 30–35 ° C), lower your hands for 10–12 minutes. After the bath, lightly rinse your hands with warm water without soap, gently dry with a soft cloth and lubricate with any nourishing cream.

If you have cracked heels, we recommend that you use the following mixture: take 40-50 g of flaxseed and pour 1 glass of water. Boil for 7-10 minutes and infuse the decoction for 40-50 minutes. Then the broth should be cooled and filtered. Then add 3 cups of peppermint leaf infusion and dilute it all with 3 liters of water. Prepare a foot bath from the resulting mixture. The duration of the bath is 10-15 minutes. After that, the legs should be thoroughly dried with a towel and the heels should be greased with a fat nourishing cream.

Mint is great for hair care. With its decoction, it will be useful to rinse dyed, dry, brittle, split ends. A decoction of its leaves and lime blossom can strengthen weak hair, make it shiny and beautiful.

Mint for men:

Conducted scientific experiments that proved that mint has an effect on the male body, however, as well as on the female. With regular use in large quantities, it reduces the amount of testosterone in the body. Turkish scientists conducted a study in which its effect on testosterone levels was proven: in a group of women who had an increased level of the "male" hormone in the body, it was noted that after a certain period when women regularly consumed mint tea, they noticed a significant decrease in blood testosterone levels, as well as reduced excessive hairiness.

But what is good for women is not so good for men. Although many experts claim that the rumors associated with the ability of this herb to reduce potency in men are greatly exaggerated. Even daily consumption of mint tea is safe for a man. On the contrary, mint for men is more useful than harmful. Why give up a tart, fragrant herb that tones and invigorates, improves well-being and normalizes perspiration no worse than expensive ointments, but completely safe. You just need to know the measure, as is the case with any medicinal plant.

Collection and storage of mint:

To use the medicinal properties of mint, it must be collected in time and stored properly. How is it done? The ideal time to collect it is from July to August, that is, when it blooms. When the mint is harvested, it must be dried. They dry it like this: either they are collected in a bunch, or the leaves and flowers are cut and the cut ones are laid out on a white paper sheet. Dry it in the fresh air, but always in the shade. You can also dry it in a well-ventilated area.

Then, when the mint is already dry, it is placed in a porcelain or glass container, tightly closed with a lid and placed in a dark, dry place.

Mint in weight loss diets:

Peppermint tea has the ability to control sugar cravings and reduce appetite, which can remove the desire to snack before the main meal, which will serve well for weight loss.

It is better to drink mint tea in a warm form and in small sips - which will increase its healing effect. Mint herbal teas are also beneficial for weight loss and are low in calories.

Drink aromatic tea to relieve stress. Stress increases cortisol levels in the body and leads to an increase in appetite and a decrease in metabolism, and this is fraught with weight gain. But mint tea is able to relieve stress, and therefore lower the amount of cortisol and increase metabolism, which will greatly help in the fight against extra pounds.

Mint Herbal Recipe

Water - 300 g

Green tea - 1 tsp. without a slide

Ginger St. tert. - 1 tea. lies.

Cumin - 1 coffee spoon.

Mint leaves - 5 sheets

Green tea with mint is used to quickly burn fat and get rid of unnecessary deposits on the abdomen and thighs. We put the mixture of herbs in a glass container and pour boiling water over it. Close tightly and let it brew for twenty minutes. We drink three times a day, thirty minutes before meals.

Mentha arvensis(Mentha gentilis)
Taxon: family Lamiaceae ( Lamiaceae)
Other names: wild mint, meadow mint, corn mint
English: Field Mint, Corn Mint, Japanese Mint, Wild Mint, Pudina (Hindi)

Botanical description of field mint

It is a herbaceous perennial plant with a creeping rhizome, usually 10-60 cm tall and rarely reaching 1 meter in height. Stems more often prostrate, less often erect, branched, sometimes reddish, shaggy-fluffy from hairs directed downwards. The leaves are ovate, oblong-ovate or oblong-elliptic, 2-6.5 cm long, 1-2 cm wide, pointed at the apex, serrate-toothed along the edge. The flowers of field mint are pale purple, lilac (sometimes white or pink), 3 to 4 mm in size, collected in many-flowered spherical false whorls on the stem at the base of the leaves. The fruit is a rounded, blunt at the top, smooth nutlet. Field mint blooms in June-October. The fruits ripen in August-October.

