Mint tea: useful properties and harm, contraindications. The benefits of mint tea, delicious drink recipes and cooking secrets. Contraindications and possible harm

Why mint tea is useful is often asked by people who love this spicy plant for its amazing taste. It can spice up familiar and familiar dishes, and can also be a truly valuable herbal remedy for our health. But you should use mint tea with caution, especially if you have any chronic diseases. Unfortunately, this drink is not recommended for everyone.

Useful properties and contraindications of mint tea

The beneficial properties of mint in tea have been known to mankind since ancient times, they were mentioned by Avicenna in his writings. At first, this infusion was used as a relaxing and sedative. Among the European aristocrats, who demonstratively suffered from emotional illnesses, which, presumably, stemmed mostly from boredom and satiety, this drink quickly became fashionable. However, his popularity among the Russian people never waned. Mint was specially collected and dried, always kept in the house, it was considered an herb that brings happiness to health by its mere presence. However, today even official medicine confirms that herbal teas with mint can have real help with a whole group of diseases, including:

• relieve increased excitability, anxiety, irritability in case of nervous disorders;
• effectively restore the normal water balance in the cells during the summer heat, create a feeling of coolness;
• in winter, on the contrary, they have a warming effect on the body, help fight colds and respiratory diseases;
• strengthen weakened immunity;
• eliminate headaches caused by an unstable emotional state.

Peppermint tea weakens male libido, so it is better for men not to drink it. In addition, the drink can cause allergies, you should not abuse it. It's also not recommended. hypotension, patients with stomach ulcers, diseases of the liver and kidneys.

What are the benefits of mint tea for women?

Of particular note beneficial features mint tea for women. It relieves symptoms well and relieves the condition during menstruation. It also helps pregnant women to painlessly survive toxicosis, but expectant mothers should not drink more than one part of the drink per day. Peppermint tea normalizes the hormonal background, which removes such a delicate problem as excessive hairiness. Green tea with mint is effective tool for weight loss.

Mint is an ancient aromatic plant that was discovered and used many centuries ago. The plant began to gain its popularity in Ancient Greece and that's when his fame reached Ancient Russia, then here he was given the name “mint” we now know. As a rule, the grass was used for medicinal purposes, but it was also used in everyday life. She washed the floors, so that the air in the room became better. Similarly, it was considered an excellent hand rinse. Back in those days, people were convinced that this herb helps to refresh the mind. For this reason, noble people put wreaths on their heads, which were woven from mint.

Specialists highlight a large number of its varieties.

What are the types and varieties of mint

• australian mint,
• pineapple mint,
• pennyroyal,
• water mint,
• dahurian mint,
• longleaf mint,
• fragrant mint,
• ginger mint,
• canadian mint,
• spearmint,
• small-flowered mint,
• peppermint,
• field mint,
• apple mint,
• japanese mint,
• and etc.

We most often find peppermint, field and fragrant mint.

The chemical composition of mint

Vitamins: A, C, D, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, PP.

Minerals: iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, sodium, zinc, phosphorus.

Acids: valerian, linoleic, mellisin, oleanolic, acetic, ursolic.

Mint is especially valued for its essential oil content (2.5-4.5%), which consists of menthol and its esters. Interestingly, the leaves contain only 0.5% menthol, while the stem of the plant contains 40%.

mint calories - 50-70 kcal per 100 g.

Useful properties and health benefits of mint

• has analgesic and diuretic properties,
• helps with flu
• prevention and treatment of colds,
• relaxes the abdominal muscles,
• improves digestion,
• treats diseases of the stomach,
• relieves flatulence,
• helps with diarrhea
• promotes weight loss
• stops putrefactive processes in the intestines,
• eliminates the feeling of nausea,
• treats diseases of the respiratory system,
• fights tuberculosis, asthma and bronchitis,
• slows down the heartbeat
• helps with hypertension
• eliminates headaches,
• relaxes the nervous system
• relieves irritation and fatigue,
• helps to sleep
• strengthens eyesight
• refreshes the mouth
• heals wounds and bruises,
• reduces the growth of unwanted hairs
• treats skin diseases
• relieves skin itching,
• improves the condition of the skin and hair.

