Medicinal herbs are used in traditional and homeopathic medicine. Phytotherapy and aromatherapy are now very popular. Also, herbs are a means of prevention, maintaining he alth and excellent restorative therapy. There are a huge number of medicinal plants, but most often we do not know what they are for and how to use them.
Mint
Tea with mint and lemon is a favorite drink of many Russians. Mint grows in gardens, gardens, and sometimes even just like a weed. You can buy it in a regular store and in every pharmacy. But what do we know about her? There are a huge number of plants of the genus "mint" (more than forty species). All of them contain menthol, although they differ greatly in the chemical composition of essential oils, and, accordingly, in smell and beneficial properties.
Consider one of the most popular types of mint - peppermint. This is a bred cultivated plant, which is now in Russiagrows everywhere.
Peppermint is widely used in cooking, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The most convenient and useful way to use it is peppermint tincture. Instructions for use will directly depend on the type of tincture.
Healing properties of peppermint
- If you have flatulence. Before running to the doctor, undergoing complex and unpleasant examinations, it is worth trying to take a course of medicine such as peppermint tincture. How to use? Drink a couple of tablespoons of a regular decoction (without alcohol) during or after a meal.
- If small wounds appear on the skin, acne. The usual tincture of peppermint will come to the rescue - instructions for use are not needed here. We apply the product on a cotton pad and lubricate the damaged area two or three times a day.
- If you are concerned about cholecystitis, bile stasis, digestive problems, gastritis. Mint will perfectly help relieve unpleasant symptoms and improve the functioning of internal organs.
- If you have a headache, you can try drinking mint tea.
- With nausea, including toxicosis of pregnant women, the smell of mint essential oil helps well. But it is worth remembering that many things can be taken, but not peppermint tincture. Instructions for the use of contraindications clearly indicate, among them, pregnancy. Ladies in an interesting position can only use essential oils in an aroma lamp or mint drops.
- If your stomach hurts, mint tea will help relieve pain, relieve cramps andspasms.
- Mint tea will help with angina. A spoonful of dry mint is poured with boiling water and allowed to brew for 10-15 minutes.
Infusion recipe
Usually, mint water (tea) or a medicine such as peppermint tincture is used for medicinal purposes. Instructions for use, photos of the cooking process - more on this later.
Mint is always harvested in dry weather, while about half of the flowers on the plant should already bloom. In our country, mint is harvested in only two summer months - June and July. Further, branches with leaves and flowers are dried in special electric dryers or in the shade, hanging them in small bunches. Then, all leaves and flowers are removed from the dried stems, ground into powder and stored in glass or metal jars in a dark, cool and always dry place. You can also store mint directly on the branches in natural cotton bags or in paper.
Further during the year, peppermint tincture is made, the instructions for use of which should be in every home. Alcohol tincture is usually made on purified medical alcohol or on good vodka. The concentration of alcohol in each case will be different. You can pour dried mint with pure alcohol and add only a few drops a day to tea, or, conversely, dilute alcohol with water and drink with spoons, for example, before going to bed. This will be an alcoholic tincture of peppermint, instructions for use in this case should be issued by the attending physician. After preparing the infusion, it is stored inwarm dark place, strain the liquid and store in the refrigerator.
Mint teas are very popular home remedies. In moderation, such a drink cannot be harmful, and the rich taste and aroma will definitely have a positive effect on overall well-being. Also, peppermint is often added to ready-made herbal preparations for many ailments.
Where can I buy?
Of course, it is not so difficult to grow yourself, make raw materials and make such a medicine with your own hands. But in all pharmacies, at a very affordable price, you can buy crushed dried leaves, ready-made infusions for any occasion, and even packaged mint tea bags.
Peppermint tincture. Instructions for use externally
- For migraines, an alcoholic mint tincture is rubbed into the temples, and pepper oil is also used as aromatherapy.
- In case of neuralgia, an infusion of alcohol is rubbed into the sore spot and at a distance of 5-10 centimeters from it.
- To improve complexion and prevent wrinkles, many cosmetologists recommend washing your face every morning with mint water without alcohol.
- To treat scalp disease, get rid of dandruff and strengthen hair roots, after washing with regular shampoo, it is recommended to rinse your head with an alcohol-free infusion of mint water, and then lightly rub it into the hair roots and dry your head.
- For problematic skin prone toto the formation of acne and black spots, you can treat problem areas with a weak alcohol infusion once or twice a day. Do not get too carried away with the use of alcohol lotions, as excessive and frequent overdrying of the skin with alcohol can accelerate the aging process.
Peppermint for SARS
For colds, sore throats, coughs and runny nose, a general practitioner may advise using the infusion in different ways:
- Gargling. Mint leaves are brewed with boiling water according to the instructions, cooled and gargled 3-5 times a day.
- Rinse the nose. With a weak water warm infusion, the nostrils are washed in turn according to the yoga system.
- Inhalations. The infusion is brewed in a saucepan with water, allowed to brew, then heated again and, covered with a towel, inhale the beneficial vapors of ethers.
Contraindications for use
Do not use alcohol infusions if:
- You are in an interesting position.
- Breastfeed.
- You have low blood pressure - hypotension.
- You have varicose veins.
- You have been unable to conceive for more than one year.
You should also not give alcohol infusions to children under three years old.
Excessive mint consumption in men can cause libido and erection problems.
Peppermint tincture is dangerous for drivers, instructions for use, reviews - all this reminds of the alcohol content. So for those who like to drive a personal car, such a medicine fordefinitely not suitable for mornings.
Mint in cooking
Of course, such a fragrant plant could not but find its application in the food industry. And in addition to the many mint gums, lollipops, lemonades and alcoholic drinks with the addition of mint, we can see recipes with mint for ordinary housewives.
Dried mint goes very well with vegetables (especially tomatoes, zucchini, cabbage, carrots) and legumes. All over the world, it is added to various sauces, homemade lemonades, compotes, fruit drinks, syrups and jelly. And of course, mint and flour can be considered the most delicious combination. Peppermint can add a special, sophisticated flavor to just about any baked goods, be it buns, pies, cakes or cookies.
Most importantly, we must not forget that mint should be added very little (no more than five milligrams per serving). The usual rule for all spices also applies here: put the spice in the dish 5-10 minutes before it is fully cooked.
