What are the benefits of mint? Medicinal properties and contraindications. The use of mint and its effect on female and male bodies. The benefits and harms of mint for the human body

The Latin version of peppermint is Mentha piperita L. This name is explained by the presence of the pungent taste of the leaves of the plant. The root is branched and can go into the soil to a depth of 70-80 cm. The stem is erect, the leaves are covered with soft short hairs.

Small, pale pink or pale purple mint flowers are collected in spikelet-like inflorescences at the top of the shoot. The plant blooms all summer and part of September.

Types of mint

In the 17th century In England, peppermint or English mint was obtained by crossing wild species. Now mint is widespread throughout Russia and many European countries. The plant is unpretentious: it feels good under the snow, tolerates cold, but prefers light and moisture. Nowadays, the famous cultivated types of mint are black - the leaves have a red-purple tint to the stems, and white - the color of the leaves is white. The last one essential oil more tender, but there is little of it, so it is more rational to grow black.

Mint composition

Vitamins

How to prepare mint

Leaves are used in medicinal, culinary and for cosmetic purposes. To prepare the leaves, they are collected in July and August at the beginning of flowering, preferably in the first half of the day, laid out in sheaves for several hours to wither, laid out again and dried at 30-32°C.

Today, approximately three hundred types of mint are known to man, but wide use Only about 20–25 species of this plant were obtained. There is no particular need to name all types of mint, given that peppermint is mainly used in folk medicine. The main difference between mint and other types of plants is, of course, its aroma. However, the aroma of peppermint is much stronger than that of its relatives.

Peppermint is a perennial plant from the Lamiaceae family. The stem of peppermint is tetrahedral, hollow, and about one meter high. The leaves are ovoid, elongated, with denticles along the edges, and the root is horizontal and woody. Flowering of this plant begins in June and lasts until September.

The most valuable thing about peppermint is the stem and leaves, which need to be collected before flowering, since it is at this time that the plant contains the most essential oil - menthol. IN chemical composition The main element of mint is menthol. About 2.5% of menthol is contained in the leaves, in inflorescences its amount reaches 4–6%.

Application of mint

Mint is rich in menthol (contained in the leaves of the plant), which has local anesthetic, antispasmodic and antiseptic properties, promotes reflex expansion coronary vessels. For angina pectoris or pain in the stomach and intestines, mint is used internally. For neuralgia, toothache or as an antiseptic and analgesic for diseases respiratory tract For bronchitis and bronchiectasis, mint is used externally.

To treat migraines, menthol is used mixed with paraffin in the form of pencils. Menthol is also included in Zelenin drops, Valocordin, drops and ointments for the treatment of runny nose. Peppermint oil is also used for inhalation. Peppermint oil is included in mint drops and tablets. To improve the taste of mixtures and for rinsing the mouth, add mint water. Menthol alcohol is used to treat neuroderma. To improve digestion, increase appetite, and get rid of nausea and vomiting, infusions and tinctures of mint leaves are used.

But not only in our country mint is used, for example, in Bulgaria it is used to treat diseases of the stomach (for cramps) and intestines, for flatulence, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and also as a cholagogue, with stones in gallbladder and for jaundice, as a pain reliever for hepatic colic, which stimulates cardiac activity and relieves headache.

Mint leaves are also used in Germany. There they are used in the form of tea to get rid of diseases digestive tract, flatulence and improve appetite, and also take mint baths.

Decoctions, tinctures and oils from mint are prepared for the same diseases in Australia.

Mint leaves are quite common in France. There, mint is used as an antispasmodic, choleretic, wound healing agent, as well as to improve appetite and digestion.

As an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, disinfectant for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, neuralgia, insomnia, migraines, mint leaves are used in Poland. There, mint leaves are used for inflammation of the periosteum, middle ear and other diseases. In addition to all this, mint is included in preparations to improve taste and smell.