Field mint spread

Field mint grows in Europe, Western and Central Asia, the Caucasus, comes to India and Nepal. In Russia, it is found in the North Caucasus, in the European part, Western and Eastern Siberia.
Widely cultivated in Brazil, China, Korea, Japan, USA, Philippines, Russia.
It grows in fields, meadows, along the banks of reservoirs, rivers, lakes, ditches, in swampy areas. Field mint prefers slightly acidic soil and grows well in heavy clay soils. The plant is hardy to at least -15°C.
Field mint is prone to hybridization.

Collection and harvesting of field mint

For medicinal purposes, flowers, shoots and leaves of field mint are used. The leaves are harvested during the flowering period of the plant, for subsequent use, the raw materials are dried.

The chemical composition of field mint

Chemicals that can be extracted from wild mint include menthol, menthone, isomenthone, neomenthol, limonene, methyl acetate, piperitone, beta-caryophyllene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, tannins, and flavonoids.
The aerial part of the plant contains up to 2% essential oil, which includes menthol, (-)-limonene, α-pinene, camphene, caryophyllene, octanol, thymol, isovaleric aldehyde, furfural, menthon, mentenone, piperitone, isovaleric and caproic acids and other components.
Phytochemical screening of ground plant samples (root, stem and leaves) revealed alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, and diterpenes.

Pharmacological properties of field mint

Essential mint oil is widely used in medicine as a gastric and menthol - for a cold, as a disinfectant and a remedy for treating frostbite, for the production of validol. Mint leaves - for neuralgia; the aerial part of the plant - as an antitussive, expectorant, with tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, allergies, as an appetite enhancer, with hyperacid gastritis, gastrointestinal and hepatic colic, as. In Tibetan medicine, it is used internally for the treatment of tuberculosis of the lungs and stomach diseases, externally - as in convulsions, rheumatic and arthritic pains, as anti-inflammatory in skin diseases.
Peppermint is part of the appetizing, gastric, carminative, diaphoretic, and sedative collections and bath collections.

