Peppermint - a perennial plant with a taste and aroma of menthol, is very popular among lovers of herbal medicine. Given the biochemical composition of this variety of mint, it is widely used in food and perfumery, cosmetology and medicine. For the cultivation of peppermint does not require special conditions, so it is often found in home gardens and cottages. We will talk about this and much more in our article.

The chemical composition and calorie content of peppermint

The composition of peppermint is rich in carbohydrates, proteins and fiber. At the same time, the amount of fat is minimal.

The chemical composition of the plant includes:

  • a lot of vitamins (A, C, B vitamins);
  • minerals (calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, zinc, potassium, sodium);
  • saturated fatty acids;
  • tannins;
  • essential oil.

Low calorie content (70 kcal) provides a high percentage of carbohydrates.

Peppermint: healing and beneficial properties

Due to its rich composition, peppermint has useful and medicinal properties. It is used in the manufacture of essential oils for inhalation, lozenges, alcohol tinctures, peppermint drops, etc. It is also part of pain medications. It is widely used in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver.

This plant acts as a natural antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and choleretic drug.Menthol essential oil in peppermint relieves spasms and promotes vasoconstriction.

Peppermint extracts are able to increase the level of resistance of body cells to the effects of radioactive components, accelerate the recovery of the immune system.

Dermatologists and cosmetologists for skin diseases (eczema, mycoses), to eliminate itching and irritation, it is recommended to use peppermint oil.

The constituent plants have a calming effect, reduce the feeling of anxiety.

A wide range of positive effects that peppermint has on the human body, has created many pharmacological and cosmetic preparations with its use.

What is the difference between peppermint and ordinary?

The main difference between peppermint is that it is a hybrid that is extremely rare in the wild.

In appearance, it can be distinguished from other plants by a thick stem, reaching a height of up to 1 m, long and sharp leaves, which on the stems are located opposite each other. Flowering occurs from July to September. Purple flowers are arranged in the form of an ear.

By taste - it has a very burning taste of leaves, for which it got its name.

Each of the many types of mint differs from the rest in chemical composition.

What diseases does it help

The healing properties of mint allow it to be used in the treatment of various diseases:

  • sedative and relaxing properties can be used with frequent manifestations of insomnia, increased emotionality, neurosis and depression;
  • pains in the intestines and stomach, menstrual pains and everything that leads to muscle cramps can be eliminated with the help of mint and its antispasmodic properties;
  • inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system, inflammation, accompanied by purulent discharge, stomach ulcer - a comprehensive treatment of these diseases can not do without peppermint;
  • peppermint is a good antiseptic, therefore, it helps with colds viral and bacterial diseases (gingivitis, stomatitis, SARS, tonsillitis);
  • with diseases of the liver and gall bladder. You can alleviate the condition due to the influence of its components on the intensity of bile production;
  • analgesic properties will help in the fight against migraines.

Application in traditional medicine

In folk medicine, there are many recipes for using peppermint. It can be used both independently and as an additional component in the preparation of tea, tinctures, oils and decoctions.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint leaf tea is recommended for those with heart problems. It improves blood circulation, strengthens the heart muscle, eliminates spasms of blood vessels.

Taking tea can relieve physical fatigue, reduce emotional stress, improve sleep quality, and overcome insomnia.

Tea is recommended to be included in the diet for bloating, digestive system disorders, colitis, and cramping. It helps to overcome bouts of nausea.

At the first sign of a cold, peppermint tea is the first mate.

It will eliminate:

  • symptoms of a respiratory illness;
  • sore throat when rinsing;
  • reduce nasal discharge when instilled into the nasal passages.

The recipe is very simple: pour 1 teaspoon of dried mint into 250 ml of boiling water. Let it brew for 10-15 minutes. Take in a warm form without sugar.

Infusion and decoction

For infusion, you need 20 g of dried leaves and 250 ml of hot water. Insist in a thermos for about an hour.

Taking 0.5 cups of infusion 3 times a day, you can cope with nervous tension and emotional disorders.

To improve digestion, eliminate heart and stomach pain, to overcome cough with a cold will help the infusion if you take it one sip during the day.

For cosmetic purposes, peppermint infusion is used for increased oily hair (rinsing) and facial skin (rubbing).Regular use helps slow down skin aging and wrinkles.