Russian ethnoscience Mint leaves are used as a refreshing, choleretic and diaphoretic. Juice is made from the leaves of wild mint, which is used to treat kidney stones and also as a diuretic, mixing a tablespoon with white wine.

Mint leaves and flowers, fresh or dried, are used to prepare various dishes as a seasoning for salads, soups, meat and vegetable dishes, and added to sauces and teas for flavor.

Tea, which includes mint, has a choleretic, diaphoretic, and calming effect. Mint is included gastric collection and fees for bathing.

Mint is widely used in the food, confectionery and perfume industries; it is found in toothpastes and powders, etc.

To relieve headaches, essential oil (in alcohol solution 1:4) rubbed into the skin; it is also used for migraines, skin inflammations or for inhalation for colds.

Preparing mint

Mint infusion is prepared in the following way: 2 teaspoons of mint leaves pour 250 ml of boiling water ( daily dose), leave for an hour, then filter. It is recommended to take the product in sips throughout the day.

Useful properties of mint

Essential oil, which contains menthol, determines the taste of mint. Beneficial features plants are also determined by such substances as esters, phellandrene, pinene, jasmon, piperitone, mentofuran, etc. In addition, tannins, flavonoids, and bitterness were also found in mint. It is the menthol contained in mint that makes it a bactericidal plant.

Peppermint is especially valued in medicine in the therapeutic area. It is prescribed as a sedative, vasodilator, analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. Mint can normalize the functioning of the digestive system (relieve heartburn, nausea, increase appetite, help with diarrhea, reduce gas formation in the intestines), have choleretic effect(used to remove stones from the gallbladder and cleanse the liver).

The beneficial properties of mint are not limited to this; it is used as a diaphoretic and cooling agent in the treatment of fever and sore throat, pharyngitis, and runny nose. For the treatment of respiratory and genitourinary systems again using mint. On circulatory system and the heart, mint has a stimulating effect, relieves headaches, reduces arterial pressure. Peppermint has proven itself especially well in the treatment of migraines.

Mint has a complex effect on the nervous system: it tones, calms, relieves insomnia, and improves brain function.

Quite often, mint is used in dentistry as a mouth rinse, for preparing solutions, getting rid of pathogens, etc.

We can conclude that mint is both pleasant to the taste and has therapeutic effect.

Contraindications to the use of mint

Mint is contraindicated for people who have increased sensitivity to its components, as well as to people with individual intolerance to mint. Mint should not be used by people with low blood pressure (hypotension).

It is important to know that mint can reduce tone venous vessels, which can easily contribute to the exacerbation of another existing disease. Quite often, under the influence of mint, it worsens varicose veins veins To avoid this, it is best not to use mint for people with this disease. If you often suffer from heartburn, then it is also better not to use mint, as it can also cause heartburn.

You should not give mint to small children under three years of age. It is not recommended to use mint for men, as it can reduce male libido. People suffering from drowsiness should avoid mint. If you are infertile, you should not use mint either. If you already have problems with conception, then be sure to avoid mint, as this plant can only aggravate this problem.

Mint is a perennial herbaceous plant, which is widely cultivated in personal plots and grows in wild areas. Usually mint leaves are dried and then added to tea. The fresh plant is used to make cocktails and for other purposes. Today there are many varieties, but the most common of them is peppermint. Let's consider its benefits and harms.

Mint composition

Peppermint has found its application in production pharmacological drugs, culinary industry, cosmetology areas.

The variety is bred by combining two types of mint - water and garden. Today, peppermint grows everywhere, it is easy to obtain and use for its intended purpose.

Deserves special attention chemical list elements that form the basis of the plant. So, mint contains a lot of essential oils. The leaves and stems are rich in methanol, an element that gives mint its flavor and aroma.

The plant is not deprived of acids. Among the most common and useful are chlorogenic, ascorbic, ursol, oleanolic, and coffee.

Mint also contains flavonoids, tannins, amino acids such as betaine and arginine, rutin, and saponins. Among the vitamins it is worth highlighting ascorbic acid, group B, tocopherol and retinol.