The results of scientific research of field mint

The radioprotective property of mint extract was revealed in experiments on mice. There was a decrease in the severity of symptoms of radiation sickness and mortality. (one)
Study of the effect on yeast-like fungi candida albicans essential oils and alcoholic extracts of leaves and roots of 35 medicinal plants, conducted in Brazil, showed the anticandidal effect of peppermint essential oil. Field mint was one of 13 plants whose essential oils prevented the growth of fungi. (2)
The study of the effect of the essential extract of field mint on male mice showed a decrease in the number of offspring, a decrease in the testes, the number of spermatozoa and their mobility. The results show that the essential extract of field mint has reversible contraceptive properties for male contraception. (3)
An aqueous solution of mint extract in male mice causes inhibition of fertility while maintaining normal sexual behavior. All induced effects returned to normal within 30 days after the cessation of 60 days of therapy. (7)
The results of the study of the effect of postcoital contraception of field mint extract show a stimulating role in uterine contraction and abortion in rats, expressed in the period after implantation. (5)
Field peppermint ethanol extract has shown a potentiating effect on gentamicins (aminoglycoside antibiotics) and represents potential in the fight against bacterial resistance to antibiotics. (4)
Potentiating effect with chlorpromazine against bacterial resistance. The study showed that field mint extracts can be used as a source of plant origin modifying the activity of aminoglycosides (eg, chlorpromazine). (nine)
A study of various extracts of Mentha arvensis showed a protective effect against gastric ulcers in a model of ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats.(6)
Field mint has a powerful analgesic effect and is used externally for rheumatism, neuralgia and headaches. Herbal ointment, where mint was combined with four other medicinal plants, proved to be effective for injuries of muscles and ligaments (sprain, tendons, spasms, muscle pain, etc.), to a lesser extent for osteoarthritis of the joints and periarthritis of the shoulder joint. No adverse reactions were reported. The best efficacy was noted in synergy with oral or parenteral analgesics.(8)
The study showed that the essential oil is mainly found in mint leaves (0.62%); while the oil yield from the stems is negligible. The main component of all oils is menthol. The oils also contain: B-caryophyllene oxide, phellandrene, terpinolene, limonene, menthon, and pulegone. (ten)
From the extract of field mint flowers, linarin was isolated, with a selective dose-dependent inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase. (eleven)
Studies of the antiallergic activity of the alcoholic extract of the leaves and root of the field mint showed that the extract inhibits the release of histamine from mast cells.
In an anti-inflammatory testing model of histamine-induced edema, all extracts showed anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting the existence of compounds capable of inhibiting histamine release from mast cells and/or blocking histamine receptors. (12)
A mouse study on the effects of mint on haloperidol-induced catalepsy suggested that field mint significantly reduced oxidative stress and haloperidol-induced catalepsy. The researchers suggest that this could be used to prevent drug-induced pyramidal side effects. (thirteen)
Study evaluated hydroalcoholic extracts Mentha arvensis for antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens: streptococci ( Streptococcus sobrinus) and fungus candida albicans. The results showed an antifungal effect against C. albicans. Antibacterial effect was not revealed. (fifteen)
The study evaluated various leaf extracts against carbon tetrachloride (tetrachloromethane) induced liver injury in rats. The results showed a hepatoprotective effect of field mint with a significant decrease in liver enzymes almost comparable to the effect of silymarin (a plant-derived hepatoprotector isolated from the fruits of milk thistle). The hepatoprotective effect was confirmed by histopathological examination. Phytochemical research revealed flavonoids, steroids, triterpenoids, alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, tannins, phenolic compounds. (sixteen)
The study evaluated the antioxidant activity of the ethanol extract of the leaves of the field mint through various assays: TBAR, DPPH, NO free radical scavenging, superoxide radical scavenging, and phosphorus-molybdenum method. The results showed significant dose-dependent antioxidant activity in all assays. (17)
The results of the evaluation of the anthelmintic activity of field mint leaves against ascaris Ascaridia galli and Ascaris lumbricoides showed the maximum effect of peppermint essential oil, probably through blocking energy metabolism and worm paralysis.(18)

The use of field mint in medicine

In the Philippines, crushed mint leaves are used as an antidote to poisonous insect bites.
A decoction and infusion of mint leaves and stems are used for abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea and diuresis.
At :
- Soak a small piece of cotton wool with juice squeezed from crushed leaves, apply this cotton swab to the tooth.
- 6 tablespoons chopped mint leaves pour two glasses of water, bring to a boil and boil for 15 minutes, cool. Divide the decoction into 2 parts and take every 3-4 hours.
As with flatulence: boil 4 tbsp. chopped mint leaves in 1 cup of water for five minutes. Drink the broth slightly warm. Improves digestion, facilitates the expulsion of gases.
An alcohol solution of menthol is used as a local anesthetic for inflammation of the nose, pharynx and larynx, as an inhalation for the treatment of asthma.
With a headache, a compress of crushed field mint leaves on the forehead and temples helps. With dizziness, the smell of crushed fresh mint leaves helps.
Leaves and stems of field mint are used as a carminative, antispasmodic and diaphoretic.
Mint is used for neuralgic conditions, kidney and bladder stones, nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
When coughing 6 tbsp. chopped mint leaves pour two glasses of water, bring to a boil and boil for 15 minutes, strain, cool. Take a decoction in equal parts 3 times a day.
Diluted peppermint essential oil is rubbed on the skin for irritation, burns, itching, scabies, ringworm and mosquito bites.
For arthritis, on sore joints or muscles, apply warmed over low heat, and then pounded mint leaves.
Mint infusion can be used as an oral care liquid. Pour 2 tablespoons of crushed leaves with 1 cup of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes. Rinse your mouth with the infusion.
Peppermint oil is often used in pharmaceutical preparations to eliminate unpleasant medicinal odors.
Menthol, derived from peppermint essential oil, is widely used in the pharmaceutical, perfume and food industries.