Properties and uses of peppermint essential oil

Peppermint oil is one of the popular essential oils. It fell in love with its aroma, which captures pleasant notes of chill.

The mint smell is considered to be feminine, it symbolizes her charm, courage, desire for adventure. The energy of mint is able to completely renew and restore a person's strength. That is why oil is often used to improve the functioning of the nervous system. It gives self-confidence, relieves irritability, relieves feelings of anxiety, strengthens the heart. In addition, it is recommended to carry peppermint oil with you if you get motion sickness in transport.

In cosmetology, it is used for the treatment skin diseases, diseases of the oral cavity and improve the condition of the hair.

Mint tea is good for health

Peppermint tea is drunk for calming and for spiritual harmony. In addition, flavored drink eliminates indigestion, increases appetite, and perfectly tones up in the heat. It is used medicinally to reduce cough and reduce fever.

Peppermint tea recipe

It is very easy to prepare. You need fresh mint leaves or 1 tbsp. dry raw materials brew 1 cup boiling water. The broth will be ready in 10-15 minutes. Optionally, you can add a slice of lemon and a cinnamon stick.

Is it possible to drink mint during pregnancy

Pregnancy is an unpredictable period, so there are still many opinions about the use of mint while expecting a baby. In general, mint solutions are not contraindicated and will be very useful, but in limited quantities. It is recommended to drink them 1 time per day 3-4 times a week.

During pregnancy, the herb helps with nausea, relieves colic, itchy skin and relaxes the nervous system. In addition, tea with mint leaves is very good for constipation, which is common in this period in women.

Contraindication and harm

• individual intolerance,
• infertility,
• breast-feeding,
• children under 3 years old,
• low pressure,
• varicose veins.

Excessive consumption of mint leads to heartburn and a decrease in male libido.

How mint affects men. Impact on potency

The negative impact of mint on male potency is a very common misconception. A negative result is achieved only under the condition of prolonged brewing of the leaves (at least 5 minutes) and drinking mint decoction in large quantities (2-3 times a day). If a man drinks only 1 cup of weakly brewed herbal tea, and even very rarely, then there is no reason for concern.

True, there is information that this plant slows down the activity of spermatozoa, but this does not apply to potency itself.

When to collect

The entire summer period is considered the time of mint collection. If you want to pluck the leaves for making fresh tea, then this can be done in the spring when the first sprouts appear. But if you need grass to harvest raw materials for the winter, then you should wait until mid-June. July is the peak harvest season. At this time, the mint has already grown and gained the maximum of its aroma. Leaves should be cut 1-3 times a month.

How to dry mint at home

1 way. Cut the grass stems along with the leaves and flowers. Rinse the bottom clean water, wait until it drains. Then spread the mint on a clean cloth somewhere in the shade, out of direct sunlight.

2 way. Collect the grass in thin bunches and hang on a hook in dark place. The room must be well ventilated. The sun has a negative effect on the aroma of grass - avoid it when harvesting raw materials.

3 way. For a quick harvesting process, an oven is also suitable. But this is not recommended, as many useful properties of the herb are lost.

How to store mint in the refrigerator

1. Freezing. Thanks to the manufacture modern refrigerators there is an amazing way to store herbs, berries, vegetables, etc. for a long time. So why not use this method and freeze mint? Especially great option is freezing, which will easily find their application. They can be added to homemade smoothies, as well as consumed in soups and salads. AT winter time frozen mint can be brewed for years and enjoy an incomparable fragrant tea with medicinal properties.

2. "Wet" method. You can use a good option that will keep mint leaves fresh for 7 days. To do this, it is recommended to moisten a towel, wrap mint in it and send it to the refrigerator. You can resort to the help of another option: put the mint in a bucket or vase. Firstly, it will allow you to keep it for a long time, and secondly, it will saturate your home with an unsurpassed aroma. Only in this case it is necessary to change the water in which mint is standing daily.

3. Dry way. The "drying" of medicinal herbs has long been famous - this allows them to be stored for many years. The only drawback when choosing this method is that over time, mint loses its beneficial properties. That is why it is best to renew the supply of mint every year. Drying methods have been discussed above.