Fresh and dried leaves contain a decent list of mineral compounds. These include calcium, potassium, sodium, zinc, manganese, iron, chromium and others.

You can use not only essential oil, dried and fresh leaves, but also mint seeds. They are rich in special substances that normalize the activity of the gastrointestinal tract. That's why many pharmaceutical drugs for heartburn and gastritis they have a minty taste.

Calorie content of a fresh bunch weighing 100 grams. is 67 Kcal. But, as a rule, when using mint no one pays attention to these indicators. Impressive list useful qualities able to cover any calorie content.

The benefits of mint

1. The main advantage of the plant lies in its ability to put the human nervous system in order. Tea with dried or fresh mint, taken after a heavy working day, will calm and improve your well-being. Mint drink is useful to drink to combat insomnia and chronic fatigue.
2. Mint stimulates neurons in the brain, which improves memory, visual perception, and concentration. It is very useful for people to drink tea with the leaves of the plant. old age who are at risk of developing dementia.
3. The plant expands blood channels, improves blood flow through vessels and arteries, eliminates cholesterol plaques. All this contributes soft prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic syndrome.
4. Since mint is completely natural, it is often replaced with synthetic components medicines. Raw materials are also added to the composition chewing gum. Mint disinfects oral cavity and prevents caries.
5. Mint leaves are of particular benefit to the gastrointestinal tract and the entire digestive system as a whole. Mint improves appetite and elimination gastric juice, all this leads to better digestibility of food and the prevention of its fermentation.
6. Mint absorbs toxic substances, radionuclides, salts heavy metals and takes them out. The plant has a beneficial effect on the activity of the gallbladder, liver, kidneys, and organs of the genitourinary system.
7. A paste of fresh mint leaves is used in for cosmetic purposes to combat acne, skin rashes, allergies, various dermatological problems. Mint decoction is useful for rinsing hair as it eliminates dandruff and itching.
8. In addition, there are many more diseases for which the plant has a healing effect. These ailments include disorders of the digestive system, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and caries, gastritis, migraines and frequent headaches, menopause and menstruation.
9. Peppermint is used to lower blood pressure in hypertension. The plant is widely used in gynecology. The leaves are effective for respiratory ailments and respiratory diseases. Also Mint tea will help cope with nervousness and causeless anxiety.
10. In the modern field of dietetics, experts are increasingly recommending that their patients take mint for weight loss. Plant-based decoctions speed up everything metabolic processes, enrich cells with oxygen, against this background they break down body fat(cellulite).

1. Diarrhea. Brew a handful fresh leaves or a tablespoon of dried raw materials in 250 ml. boiling water Let the mixture sit for about 2 hours. Then filter in a convenient way. Divide this amount into 2 doses, consume at lunch and evening time in small sips. There is another way to prepare mint remedy from diarrhea. Brew strong black tea, add 5 leaves to the hot drink and add 2 drops of iodine. Stir, drink one cup three times a day.
2. Digestive disorder. Every second person faces this problem. modern man. To improve the functioning of the digestive system, mix a spoonful of mint with 260 ml. hot water and leave for 3 hours. Warm up, filter, drink as regular tea.
3. Colds. During the flu season, vitamin deficiency and low immunity, mint will help you out. Prepare a decoction based on the plant, add a little honey to it and drink the healing potion. This remedy will improve health, remove mucus from the respiratory tract, relieve a sore throat and reduce heat during fever.
4. Sleep problems. If you suffer from insomnia, increased nervousness and excitability, causeless worries, drink mint tea several times a day. As an addition, snack on dried fruits or add honey to your tea.
5. Acne. If you have acne, skin rashes, other problems of this kind, you need to wash your face mint decoction. It is prepared from a handful of fresh raw materials and a mug of boiling water. After cooling, the product must be filtered and used twice a day. This composition will also remove redness on the skin, peeling, and hypersensitivity.
6. Nervous overexcitation. Mint is especially often used by people who are faced with nausea and nervous overexcitation. To cope with pathological problems, you need to grind a spoonful of dry raw materials into powder, then pour in vodka in a ratio of 1 to 20. This remedy is infused for about half a month, then taken 15 drops three times a day. Don't forget to drink the tincture with water.
7. Depressive state. When tired chronic type, apathy, depression, you should drink a decoction of mint and lavender. Take plants in a ratio of 5 to 1, fill hot water and let it brew for 3 hours. After this, take half a glass each time before going to bed. During the period of therapy, it is better to limit yourself from stress or learn to react to it not too emotionally.
8. Excess weight. If you have problems with excess weight, cellulite and other imperfections, make it a habit to take mint baths several times a week. Fill the bath in the usual way, add more fresh or dried mint. Carry out the procedure for half an hour. This move will help get rid of body sweating and make the skin smoother.