The use of field mint on the farm

Young shoots are used as a seasoning for dishes and for flavoring tea mixtures, drinks, sauces, confectionery, vinegar.
The plant is used as an insect repellent. Mint grown near cruciferous and nightshade
Protect them from pests
Rats and mice really don't like the smell of mint. Therefore, from rodents, floors in houses and bins fell like mint.

Used Books

1. Influence of the Leaf Extract of Mentha arvensis Linn. (Mint) on the Survival of Mice Exposed to Different Doses of Gamma Radiation / Ganesh Chandra Jagetia and Manjeshwar Shrinath Baliga / Strahlentherapie und Onkologie,Volume 178, Number 2, February, 2002
2. Anti-Candida activity of Brazilian medicinal plants / Marta Cristina Teixeira Duarte / Journal of Ethnopharmacology Vol 97, Issue 2, 28 February 2005, Pages 305-311
3. Antifertility investigation and toxicological screening of the petroleum ether extract of the leaves of Mentha arvensis L. in male albino mice / Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Vol 75, Issue 1, April 200
4. Enhancement of the Antibiotic Activity against a Multiresistant Escherichia coli by Mentha arvensis L. and Chlorpromazine / Chemotherapy 2008
5. Postcoital antifertility effect of Mentha arvensis./ Contraception. 1981 Nov
6. Studies on activity of various extracts of Mentha arvensis Linn against drug induced gastric ulcer in mammals / Ramesh L Londonkar and Pramod V Poddar / World J Gastrointest Oncol 2009 October 15
7. Assessment of reversible contraceptive efficacy of methanol extract of Mentha arvensis L. leaves in male albino mice / Nidhi Sharma and D Jacob / Journal of Ethnopharmacology Volume 80, Issue 1, April 2002, Pages 9-13 8. Evaluation of clinical efficacy and safety of Herbal liniment (Rumalaya liniment) in orthopedic patients / Sanjay Kumar Das, Pralhad Patki et al / The Internet Journal of Alternative Medicine ISSN: 1540-2584
9. Potentiating Effect of Mentha arvensis and Chlorpromazine in the Resistance to Aminoglycosides of Methicillin - Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / Henrique D M Couthinho, Jose G M Costa et al / In Vivo March 1, 2009 vol. 23 no. 2 287-289
10. Volatile constituents of different parts of cornmint (Mentha arvensis L.) / B R Rajeswara Rao, A K Bhattacharya et al / Flavor and Fragrance Journal, Volume 14, Issue 5, pages 262–264, September/October 1999
11. Linarin, a selective acetylcholinesterase inhibitor from Mentha arvensis / Palvl P Olnonen, Jouni K Jokela et al / Fitoterapia, Volume 77, Issue 6, September 2006, Pages 429-434
12. Phyto-chemical analysis, anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activity of Mentha arvensis in animals / Farnaz Malik, Shahzad Hussain, Alia Sadiq, Ghazala Parveen et al / African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology Vol. 6(9), pp. 613-619, March 8, 2012
13. Effect of the Aqueous Extract of Mentha Arvensis on Haloperidol Induced Catalepsy in Albino Mice / Md. Parwez Ahmad et al / Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 2012
14. Sorting Mentha names / /Maintained by: Michel H. Porcher / Multilingual Multiscript Plant Name Database / Copyright © 1995 - 2020 The University of Melbourne
15. In vitro study on the antimicrobial effect of hydroalcoholic extracts from Mentha arvensis L. (Lamiaceae) against oral pathogens / | Rafael Guerra Lund, Rosana Serpa, Patrícia da Silva Nascente, Gladis Aver Ribeiro, Rogério Antonio Freitag, Francisco Augusto Burkert Del Pino / Acta Scientiarum. Biological Sciences 2012 34(4)
16. Hepatoprotective activity of Mentha arvensis Linn. leaves against CCL4 induced liver damage in rats
/ Kalpana Patil, Alka Mall / Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease (2012)
17. In vitro antioxidant activity of leaves of Mentha Arvensis linn / Kowti, Rajesh; kumar, B. P. Satish; Harsha, R.; Dinesha, R.; mohammed, Irfan A; Gowda, S. S. Thammanna; Hareesh, A.R. / Journal of Pharmacy Research; Aug2010, Vol. 3 Issue 8
18. Essential Oil Composition of Menthol Mint (Mentha arvensis) and Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Cultivars at Different Stages of Plant Growth from Kumaon Region of Western Himalaya / R.S. Verma, L. Rahman, R.K. Verma, A. Chauhan, A.K. Yadav and A. Singh / Open Access Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Vol. 1(1): 13-18
19. Screening of mentha arvensis linn. For anthelmintic activity / Kumbhar, Umesh R