The use of mint for health and beauty

Mint treatment

For insomnia, headaches and irritability. Drink mint tea 1-2 times a day.

With increased acidity. 20 g mint + 10 g valerian + 15 g chamomile + 10 g dill seeds + 10 g caraway seeds + 5 g hops. Pour the herbal mixture with 5 cups of boiling water. Take a decoction in the morning on an empty stomach, 1 glass every 2 hours throughout the day.

For digestion. Take 1 glass of peppermint decoction in the morning and evening.

From wounds and bruises. Grind the mint and apply it as a compress on the sore spot. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.

For the oral cavity. With inflammation of the gums and their bleeding, rinse your mouth with a decoction of mint. It is recommended to brush your teeth with tooth powder, which includes grass.

Applying mint to your face

Mask for oily skin. Grind fresh leaves or add water to dry raw materials. Apply the herb on your face and leave for 15 minutes, then rinse with water. You can add 1-2 drops of peppermint essential oil to your favorite beauty product or carrier oil.

Moisturizing mask. 1 tbsp chopped leaves of the plant (or 1 drop of essential oil) + 1-2 tbsp. olive oil or honey. The mixture is applied to the face for 10-15 minutes.

Ice cubes for the face. Prepare a decoction of mint and fill ice molds with it. Wipe the face with ready-made cubes in the morning and evening. This method perfectly tones the skin, gives it healthy look, a blush appears. In addition, there is a narrowing of the pores. The method is not suitable for sensitive skin.

How to use for hair

Mint improves hair growth, gives them shine, and prevents them from tangling. Apply 2-3 drops of essential oil to the comb and distribute it along the entire length of the curls.

rinse aid. Prepare 0.5-1 l (depending on the length of the hair) mint decoction. Rinse your head with it after washing your hair, you do not need to rinse it off.

Application in cooking

The herb is used in the preparation of smoothies, cocktails, soups, fruit and vegetable salads. Mint adds a unique flavor and aroma to dishes and confectionery. For example, gingerbread with mint is very famous. It has become fashionable to use it as a flavoring for soft drinks, such as lemonades.

Recipes with mint

Mint is very popular and loved folk remedy. Its healing properties help to overcome many ailments, and the tonic aroma relaxes and calms the nervous system.

Summer is coming, and the topic of today's article, dear readers, seemed relevant to me, it is in summer that you can make the most of the power of nature, you just have to not be lazy to brew herbal teas for yourself and your family. Peppermint tea is a wonderful summer refreshing drink that has a lot of health benefits. Of all the teas, I always single it out for its unusual aroma. And today I want to talk on the blog about the benefits and harms of mint tea, which we all need to know.

More than 20 types of mint are known, the most popular among them are peppermint, field or wild mint and long-leaved mint. I already wrote about the beneficial properties of peppermint, it is a medicinal plant recognized by official medicine, other types of mint are also used in cooking, in cosmetology, in traditional medicine because they contain menthol. It is menthol that gives such a unique aroma and is part of many cosmetics and medicines. Mint tea is not only aroma, taste and freshness, the drink will bring undoubted health benefits.

Tea with mint. Benefit for health

Fresh mint is best for tea and can be brewed alone, mixed with other herbs, or added to green or black tea. Peppermint grows in our country house, so we always have fresh mint in the summer, but dried mint is also suitable for a tea drink.

Mint tea has a very pleasant taste, it has a refreshing, tonic effect, and the content of menthol, vitamin C, carotene, tannins, essential oils, organic acids in its leaves and stems turns mint tea into a healing drink.

Peppermint has an analgesic, bactericidal, mild choleretic, diuretic and vasodilating effect. Peppermint tea relieves tension, calms the nervous system, relieves spasms and pain in the area gastrointestinal tract and small pelvis, so it is very useful for various women's issues, both at a young age and in the difficult period of menopause. What are the benefits of mint tea for our health?

Beneficial mint tea

• with colds, diseases of the upper respiratory tract;
• with insomnia, irritability, nervous excitement, headache;
• with a breakdown;
• with nausea, heartburn, flatulence;
• with colitis;
• in diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• with violations in the work of the nervous system;
• in diseases of the stomach with low acidity gastric juice;
• in diseases of the liver, gallbladder, kidneys.