Harm and benefits of mint for pregnant women

1. Mint belongs to the category of those plants that must be included in the diet with extreme caution. Here it is important to take into account the opinion of a specialist. Like any product, mint has positive and negative qualities.
2. Significant harm can be caused during pregnancy. Be careful when handling such raw materials. Peppermint can increase uterine contractions. The plant increases production female hormones, hence the tone of the genital organs increases.
3. Regular consumption of mint reduces blood pressure. The plant contains antihypertensive enzymes. The latter can reduce the pressure to a minimum level. Be careful.
4. The composition may provoke an allergic reaction, keep this in mind before taking it. This phenomenon occurs during gestation, even if mint was previously easily tolerated by the body.
5. No more than two cups of mint tea a day will help the fair sex cope with toxicosis. The drink stabilizes activity internal organs and relieves the feeling of nausea. As a result of tea consumption, sleep improves and nervous tension disappears.

1. Mint is prohibited from being included in the menu for children under 5 years of age. Experts attribute this to the fact that the plant contains a high concentration of biologically active substances. Such enzymes have different impact on the body. Sometimes it happens increased load to internal organs.
2. For a long time known fact what mint doesn't in the best possible way affects the male body. Raw materials reduce libido and potency. The effect is achieved due to a strong sedative effect. Of course, mint will help you cope with emotional shock.
3. Regular consumption of mint in various forms can become a problem for the fair sex to conceive a child. If you have any illnesses, the situation becomes significantly worse. Such studies were confirmed in a British laboratory.
4. Mint has a negative impact on a girl’s health during pregnancy. Systematic reception raw materials complicates the course of pregnancy. Be careful. Always consult your doctor about adding new foods to your diet. In this case, weakly concentrated tea is allowed.
5. Consider individual intolerance raw materials. Mint can cause a number of complications if neglected. practical recommendations. In this case, absolutely all products containing such an extract are prohibited. You may experience severe headache, vomiting, nausea and rashes. If necessary, consult a doctor.

Mint can be beneficial if you follow the rules and follow daily norm. The plant has a specific composition that can cause significant harm. Consider contraindications and individual intolerance to raw materials. If you are not sure that you are completely healthy, be sure to undergo medical examination. You should not self-medicate with mint.

Video: beneficial properties and uses of mint

There is a lot of controversy about the properties of mint. This plant can bring the body great benefit, and can cause infertility. The article reveals all the secrets of the competent use of this fragrant plant.

Mint is the oldest medicinal plant. Doctors already in the times of the Assyrians and Egyptian pharaohs used its healing properties.

It received its name from the ancient Greeks. Legend has it that Persephone, the wife of Hades (Hades), the god of the underworld, turned his mistress Mentha into a plant. This is how mint appeared, a delicate plant with a cool smell.

How is mint beneficial for women and men?

Mint is considered more " female grass", because the female body it brings more benefits.