Photos and illustrations

How much wealth lies just under our feet, and we often do not even pay attention to them. For example, how many people in our age know how to use herbs? What herb will help with a headache, or calm the nerves, improve sleep.

Let's look at, for example, how mint is useful, it just has all of the above properties and more.

The history of the origin of the mint plant

Mint has been known to our ancestors since time immemorial. She was a very useful and revered plant. Philosophers of ancient Greece wore wreaths of twigs of this plant on their heads, because they believed that it had the ability to put thoughts in order and stimulate the brain.

In Russia, since ancient times, it has been used to scare away evil spirits and remove the evil eye. Generally, a lot of plant species.

Swamp, white, spikelet and so on, but the most common and containing the largest amount of menthol at the moment is peppermint. It is used in many industries: in cooking, pharmacology, medicine, and, by the way, not only non-traditional.

Peppermint considered medicinal and occurred due to the crossing of spikelet and aquatic species. Such a plant can reach a height of more than one and a half meters. It has oblong green leaves arranged seven times along the entire length of the plant. It grows as a bush, the stem is tetrahedral.

From mid-June to early August, the plant blooms with small purple flowers, which are located in a pyramid at the tip of the plant. The smell is very strong and peculiar, it cannot be confused with any other.

Peppermint - medicinal properties and contraindications

Mint has useful properties and contraindications, like any medicine. Mint, benefits and harms, must be known in order to successfully apply decoctions and tinctures. So, let's find out how mint is useful for women, men and children.

In addition to a pleasant smell, grass has more a huge number of properties, the value of which is very difficult to overestimate. Here is a small list of what mint is good for the body:

1. Natural sedative. Peppermint tea works great as a sleeping pill, so it is advised to drink it before bed for people who cannot fall asleep for a long time and suffer from nervous insomnia.
2. The anti-inflammatory effect of menthol, which, as you know, is in a huge amount in mint, Due to which, the use of grass in medicine and pharmacology is successfully going on.
3. The analgesic and expectorant action helps in the fight against a huge number of diseases, from stomach problems and constipation, to rheumatism and tuberculosis.
4. Peppermint tincture is very effective in combating headaches and flatulence.
5. Essential oils stimulate hair growth.
6. It normalizes the heart rhythm, lowers blood pressure, strengthens the walls of blood vessels.
7. Indicated in infectious diseases. Peppermint tea lowers the temperature, helps to facilitate breathing, causes a cooling effect in pharyngitis and sore throat.
8. It relieves heartburn and normalizes the outflow of bile in the body.