How to make mint tea. Recipes

Sprigs of mint brewed with boiling water exude a very pleasant aroma, the drink turns out delicious, so mint can be brewed without any additives. To do this, pick the leaves or sprigs of mint, rinse thoroughly running water, knead a little with your hands or tear into smaller pieces. Thus, the drink will get the largest number essential oils and others useful substances.

For tea, 3-5 fresh leaves per cup of boiling water are enough, it depends on the size of the mint leaves. I advise you to always start with a small amount of any herbal tea plants, over time you yourself will understand how many tea leaves you need to pick to get a medium-bodied drink. About 3 leaves are always enough for me for a small teapot-mug, I don’t like very rich aromas.

Brew in the usual way with boiling water, after rinsing the teapot with boiling water to warm the dishes. Infuse for 3 - 5 minutes, strain and drink at your pleasure. If you take dry raw materials for mint tea, then a teaspoon of chopped dry mint per cup is enough.

Black tea with mint

The most delicious drink is obtained if mint is brewed together with black tea, the taste of mint will not spoil the taste of even the best tea, but will only complement it. To prepare a drink, add a sprig of fresh mint or a teaspoon of dried mint to a teaspoon of black tea, brew with a glass of boiling water, let it brew for a couple of minutes and strain. If desired, you can put honey or a slice of lemon.

Tea connoisseurs recommend lightly rinsing hot water tea leaves, whether black or green tea, drain the water and brew already for real for insisting. It is recommended to brew tea not with boiling water, but slightly cooled to 95 degrees. Usually this happens, the water boils, and while we prepare the teapot and herbal tea, the water cools down a bit.

Green tea with mint

It is easier to combine mint with green tea, this drink is best drunk cold, as it is remarkably refreshing and quenches thirst. There are many varieties of green tea, but whichever one you choose, mint always enhances its flavor. For a cup of tea, take a teaspoon of green leaf tea and a sprig of mint, pour boiling water over it, strain it after a few minutes. Lemon, honey - it's all up to you and your taste. I just want to say about honey once again - it’s better to drink tea with it as a bite and in no case add it to hot tea.

Tea with mint and chamomile

A perfect combination for mint herbal tea and, in this case, we get a healing drink that can improve appetite, reduce stomach pain and relieve nausea. For tea, take a few mint leaves and add a full teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers. Pour boiling water over everything, insist for 10 minutes and drink. It turns out a surprisingly tasty healthy drink.

Tea with mint and lemon balm

If you want the calming effect of herbal tea or drink it in the evening, add a few lemon balm leaves to the mint leaves. Very tasty, one of my favorite herbal drinks is obtained. Such a marvelous aroma, such a delicate taste, and, of course, the benefits!

If the herbs are dried, then mix mint and lemon balm in equal amounts and take 1-2 teaspoons of the mixture per glass of boiling water. But I repeat, this is all individual, someone likes a richer taste, but I prefer a lighter one.

Melissa will have positive action and in case there are problems with the stomach and intestines, it acts as a mild antispasmodic. Melissa is also useful for cardiovascular diseases. However, keep in mind that lemon balm is contraindicated in case of a persistent decrease in blood pressure.

Tea with mint and currant

If we add blackcurrant leaves to mint leaves, we get a completely different drink to taste, and I must say that blackcurrant has a specific taste and smell, not everyone likes it. Personally, I really like it. And if you cook everything in the country, gently pick the leaves right from the bush, add to tea, how wonderful everything is!

Such a drink is very useful, it is recommended to take it with overwork, with weakened immunity, after illnesses and as a prophylactic during the cold season due to the high content of vitamin C in currant leaves, minerals and flavonoids.

Herbal tea for colds

With a cold or after a viral infection, herbal teas will help to cope with malaise and restore strength. In this case, mint is best combined with other plants that complement the action of mint. It can be linden flowers, oregano, ginger and many others.

Tea with mint and linden flowers

Tea with oregano and mint leaves

Another wonderful herb that goes well with mint is oregano, tea with mint and oregano helps with colds, coughs, sore throats, relieves headache, soothes, improves sleep. Brewing it is very simple, oregano and mint are mixed in equal amounts and a teaspoon of the mixture is brewed with a glass of boiling water. Oregano is contraindicated in people with serious problems of the cardiovascular system.