Benefits of mint for women:

• regulates hormonal background, decreasing testosterone levels and increasing progesterone levels
• improves physical state for PMS, menopause, reduces menstrual pain
• relieves nausea during pregnancy toxicosis

Benefits of mint for men:

• increases the tone of the whole body, which helps to increase potency
• increases sensitivity and reduces tension, which increases the pleasure of lovemaking

But mint should not be taken in large doses, like any medicine.

How to brew mint correctly?

• brew mint in a porcelain container, if you don’t have one, then in a glass one
• Before putting mint in the teapot, pour boiling water over it
• pour mint with water 5 minutes after boiling, and not immediately, in order to preserve microelements as much as possible
• leave after pouring boiling water for 15 minutes
• For 1 glass of prepared tea, it is recommended to take 1 tsp. fresh or 0.5 tsp. dry mint leaves. These are the proportions for tea, in medicinal decoctions put more mint
• Drink mint tea only freshly brewed and without sugar.

Peppermint tea is a drink on its own, but you can add mint leaves to regular tea or herbal teas.

The benefits and harms of mint tea

Thanks to the main active ingredient- menthol, mint tea soothes the soul, strengthens the body:

• reduces pain
• regulates metabolic processes
• removes spasms
• improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract
• increases mental activity
• regulates the functioning of the cardiovascular system
• tones and invigorates
• calms the nervous system

Mint tea can only cause harm if consumed in excess. Heart pain, drowsiness, headaches, dizziness, sleep disturbances, heartburn, and weakness may occur. Frequent use mint tea (more than 3 cups daily) has a detrimental effect on " male power"and the ability to conceive.

Use of mint in medicine

Mint has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, choleretic, and sedative properties.

In medicine it is used in the treatment of many diseases:

• insomnia
• neuralgia
• hypertension
• gastritis
• gynecological diseases
• asthma, vomiting, colds, rheumatism

Various tablets, ointments, and drops contain a mint component.

What are the benefits of mint decoction?

Decoctions are different high concentration useful substances. Decoctions are prepared if it is necessary to have a profound effect on the body.

Benefits of mint decoction:

• regulates digestion
• promotes weight loss
• reduces blood sugar concentration
• has a positive effect on the immune system
• normalizes sweating
• lowers blood pressure
• protects the body from the effects of radiation
• treats cough, relieves sore throat, reduces headaches
• relieves heartburn, nausea
• normalizes blood circulation

Peppermint tincture: medicinal properties and contraindications

The high usefulness of peppermint is determined by its composition:

• essential oil- menthol, provides the taste, smell, analgesia and antispasmodic properties of mint
• tannins- give an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory effect, accelerate the healing process, destroy bacteria
• carotene- natural immunostimulant
• vitamin P- reduces capillary permeability, relieves swelling and inflammation
• ascorbic acid- strengthens the immune system, reduces vascular permeability
• betaine- regulates digestive system by activating fat metabolism in the liver and stimulation of bile production
• phytosterols- “plant hormones”, reduce cholesterol concentrations, improve metabolism
• phytoncides- provide protection against bacteria and microorganisms
• microelements- regulate work nervous system, enzyme production

There are also several contraindications to the use of mint tincture:

• allergy
• hypotension
• low stomach acidity
• varicose veins, since menthol reduces the tone of blood vessels
• liver and kidney diseases

Melissa mint: medicinal properties

• Melissa is also called “lemon mint” because it has a mint-lemon aroma.
• There is less essential oil in lemon balm than in mint, so it is more often used in cooking as a seasoning, and not just as a flavoring agent.
• Lemon mint is used to combat depression, as an antiviral and antispasmodic agent.