Contraindications

But, like any other drug, mint has its contraindications. It would seem that absolutely harmless weed can be very dangerous in some situations.

Therefore, in order not to harm your health with self-medication, you need to know in what situations the intake of this plant is contraindicated.

1. With individual intolerance and allergic reactions.
2. Children under three years of age.
3. Women after the diagnosis of infertility, since infusions can only aggravate the situation.
4. Women during lactation and breastfeeding, the use of a large amount of mint can be fraught with a decrease in the amount of milk.
5. It is not recommended to drink decoctions in large quantities for people with low blood pressure.
6. Excessive passion for teas and tinctures can lead to a decrease in potency and sexual desire in men. So a man should especially carefully monitor the dosage of drinks and decoctions.

Be attentive to your health, because even the most useful herbs and preparations, if used unwisely, can lead to sad results. The judicious use of herbs for men and women will not do any harm.

Mint - application

Since ancient times, people have known that mint is used for various purposes and directions. Let's try to figure out how to use the medicine given to us.

Mint is used as an excellent flavoring for dishes, it is often used in teas and drinks, both regular and alcoholic. Here are some ways to use mint:

Children's mojito. In the summer heat, you want to drink something cool and refreshing. This is where a non-alcoholic drink comes in handy. The fresh aroma of menthol will give you a boost of energy and strength for new achievements.

To prepare this magical drink we need:

• water, carbonated - 400 grams;
• lemon or lime - 1 piece;
• fresh mint - 3-5 sprigs;
• sugar - 3 teaspoons;
• crushed ice - two-thirds of a glass.

Cooking mojito is extremely simple and does not require special bartending skills:

1. We cut the lemon into slices.
2. We throw mint into the glass.
3. Sprinkle everything on top with sugar.
4. Thoroughly mix the contents of the glass with a muddler.
5. Pour crushed ice on top.
6. Fill with carbonated water.
7. Decorate the edge of the glass with a young sprig of mint.
8. Serve with tubes.

Mint tincture

A life-saving healing recipe for people suffering from stomach and gallbladder problems. And also, such a tincture stimulates an increase in appetite.

You can cook several servings at once, you just need to proportionally increase the number of ingredients. You will need: dried mint - 2 teaspoons; water is a glass.

• We buy mint or dry it ourselves.
• We boil water.
• Grind the herb and pour boiling water over it.
• Let the broth stand for half an hour.
• We filter.
• Take thirty minutes before meals.

In this recipe, you can use not only the liquid, but also the remaining leaves. The cooled mint gruel can be wrapped in gauze and apply to eyes for fifteen minutes. It relieves inflammation, helps with constant tearing of the eyes.

Peppermint decoction

This decoction has excellent expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties. An ideal remedy for people suffering from infectious diseases or sore throats. For a decoction you need: dried mint leaves - 15 grams; water is a glass.

Such a decoction can not only be drunk. In cosmetology, it is used as toning lotion. And for a greater effect, it is necessary to freeze the broth and wipe your face with ice every morning.

Peppermint alcohol tincture

A therapeutic tincture of alcohol is excellent for headaches. A teaspoon of dried leaves of the plant is poured with 100 grams of alcohol. Let the mixture brew for a week. We smear the finished tincture on whiskey during headache attacks.

As you can see, mint - very useful herb. Therefore, do not waste time, it's time to go in search of her. Dried mint can be purchased at the pharmacy as a medicinal plant, green - in the supermarket, as it is used for cooking and decorating dishes.

In general, it’s great if the plant is your own. Then it can be collected and dried or put at home with a cute fragrant bouquet. Just remember a few simple rules. Need to cut the grass during its flowering, because too young plants will lose their unique aroma when dried.

It must also be remembered that she must be dry. After rain or dew, it is not worth collecting, as the grass will also lose its aroma and quickly deteriorate, even without having time to dry.