For the broth, stems, branches, lower leaves are used. The chopped grass is boiled for 15-20 minutes. in 500 ml of water. Take in chilled form.

The decoction helps well with constipation, vomiting, high acidity, heart palpitations.

For external use in skin diseases, the plant is added to the bathtubs, used as a rinse for bleeding gums and halitosis.

Essential oil

Peppermint oil is often used:

  • with colds for inhalation;
  • in aromatherapy to purify indoor air;
  • to relax and improve sleep.

It is also used to rinse the mouth with toothache and gum disease, and is added to baths for skin diseases and to relieve stress. Applying oil to whiskey will help deal with migraines.

Peppermint Alcohol Tincture

For alcohol tincture, you need 50 g of dry mint leaves and 250 ml of alcohol. The ingredients are mixed and placed in a dark, cool place for 2 weeks. After which tincture is filtered.

Apply:

  • for inhalations and rinses for colds;
  • with migraines, by rubbing into the temporal part of the head;
  • as lotions for skin inflammation.

Instructions for use of mint tincture: taken orally by 15-20 drops per 50 ml of water for gastrointestinal disorders, female and heart problems.

Peppermint uses

Thanks to its active ingredients, peppermint is used in a wide variety of fields. Its use has become popular and in demand not only in the pharmacological direction.

In cooking

Essential oil and menthol, which are obtained from peppermint, are widely used as flavorings for distillery and carbonated drinks, in confectionery.

Dried leaves of the plant are added to pastries (rolls, pies, cakes), used as a seasoning for many vegetables (cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers), added to different sauces to give a special taste and smell.

Fresh mint can be complemented with meat dishes. This gives them piquancy. It is also used in the preparation of summer soft drinks of lemonades, fruit drinks, compotes.

Simple cold water with fresh leaves of mint will give vigor and quench your thirst on a hot, summer day.

In cosmetology

Peppermint has a positive effect on all types of skin on the face and hands. Tones up and tightens dry skin, smoothes wrinkles. Cleans and refreshes oily skin, helps in the fight against acne and blackheads, regulates the sebaceous glands.

On the basis of mint, they produce various tonics, lotions, moisturizers and nourishing creams, face masks. Hand creams with the addition of menthol make the skin soft and smooth, strengthen nails.

Shampoos, conditioners, conditioners and decoctions for oily hair will be more effective with the addition of peppermint. It regulates the release of subcutaneous fat, prevents dandruff, and promotes hair growth. Using mint, you can speed up the process of hair restoration after perming or dyeing. Peppermint for hair is the first mate.

Using the antiseptic properties of mint and the fact that it fights well with unpleasant odors, it is included in the composition of antiperspirants, deodorants and mouth rinses.

Peppermint during pregnancy and breastfeeding

There are many opinions whether peppermint is useful during pregnancy and breastfeeding. For the most part, scientists have come to the conclusion that the use of mint in moderation helps to control the mood swings of pregnant women, improves sleep, reduces the manifestations of toxicosis (nausea, vomiting), helps to control dizziness, constipation or diarrhea, reduces heartburn, bloating, swelling and cramping in the stomach, increases libido, overcomes drug-free colds.

During pregnancy, it is strictly forbidden to use peppermint essential oil, and it can be used only in the form of teas and decoctions 2 to 3 times a day.

Before using peppermint, a doctor’s consultation is recommended for contraindications so as not to harm the expectant mother and baby.

Due to the high content of menthol, the use of this particular type of plant during breastfeeding is not recommended. Menthol reduces lactation or may stop it altogether.

Contraindications and possible harm

Despite all its positive qualities, the use of mint and preparations based on it has a number of contraindications:

  • mint and menthol in its composition reduces vascular tone, which can negatively affect people with varicose veins;
  • menthol also reduces pressure, so it is not recommended for hypotensive patients who have low blood pressure;
  • the soothing and relaxing effect of peppermint can interfere with those whose work requires increased concentration;
  • do not get involved in the plant for male representatives. It is believed that its components adversely affect male libido and interfere with conception;
  • body features and individual intolerance of its components can lead to allergic reactions.

At the first signs of deterioration of health, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Medicinal herbs with a pleasant aroma and spicy taste can become a permanent component of your first-aid kit and seasoning shelves, but taking into account its reasonable use and application to avoid negative consequences.

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