Peppermint is an herb that grows all over the world, and everywhere it is valued for its healing properties. Hot tea is usually brewed from its leaves. In Europe, the plant is often used in herbal mixtures that are intended to relieve the symptoms of various stomach, intestinal, and liver related conditions.
Characteristic
Peppermint is a plant from the mint family. This is a hybrid that was obtained by English breeders from water mint and garden mint.
The grass reaches up to 90 cm in height, has horizontal rhizomes in the ground (white) and surface (green). Other stats include:
- Stem. Straight, magenta or violet, in section similar to a hollow quadrangle.
- Leaves. 3-9 cm long and 1-3 cm wide. They are green, opposite, ovoid, elliptical in shape, with sharply serrated edges. Their lower surface is softly pubescent, while their upper surface is smooth.
- Flowers. Numerous inflorescences are collected in the leaf axils. flowerssmall, 5-6 mm long, pink, red or light purple.
Mint is most often propagated vegetatively.
Medicinal raw materials of the plant are leaves and stems. The leaves are harvested, dried, used to make infusions, and an essential oil is obtained from them.
Composition
The healing properties and contraindications of peppermint are due to its chemical composition. It contains menthol, arginine, glucose, phytosterol, rhamnose, etc.
The composition of the herb can also be found:
- organic acids;
- flavonoids (luteolin, rutin, hesperidin);
- tannins;
- provitamins A and C, as well as mineral s alts (potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, copper and molybdenum).
Healing action
The healing properties of peppermint have been used by herbalists since ancient times. The plant has a healing effect on:
- Gastrointestinal tract. An infusion of herbs helps with ailments of the digestive system, has an antispasmodic effect. Helps in the work of the liver, biliary tract and pancreas. The plant prevents the formation of gallstones. Studies have confirmed the effectiveness of the use of this herb in the treatment of many intestinal diseases. Drinking mint tea before a trip relieves travel nausea.
- Excretory system. The plant has a curative effect in case of urinary tract infection.
- Respiratory system. Herb oil is used asinhalation for inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. An infusion of the plant warms the body, improves blood circulation and induces sweating, so it is often prescribed for high fever, colds or flu. Gargling with water infused with peppermint essential oil provides relief from sore throats and freshens breath.
- Nervous system. An infusion of herbs helps with headaches and insomnia. Tea from the plant has a relaxing effect, relieves anxiety, nervousness, tension and pain.
- Skin. Externally, the plant is used to relieve dermatological irritations. The essential oil from this herb is used to treat herpes or fungal infections caused by dermatophytes.
Essential oil of the plant has invigorating, refreshing, antiseptic and analgesic properties. It is widely used in aromatherapy.
Side effects
The main contraindications for peppermint include:
- plant allergy;
- Children under 3;
- chronic gastritis;
- reflux esophagitis.
Essential oil from this plant applied undiluted to the skin can cause irritation. Too long use of grass leads to sleep disturbance and insomnia.
Mint and pregnancy
Grass helps with many ailments and during pregnancy. Like all medicinal plants, it can be taken in reasonable quantities and according to the instructions. Peppermint should be introduced into the diet of a pregnant woman only afterconsultation with your doctor.
The big benefit of using the plant during pregnancy is the alleviation of nausea in the morning. This is the most annoying symptom that a woman has to deal with without the help of drugs.
Mint during pregnancy is recommended to strengthen the body and protect against colds. Herbal tea has a calming effect, effectively improves mood and relaxes.
Cooking uses of peppermint
The fragrant leaves of the plant are great for sauces, desserts, drinks. A sprig of fresh grass is added to the water in which peas, carrots or new potatoes are boiled to give them a better taste. Mint leaves are ideal for poultry, fish or other meat dishes.
Mint tea is very popular in many countries of the world, it is served as a refreshing drink. The plant is also the main ingredient in alcoholic beverages such as gin and bourbon-based cocktails.
In the confectionery industry, the plant's essential oil is used to produce refreshing sweets, mints or hard candies.
Recipes
Infusion for indigestion
A tablespoon of dry peppermint leaves should be poured with a glass of boiling water and left covered for 10-15 minutes. Drink after every meal. The infusion helps with flatulence, poor digestion, and belching. It has a calming effect on the nervous system, so it is useful for relieving stress.