Medicinal properties of mint tincture

• Alcohol tincture of mint is used for neuralgia, irritability, and insomnia. It relieves pain and reduces spasms. Apply a few drops to the temples, forehead, back of the head and rub. Or take 10-15 drops shortly before bedtime for a week
• For bronchitis, inflammation of the nasopharynx and trachea, the tincture is used for inhalation. Mint relieves swelling and inflammation, reduces pain, and makes breathing easier. Solution: add 15 drops of tincture to 1 liter of hot water, breathe in this steam. Repeat 3-4 times a day
• Mint tincture can be made as follows: pour 20g of dry leaves with 100 ml of alcohol, moonshine with a strength of 75%. But you can also use regular vodka. Insist on dark place 2 weeks. Take 3 times a day, 25 drops, which must be diluted in 1 glass of water. Used to relieve spasms, migraines, nausea and vomiting

Effect of mint on the heart

• Mint is useful in the treatment of angina pectoris as it dilates coronary vessels and stabilizes heartbeat. Included in validol and valocordin. It normalizes cardiac activity and improves blood circulation
• For heart diseases, it is useful to drink the infusion: 4 tbsp. dry mint is poured with a liter of boiling water. The decoction should be left to steep for about 2 hours. You can drink it like regular tea. The calming effect of tea will increase if you add valerian root
• You need to limit yourself to 2-3 cups a day, otherwise the pain in the heart will resume and headaches will begin.

Mint for depression

• For relax depressive states It is good to use mint tea: 1 tbsp. a spoonful of dry leaves is poured into a glass of boiling water immediately after boiling. Leave for 1 hour. Take half a glass in the morning and at night
• If the condition is very serious, then prepare a decoction: 1 tbsp. Pour a spoonful of dry leaves into 1 glass of water and boil the infusion for 10 minutes. After boiling, leave for another 10-20 minutes, strain. Take the decoction 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day before meals for 2-4 weeks

Mint for infertility

Infertility is a direct contraindication to the use of mint infusions and decoctions. Especially if you don't use it peppermint, and field.

But if the cause of infertility in women is increased number male hormones- androgens, then the doctor may prescribe mint infusion. It has been proven that 2 cups of infusion per day significantly reduces androgen levels.

Peppermint tea during pregnancy. Can pregnant women drink mint?

• It is not recommended for pregnant women to drink mint, as this can cause uterine tone. Peppermint also increases estrogen levels in the body, which can contribute to miscarriage.
• But since mint relieves nausea well, it is recommended to drink mint tea for toxicosis, dizziness, heartburn, and colds. But no more than 2 cups a day and after 3-4 days it is advisable to take a break
• The dosage of mint tea for a pregnant woman should first be discussed with a doctor.

Is it possible to give mint to children?

It is forbidden to give mint tea to children under 3 years of age. If the child is not very active, then mint should not be given until 5-6 years of age, since mint can cause drowsiness and lethargy.

In addition, mint can become a source of allergies in children. Therefore, before giving your child mint tea, you should consult your pediatrician.

Soothing mint infusions for young children

For young children, you can prepare decoctions of mint, which are added to the bathtub. This bath will relax and calm the baby and can be used for up to a year.

Prepare a simple decoction:

• take 50g of the collection - oregano, mint, calendula flowers in equal parts
• Pour three liters of boiling water, leave for half an hour
• Add the strained infusion to 10 liters of water
• In such baths it is necessary to bathe the child before bedtime 3 times a week
• The minimum number of procedures is 5-7, if there is no allergy and the child likes it

Peppermint essential oil: properties and uses

• The aroma of mint affects a person on an emotional, physical and mental level.
• Peppermint oil has a tonic effect. Its aroma restores strength, relieves stress, increases mental activity, relieves tension, relieves headaches, and restores heart rate.
• For headaches, mint oil is rubbed on the forehead, back of the head, temples, and then applied cold compress to the head
• At nervous disorders, in case of fear, it is good to have a handkerchief in your pocket with a few drops of oil on it, so that when nervous exhaustion inhale the aroma
• If you faint, instead of ammonia, you can sniff mint oil and rub it into your temples
• To reduce stomach pain, rub essential oil on your stomach and apply a cold compress. Also, for pain, bloating, heartburn, it will help if you drink a glass of water with 2-4 drops of oil; or eat a piece of sugar with 2-4 drops of essential mint essence
• Baths with 6 drops of mint will help restore your heart rhythm. The same baths will improve the condition of the liver
• Nausea will go away if you inhale the aroma of mint oil.
• Compresses with mint oil (4-6 drops are enough) help with acute respiratory infections: relieve coughing attacks, relieve fever
• Massage with mint (6 drops per 10 ml of basic massage oil) will help relieve pain from arthritis, bruises, rheumatism, sprains, muscle pain
• If you apply a cotton wool with essential oil to a sore tooth, the pain will subside
• Aromatherapy using essential oil (3-6 drops per aroma lamp) of mint is an excellent method of relaxation