Freeze a few cubes of mint tea and rub your face in the morning. There is freshness! Together with the mood and minty aroma.

I myself, returning from the dacha, always take leaves with me and enjoy the taste at home all week until the next weekend. I take breaks, of course, and drink a little, but what a pleasure it is - tea with mint. I advise you to pay attention to it and brew it for health and beauty.

Mint tea during pregnancy

Can pregnant women drink peppermint tea? The contraindications (see below) say that it is not recommended to drink such tea during pregnancy. In any case, you should agree on the intake of all herbs and herbal teas with your doctor.

Mint tea for children

At what age can you give mint tea to children? Official guides say that children can be given this tea from the age of 3. And you should always remember that the health of children should be treated very carefully. And it is also best to discuss everything with the pediatrician.

And now let's talk about whether there is harm to such tea, what you need to know about contraindications.

Tea with mint. Harm and contraindications

Like any other medicinal plants, mint has its contraindications. Peppermint tea is not recommended to be taken in large quantities with:

• for low blood pressure
• reduced heart rate.
• mint is contraindicated in diseases of the stomach with high acidity of gastric juice.
• mint is not recommended for pregnant women and children under three years of age.

Many men are afraid of mint like fire, believing that it reduces male sexual function. Of course, if abused, then yes, such data was indeed published. But for men, mint is not prohibited, you just need to follow the measure, as, indeed, when taking any medications.

Peppermint tea can also be harmful if it is abused and drunk excessively.

And for the soul, we will listen today SILENZIUM Song from a Secret Garden The song from the band Secret Garden will be performed by a string band from Novosibirsk. The group was created in 2004 by former students of the Novosibirsk Conservatory.

see also

18 comments

Reply

Reply

Reply

Reply

Reply

Reply

Reply

Everyone has heard about the benefits of mint. What is good in mint, and how can we use it

Mint tea is good remedy colds in the first place. To prepare it, you need to take 1 tablespoon of dried peppermint leaves, pour 200 ml of boiling water and let it brew for 10 minutes. Then strain and drink. Just remember that mint tea should not be drunk like regular tea.

Peppermint tea is medicine. A child can make less concentrated tea. To do this, take the same portion of mint (1 tbsp. Spoon), pour 500 ml of boiling water and let it brew for 1 hour, better wrapped, and then strain. Before use, you can add a little honey, it will be both tasty and healthy. Take hot in half a glass. You can also rinse your nose with this solution. If you let the same tincture brew longer, for 2 hours, then you can rinse your mouth with it to get rid of bad smell, previously, of course, straining before use.

If you have fresh leaves, then the tea is prepared as follows: Pour 4 peppermint leaves with a cup of boiling water, after washing and cutting the mint. Wait just half a minute and immediately drain the water. Pour in boiling water again. This time, let the mint brew for 2 minutes and you can drink.

Mint leaf tea is also recommended for increased acidity of the stomach and convulsive colitis, problems with menstruation, menopause and pregnancy. Mint, in this sense, universal remedy. It relieves pain in the abdomen, and helps with nausea, improves digestion and takes care of your appetite, helps your intestines (in bloating), as well as spasms, colic, etc. etc. In general, if you are concerned about the standard set of symptoms of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, then mint is what you need.

Mint tinctures:

1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint leaves or 2 teaspoons dry per 200 ml of boiling water. Insist for half an hour, strain and take a third of a glass 2 times / day 15-20 minutes before meals. This tincture helps with nausea, to reduce acidity and improve appetite. Also used for gout, beriberi, kidney disease.

2 tbsp. spoons of crushed leaves pour 1 cup boiling water, let it brew for 2 hours, strain and you can take 1 tbsp. spoon 2-3 times a day with meals. This decoction has an antitoxic effect.

bloating, nausea in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and during pregnancy, then you this one will do recipe. You need to take 2 tbsp. spoons of crushed leaves, pour 2 cups of boiling water, let it brew, strain and take half a glass 15-20 minutes before meals 2-3 times a day.

if you are worried about abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, then brew 1 tbsp. a spoonful of mint with 1 cup of boiling water, let it brew warm, better wrapped, for 30-40 minutes. Strain and drink 1 tbsp. spoon every 3 hours. When vomiting, drink half or a third of a glass. The same infusion, because of its strength, is also used externally in the form of lotions for rheumatism, arthritis, skin inflammations.

with menopause: 2 teaspoons of dried leaves pour 500 ml of boiling water and bring to a boil.