Tincture
100g dried grass leaves pour 0,5 liters of alcohol (70%) and leave to infuse for 7 days. The remedy is taken 10-20 drops 3 times a day for stomach pain.
Inhalation for colds
A handful of dried leaves or a few drops of the plant's essential oil should be added to a bowl of hot water. Then you need to tilt your head over it and inhale the hot steam, covering yourself with a towel.
For skin treatment
It is necessary to dilute peppermint essential oil in vegetable oil in a ratio of 1:20 and apply to the affected area. To enhance the healing effect, you can add a little eucalyptus essential oil.
For pain in the head and muscles
40 g (1.5 cups) of well-dried mint leaves should be mixed with 500 ml of olive oil. The product must be kept for about a month in a glass container in a dark place, shaking frequently. After this time, it must be filtered. The oil is used in the form of compresses, it is rubbed into a sore spot in case of muscle pain and cramps, with intestinal cramps or headaches. This prepared solution can be stored for a year in a place protected from light.
Natural cosmetics
Essential oil of the plant has found application in cosmetology and perfumery. It is part of toilet waters, colognes or scented candles. When using peppermint essential oil in daily care, the skin brightens, its proper nutrition is controlled. Keep in mind that the use of pure essential oil can cause skin irritation, so it is best to dilute it with water, jojoba, sweet almond, avocado orolive.
Mouthwash
A tablespoon of dried mint should be poured into 180 ml of boiling water. Leave for 30 minutes under the lid. Then strain, add a tablespoon of aloe juice, 5 drops of tea tree oil and 3 drops of mint. All ingredients must be thoroughly mixed. The liquid should be stored in a dark glass container in a cool place. The duration of the drug is 1 week. Use as a mouthwash, do not swallow.
Mint foot scrub
In a bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of coarse oatmeal, cornmeal, sugar and 2 tablespoons of dried mint. To the mixture add natural yogurt (1 tablespoon), juice from 1 lemon and 5 drops of mint oil. Mix everything. Scrub should be rubbed into the legs, especially in the heel area. Rinse thoroughly and apply moisturizer.
To improve hair condition
Adding a few drops of peppermint oil to your shampoo will help get rid of dandruff, add shine to your hair, and prevent excessive drying of your hair. Massaging a few drops of essential oil (no more than 10) directly onto the scalp will speed up hair growth.
Anti-cellulite massage
Adding mint oil to the balm can effectively fight cellulite, as well as swelling caused by excessive water retention in the body.
Homemade
Peppermint essential oil is sold in pharmacies and he alth food stores. It can also be prepared at home. It can be successfully used for medicinal purposes or for the careskin and hair. To make homemade peppermint oil, you will need the following ingredients:
- about half a kilo of fresh mint;
- 200 ml vegetable oil with a neutral odor, such as sunflower oil.
Fresh grass must be thoroughly washed under running water and dried. Mash the leaves and stems well in a mortar. Pour vegetable oil into a saucepan and heat slightly. Add mint to it along with the juice that formed during the grinding of the grass. Cook everything on the smallest fire for 30 minutes, and then leave to cool completely. The oil should be filtered, poured into dark glass bottles, and then kept in a dry and cool place for at least 10 days.
This remedy facilitates breathing, has expectorant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Accelerates recovery during a cold. Peppermint oil is often used as an ingredient in lozenges because it is good for relieving sore throats.
As an insect repellent
Useful properties of peppermint used to repel insects:
- To get rid of ants and cockroaches, wipe the inside of the cabinet with a damp cloth soaked in a few drops of peppermint oil.
- Grass effectively repels mosquitoes. To do this, just mix the oil of lavender, eucalyptus and mint in a ratio of 1:1:1, add a little moisturizer, then wipe the skin with the resulting composition.
- The plant will scare away fleas from pets. To do this, it is worth scattering a handful of dried grass leaves in places where the pet is often found.
Having studied the medicinal properties and contraindications of peppermint, now you can use the herb, harvested on your own, or purchased at the pharmacy.