Using mint oil on the face

• To keep your facial skin toned, wipe it daily ice cubes from mint infusion:
• 1 tbsp. a spoonful of dry leaves per half liter of boiling water, leave for 2-3 hours, filter and freeze in ice cube trays. This procedure will improve blood circulation in the skin and prevent inflammation.
• If you wash your face with this infusion 2-3 times a day, your skin condition will improve significantly, and dark spots and wrinkles will be less noticeable

Rejuvenating mask with mint:

• mix 1 glass oatmeal(finely ground), 2 tbsp. spoons of mint infusion, 3 tbsp. spoons warm milk. Apply the mask for 15-20 minutes. The skin should be clean. Rinse it off. It is better to perform the procedure before bedtime

Using mint oil for hair

Mint can help with the following hair problems:

• dandruff
• oily scalp
• brittle, dull hair

To do this, add mint oil to the shampoo at the rate of 2 drops per 10g of shampoo (1 serving of shampoo). This enrichment enhances blood circulation, activates hair growth, and relieves inflammation. skin, relieves itching and irritation.

You can make a mint mouthwash. Take 2 tbsp. spoons of mint and 1 tbsp. Boil water for 10-15 minutes. Cool, strain, add 3-4 drops of mint oil. After washing your hair, you need to rinse your hair with this decoction and rub it a little into the roots.

Mask with mint oil for weakened and colored hair: to 2 tbsp. spoons castor oil add 2 drops of mint oil. Apply oil to your hair and cover your head with film. Leave the mask on for about 40 minutes. Rinse your hair with shampoo.

For oily/normal hair, use this recipe: mix 2 egg yolks, 1 tsp. lemon juice, 3-5 drops of peppermint oil. Leave the mask for 15-20 minutes, rinse with shampoo.

Peppermint essential oil for acne

To get rid of acne, just wipe your face with a cotton pad with a few drops of mint essence 2-3 times a day. This must be done gently and carefully.

For oily/combination skin, you can add mint oil to a toner or gel to cleanse the skin, which will help cleanse the skin of rashes and make it healthier.

Use of mint in cooking

• In cooking, it is better to use apple or spearmint. These types do not produce bitterness when heated. But pepper is also popular
• Fresh mint is used to season meat, vegetable dishes, salads, cocktails, liqueurs, ice cream, desserts, candies are made from it, and used as decorations. Dry leaves are also used, but mainly for making tea, infusions, as a seasoning for meat, for sauces, in baking
• Mint is used as an independent spice, trying not to combine it with others. Its dose should be minimal: 1-5g of fresh herbs, 0.2-0.5g of dried herbs per serving. Add mint to dishes shortly before cooking, 5-10 minutes

Liliya Vladimirovna, 47 years old:

“I make my own face masks. I apply the mask once a week. In 4 months, pigment spots became less noticeable, and skin tone really improved. It seems to me that I look fresher, as if after a rest. But the wrinkles haven’t gone away.”

Anna, 20 years old:

“I have been getting acne regularly since I was 13 years old. The pores on the nose and cheekbones are enlarged. Now I wash my face with a gel to which I added essential oil (2 drops per 10g of gel, added directly to the bottle and mixed), I cauterize any inflammation that appears with mint tincture and drink tea with mint once a day. The face has become cleaner, and acne appears less. I don’t know what helped, maybe in combination.”