Peppermint has analgesic properties, so it is widely used for headaches and migraines. There are several ways to help yourself when your head hurts: you can apply fresh mint leaves to your forehead, bandage and lie down. For severe migraine attacks, and just headaches, take a pinch of crushed leaves, 1 teaspoon of honey and 2 teaspoons of lemon grated with zest. The resulting mixture pour 200 ml of boiling water and drink like tea.

You can also prepare in advance and prepare a tincture that will help you out in the future with a headache:

1. for one part of cut leaves - 20 parts of 70% alcohol. Insist a week. It is recommended to take 10-15 drops. 20-25 drops per 1 glass of water - for neurological pain. can also be used for nausea.

2. The second option is to make a mint tincture on a triple cologne. Let it stand for 8 days, strain. After squeezing, rub the forehead, temples and the back of the head.

Mint is also used for hypertension as a prophylaxis: one part mint, one part chamomile and half a valerian. Pour boiling water, filter and drink for a month, a third of a glass daily.

Mint is also used for inhalation, both as a herb in combination with others: chamomile, eucalyptus, sage, bay leaf, and as an oil. Peppermint also affects the liver and gallbladder, so it is used to cleanse and remove stones. In addition, in combination with dandelion roots, mint can be used to treat diabetes, as a choleretic agent, and to improve the functioning of the pancreas. To do this, take 1 teaspoon of crushed dandelion root, 3 teaspoons of mint leaves, pour 200 ml of water and boil for 5-7 minutes. Let stand covered for 30 minutes, then strain. Take 2-4 times / day before meals, a quarter cup.

Since ancient times, people have been using herbs in their diet, treating diseases with them, and fields, meadows, edges and roadsides delight them with their violent aromas. One of the most popular and significant herbs is peppermint. Its properties and contraindications have been known for many centuries. However, not all varieties have medicinal properties and are suitable for human consumption. Of all the species, peppermint stands out. It is she who is famous for her bright enchanting aroma.

What is she, mint?

There is probably no person who would not know the aroma of this plant. We buy mint gums and toothpastes, elixirs, sweets, and often their scent is our favorite mint. Medicinal properties and its contraindications have been studied for a long time. Our distant ancestors used mint to overcome various ailments. Even the ancient Romans used it. The Arabs cultivated mint in their gardens, the Chinese devoted treatises to it, and the Greeks washed their hands and refreshed their faces with it. In the Middle Ages, mint with milk and wine was used to treat various diseases, including headaches.

And today this plant is used as a remedy and for cosmetic purposes. Aromatic herb is grown on farms and supplied to pharmacology. What is the secret that mint contains? Medicinal properties and contraindications, features of the preparation and use of the plant are disclosed in this article.

Description

The plant is a perennial, twenty-five to sixty-five centimeters high, has a branched rhizome and thin roots. Flowers are whitish-pink, light purple or reddish-pink. They are located on the tops of the shoots in the form of oblique inflorescences. The plant blooms throughout the summer. The stem, like the whole plant, is smooth. Mint leaves have an ovoid shape with a heart-shaped base and sharp serrated edges. Useful properties are mainly found in them and flowers, although other parts of it are sometimes used. Mint is specially bred in gardens and orchards or grows wild in the fields. It exudes a strong and very pleasant refreshing scent.

Compound

This aroma is a consequence of the content of a whole set of essential oils and menthol that mint has. Medicinal properties and contraindications can be understood by studying the composition of the plant, which includes a large number of useful vitamins, substances and trace elements, namely:

• vitamins - C, B1, PP, A, B5, B9, B2, B6;
• trace elements - phosphorus, manganese, iron, copper, magnesium, zinc, sodium, potassium;
• amino acids such as betaine and arginine;
• fatty acid;
• organic acids, including chlorogenic, ursulic, oleonolic, ascorbic, acetic, coffee and valeric acids;
• piperitonine pinene;
• essential oils;
• mentofuran;
• from flavodinodes - hesperidin;
• from tannins - rutin;
• phytosterols and phytosterols;
• saponins;
• alimentary fiber;
• resins;
• alcohols;
• of terpenes - citral, geraniol, limonene, terpinene, carvacrol.