So go ahead with this wonderful storehouse of menthol, just remember - too much weed in the diet will harm rather than speed up recovery. Be healthy.

People have known the benefits and harms of mint since the plant was first found. Menthol flavor is the hallmark of most toothpastes and chewing gums. , water are popular summer drinks. Grass and its aroma have firmly entered human life.

Description and types of mint

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

Garden plant varieties:

Important! The fragrant and feline varieties are considered wild, but they are grown in gardens. Peppermint is found growing wild near villages.

The chemical composition and calorie content of mint

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

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

Useful macro and micronutrients:

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

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

Important! If, after using the herb, extracts, dizziness, headache, convulsions, exacerbation of chronic diseases appear, you should stop taking the plant and consult a doctor.

What is useful mint

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

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

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

• painful menstruation, due to the analgesic properties;
• premenstrual syndrome, from migraines and muscle pain;
• nervous breakdowns and depression.

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

The benefits and effects of mint on men

The effect of mint on men is ambiguous. The herb heals them the same way it heals women. But the substances contained in the plant harm men. Mint negatively affects male potency and hormonal levels.

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

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

Is mint good for pregnancy

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

Is it possible to mint while breastfeeding

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

An unnatural imitation of the aroma will harm nursing mothers even when inhaled.

Folk recipes with mint for the treatment of diseases

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

Infusion and decoction of mint

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

The decoction is prepared in this way.

1. 1 st. l. fresh herbs brew 1 tbsp. boiling water (250 ml).
2. The mixture is boiled for 10 minutes on low heat.
3. Filtered, squeezed, allowed to cool.

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

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

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

mint tincture

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

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

Important! Tincture prepared with undiluted alcohol is not used in its pure form. It should be diluted with water or a hydrolat of another plant.

Mint will also be useful for hair as a rinse, but for this, either a herbal tincture is added to warm water, or a pure infusion is poured over.

Tea with mint

The herb is added to ordinary black or green tea. Or the leaves of the plant are strongly brewed in their pure form. In the first case, the taste is softer, it is possible to use it with milk. A lower concentration weakens the effect, which is useful when the mint herb causes an allergic reaction in large quantities.

Mint water

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

1. Water is good for the stomach - it will improve digestion, eliminate diarrhea, bloating. It will kill dangerous microorganisms, such as E. coli, but water is only suitable for the prevention of dysentery, not for treatment.
2. The benefits of mint herb for the liver are the ability to cleanse toxins, toxins, stimulate the outflow of bile. The trace elements contained in the drink neutralize the harm from unhealthy food.
3. An infusion of the plant strengthens the immune system when drunk daily. Mint water is beneficial, especially during a flu epidemic.
4. When washing, the complexion and general condition improve.

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

Mint baths and compresses

The solution for such procedures is prepared from a strong infusion or fresh grass crushed into gruel. Baths do this:

1. Another hot strong infusion of the plant is diluted by 1/3 with cold water.
2. Hands, feet, fingers are lowered into the solution, held until it cools.
3. After the procedure, the water is allowed to dry.

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

For a compress, either a cloth is moistened in a strong infusion and applied to the site, or by applying a gruel of grass to sore spots. Pounded leaves are also suitable.

Important! The procedures are useful for headache and muscle pain, but abuse will lead to the opposite effect - pain, cramps, nausea.

Bath with mint

Therapeutic procedures are carried out with inflammation of the genitourinary system, respiratory tract, muscle pain. To prepare a bath, you need 8 tbsp. l. raw materials, three liters of boiling water. Bath take no more than fifteen minutes.

Tonic baths are prepared and taken differently.

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

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

Important! Peppermint is useful for the treatment of kidney diseases. It is the baths that fully reveal the properties of menthol.

Mint with lemon for weight loss

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cucumber and lemon are cut into thin slices, you can cut smaller. Everything is placed in a jar, poured with water, insisted in the refrigerator for 8 hours. Honey is not added to the mixture.