It consists of seventy-eight percent water and two and a half percent essential oils.

Dietary fiber per hundred grams of leaves contains:

• fat - 1 g;
• carbohydrates - about 7 g;
• proteins - about 4 g.

The energy value for the indicated weight is seventy-one kilocalories. This plant is a storehouse of useful qualities.

Collection and preparation

It can be purchased at a pharmacy in ready-made, in bags or as a dry raw material that is brewed. But it’s even better if you collect mint with your own hands and make a blank for the winter. For those who decide to do this, the following tips will help:

1. Grass should be collected in the morning, in dry weather, preferably when the plant is just beginning to bloom. Then mint contains the highest concentration of its beneficial substances. In this case, mainly its leaves and flowers are used.
2. Although the plant blooms all summer, in different regions this period varies, and may be somewhat shorter.
3. Mint can be harvested by cutting the stems for more speed, and at home, pick off its leaves and flowers, which are suitable for use.
4. Mint is dried outdoors in the shade. To do this, the plant is laid out on paper or cloth in a thin layer. It is advisable to stir it from time to time.
5. After the raw material is ready, it is wrapped in paper bags or glass containers that are tightly covered.
6. It is stored in a dry and dark place for up to two years.
7. In order for the herb to retain more of its properties, it is better to grind it just before use, and not in advance.

Application

Mint is best known for its essential oil content called menthol. It saturates the plant with a characteristic refreshing aroma that everyone loves so much.

There is an opinion that it is better to gather in the spring, even before the peppermint blooms.

Its properties are used in herbal medicine, mint is added to culinary dishes. It is also used to get rid of nausea, flatulence, nervous breakdown, poor digestion, asthma, bronchial or pulmonary inflammation, cardiovascular and gynecological diseases, colds, migraines, spasms, cholelithiasis and many other problems. The plant complements diaphoretic herbal preparations.

Indications

Mint has a beneficial effect on the entire body. Restoring first nervous system. Helps to relax after a hard day or improve mood in the morning with mint tea. Useful properties contribute to better concentration, improve brain function.

For digestive system it also plays a positive role. Improves appetite, the process of digestion of food, stimulates the secretion of gastric juice and saliva. In addition, mint is a choleretic agent and remarkably freshens breath. The intestines are cleansed, the work of the liver and gallbladder is stimulated.

There is an expansion of blood vessels, stabilization of the heart rate and improvement of blood circulation. In some cases, it is quite possible to replace drugs or at least supplement treatment for cardiovascular diseases.

The beneficial properties of mint for women are perfectly revealed. In cosmetology, it is used for masks, baths, baths. It is able to suppress bacteria on the skin and mucous membranes. Procedures for oily type of integument with acne are especially suitable. The skin then acquires elasticity and velvety.

What heals?

Mint has plenty of useful properties and contraindications. It is useful to take in the following diseases:

• nervous disorders, restlessness, anxiety;
• insomnia;
• gastritis, diarrhea, other disorders of the digestive tract;
• nausea;
• increased acidity of gastric juice;
• migraine;
• respiratory diseases (in this case, peppermint essential oil is used);
• arterial hypertension;
• gynecological diseases;
• caries, gum disease;
• bacterial and fungal skin lesions.

Contraindications

Some men fear that their potency may worsen if they use mint. Medicinal properties and contraindications with moderate use of the plant will not appear so noticeably. Another thing is if you abuse mint. Then problems with potency can really be observed, because the production of female hormones is produced, which peppermint contains in a considerable amount.

Properties and contraindications can be expressed in sleep disturbance and headache, especially with excessive consumption.

You should also refrain from using this plant in the following conditions and diseases:

• allergies;
• hypotension;
• varicose veins;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• kidney and liver disease;
• problems with conception;
• children under five years of age.

In addition, doctors tend to believe that the active use of mint leads to a loss of body sensitivity to its components.

Individual intolerance to the plant may also be observed, in which it is immediately necessary to stop using it.

Mint has a different effect during lactation. Useful properties and contraindications for women in this case will directly depend on its variety. Indeed, according to some, it stimulates the appearance of milk, while others say, on the contrary, about its decrease. In this case, curly mint is suitable, which contains the least menthol, but contains carvone, which stimulates lactation.

Nutrition

Since mint normalizes metabolism, removes toxins from the body and regulates gastric juice, it is often used in diets. It also helps with constipation, in eliminating putrefactive processes in the intestines and reducing acidity.

Mint leaves are added to:

• first and second courses;
• baking cakes, pies, cakes and cookies;
• fruit and berry desserts;
• sauces and marinades;
• milkshakes.

Peppermint is a spice, flavor enhancer of dishes, natural flavoring, an element that improves appetite.

Tonic properties are used in different drinks, the most widespread of which is the non-alcoholic Mojito. Teas and infusions will perfectly quench your thirst and at the same time drown out the feeling of hunger.

Peppermint pairs well with foods such as:

• meat;
• bird;
• fish;
• vegetables;
• fruits;
• berries;
• greenery;
• cottage cheese;
• spices;
• spices.

Mint teas

Green tea with mint, chamomile, thyme and lemon leaves is very popular. If you drink such a drink several cups a day, then it will not take even a few months for a person to feel light and comfortable.

If tea is prepared from fresh leaves, then they must first be poured over with boiling water, and only after that pour water and brew.

Not all dishes are suitable for infusion. For example, plastic and metal are not recommended. It is best to brew mint tea in porcelain or glassware. Useful properties are most preserved in a freshly brewed drink. Therefore, do not immediately cook it a lot. Often honey or lemon is added to tea. It is better to refrain from sugar, as it will neutralize the beneficial properties of mint.

As an anti-cold remedy, a tablespoon of inflorescences or leaves is taken and poured with a glass of boiling water. After ten minutes, the drink can be taken orally.

In case of intoxication, two tablespoons are taken in a glass of water and infused for two hours. Drink one tablespoon with meals.

If nausea is felt, brewed tea from one tablespoon to a glass of water is drunk in half a glass twice a day.

For pain in the head or muscles, a teaspoon of honey and two teaspoons of lemon zest are added to a glass with a pinch of dried leaves. The resulting drink should be drunk three times a day for half a glass.

Infusions and mint

Useful properties and contraindications of the plant should be carefully studied before starting its regular use and treatment. If no side effects and mint is recommended, in addition to tea, infusions can also be prepared.

To do this, washed fresh leaves are placed in a half-liter jar and filled to the top with vodka or alcohol. You can add some cinnamon to it. The lid should be tightly closed and infused in a dark place at room temperature for two weeks.

You can prepare such a simple version of the tincture: two teaspoons of grass are poured with a quarter liter of boiling water into a thermos. After an hour, you can start drinking the strained tincture, one tablespoon six to seven times a day.

Essential oil

Many of the fair sex prefer to use essential oils. Mint, whose beneficial properties and contraindications for women have been fully studied, is one of the favorite products. It is added to various face masks, massaged and simply applied to the skin for certain problems.

It has a tonic, expectorant, absorbable and antiseptic effect, dilates blood vessels.

Mint in cosmetology

Mint properties for women are found wide application in skin care.

For example, to improve the complexion, you can prepare a lotion. To do this, mint infusion, cucumber juice and parsley decoction are mixed in equal amounts. In the morning and in the evening they need to wipe their face.

To relieve fatigue and give tone to the eyelids, cotton pads soaked in a chilled infusion are applied to them.

The beneficial properties of mint for women will also be expressed in a beneficial effect, especially on oily skin, even with the simple use of infusion. It will acquire a matte shade, enlarged pores will narrow.

The ancient Russians called "dragolyub", which means "dear, beloved, kind", such a healing herb as mint, the properties and use of which they were very well aware of. Today, after many centuries, we no longer call it so affectionately. But until now, mint remains a universal medicine and a favorite drink for many people.