Important! In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, it is harmful to abuse lemon and ginger. When discomfort occurs during the reception, you should contact a gastroenterologist or therapist.

Peppermint Essential Oil: Properties and Uses

The benefits of peppermint essential oil are explained by its composition. It consists of:

• carvacrol;
• neomenthol;
• linomena;
• cineole;
• thymol;
• pinene;
• menthol;
• phellandrene;
• menthyl acetate;
• terpinene.

Essential oil is useful when you need a strong effect of a concentrated substance. Ether will benefit from:

• nausea, dizziness, vomiting during motion sickness in transport;
• loss of voice, hoarseness, soothes throat;
• pains - dental, headache, menstrual, muscle;
• loss of energy, stress.

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

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

Important! For sensitive skin types, a concentrated extract is only harmful. Irritation, burns, peeling - the least that can happen. Ether with sensitivity can be applied to the skin after consulting a dermatologist.

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

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

Mint: benefits and harms in various diseases

Fresh mint provides benefits for common health problems without harming the body. The grass is used in the form of decoctions, infusions and tinctures, inhalations with ether, eaten fresh. Medicines and dietary supplements are made from plant extracts.

Does mint help cough?

• soften the mucosa;
• kill pathogens;
• boost immunity.

Cough is treated with teas, decoctions and tinctures from this herb. Gargle with tinctures, decoctions and teas are taken orally. Inhalations with ether have the same properties as ingestion.

Mint raises or lowers blood pressure

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

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

Is it possible to mint with diabetes

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

Mint for pancreatitis

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

Important! When the disease is severe, herbal medicine should be resorted to at the end, after conventional therapy. Herbs are more useful in prevention than in the treatment of advanced disease.

Is mint good for gastritis?

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

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

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

The use of mint in cosmetology

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

Face masks with mint

With the help of herbal masks, minor wrinkles are smoothed, acne is treated, irritation and inflammation are eliminated. Masks are prepared according to three main recipes.

Smoothing mask:

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

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

Mask for oily skin:

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

The ingredients are mixed, applied to a cleansed face for half an hour. Next, rinse off with cool water.

For acne treatment:

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

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

Important! When in the process, instead of improving, on the contrary, the condition worsened, the use of the herb is stopped.

Mint ice cubes for face

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

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

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

Mint for hair beauty

To improve growth, strengthen follicles or dry oily skin, decoctions and tinctures of herbs are used. The first - rinse, the second - rub. Peppermint is useful in the form of oil, for rubbing into the roots. It is not necessary to wash it off, sometimes it is completely absorbed.

Mask for oily hair type:

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

Hair Growth Mask:

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

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

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

Mint in cooking

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

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

The benefits of mint in the salad are not pronounced, the grass is added in the same way as parsley. Regular consumption of food will have the same effect as regular consumption of tea, calm, improve immunity.

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

Fresh mint herb when eaten, benefits when the plant is eaten in moderation. Excessive use will bring harm and the negative properties of the plant will appear.

Possible harm of mint and contraindications

General contraindications of the plant are as follows:

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

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

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

Unconditional harm mint causes sensitive skin, people with allergies.

When to collect and how to dry mint at home

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

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

1. The grass is collected in bunches, pulled with a rubber band. Further, a hook is made from the wire, for which the mint is hung on a rope in a shaded place.
2. On a baking sheet, spread the plant in a uniform thin layer and place it in a dry, shaded place. You can set the oven to the lowest temperature and put a baking sheet with grass in it for several hours with the door open, but this is a risky way.
3. The floor in the attic is covered with clean, dry paper. After that, the plant is laid out on the surface. Open the window regularly, but keep it closed when it rains.

Important! The grass has a strong aroma, the plant should not be dried in living rooms. Constant inhalation of the aroma can lead to dizziness and headaches.

Conclusion

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