Olga, 30 years old:

“I really love taking a bath with peppermint oil. I add mint, lavender and rose oil to the bath, 6-10 drops. The effect is amazing, I feel great after it, rested and cheerful.”

Lyudmila Ivanovna, 55 years old:

“On my daughter’s advice, I started wiping my face with ice cubes from mint infusion. Helps you wake up in the morning and relieve swelling.”

Karina, 35 years old:

“I used to drink coffee in the morning, now I switched to a green smoothie: you need to take one small bunch of parsley and mint, half a lemon without zest, 2-3 tbsp. spoons of honey, 1.5-2 liters of water. Mix everything in a blender, drink it fresh, it helps to cheer you up in the morning.”

Video: About mint

Everyone is well aware of the plant called mint. It takes its roots from ancient times, even then it was widely used in various fields. Today, mint is used in various fields, from simple mint tea to cosmetology.

The benefits of mint

Mint is useful both dried and fresh. It has a calming and relaxing effect. It is used for insomnia and insomnia. This plant also increases appetite and has an excellent effect on the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, it is used for disinfection, pain relief for various wounds or frostbite. Dried mint is used in the preparation of teas, cocktails, sauces, baked goods, as well as in the preparation of side dishes and meat dishes. Mint improves mood and helps get rid of stress. Also has antiseptic property Since mint has a lot of beneficial properties, it has an excellent and effective effect on the nervous system (gives relaxation after a hard day) and digestive tract (improves liver and intestinal function). The plant is also known to dilate blood vessels and increase blood circulation.
Mint is used to treat various diseases: fungal, gynecological, inflammatory, caries, respiratory disease. But essential oils with mint are used in cosmetology for wraps, cosmetic procedures, masks, baths, and they are also used when going to baths and saunas. Effectively cleanses the skin of impurities, oiliness, and increases the elasticity of the skin.

Benefits of mint for women

Separately, we can say that mint leaves are extremely beneficial for representatives female . During menopause, mint carefully copes with unpleasant symptoms. Many doctors advise women to drink brewed tea with natural mint, but essential oils during pregnancy are extremely dangerous and contraindicated to avoid miscarriage. You can also use mint while breastfeeding, but different types of leaves have different effects. For example, peppermint can stop milk production, but spearmint essential oil, on the contrary, stimulates lactation.
As already written above, this plant perfectly cleanses the skin, tightens pores, eliminating oiliness, pimples and acne. For some gynecological For diseases, baths with mint essential oil are considered beneficial, in which you need to stay for up to half an hour. Many scientists claim that consuming mint tincture with honey and lemon helps in the prevention and treatment of women's health. Some women suffer from increased hairiness, and if you consume mint, testosterone will decrease and unwanted hair will go away.

Harm of mint

There is a myth that if men start using mint, their sex life will decrease to zero. In fact, this is possible, but with constant consumption and in large quantities. There will be no harm if a young man drinks mint tea once a week. Moreover, with excessive abuse This plant can cause insomnia and heart pain. In case of hypotension, kidney disease, liver disease and varicose veins, the consumption of mint should be strictly limited, and it is best to completely remove it from the diet, otherwise exacerbations may occur and this will not lead to anything good.

Types of mint

Mint bushes, which have medicinal properties, a pleasant aroma and unpretentiousness in care, they grow in almost every garden, as well as in natural conditions. This plant is a perennial and there are more than 25 species of it. The most famous is peppermint, this type of mint can be white (used in perfumery) and black (for medicines), the most unpretentious type in care and care. Lemon balm (melissa, catnip) - as the name suggests, it has the smell of lemon, and is used in the culinary, perfumery, and medical fields.
Curly - it does not contain menthol. Delicate mint taste, curly leaves, plant frost-resistant, it does not contain any special therapeutic effects. Long leaf mint is grown for the production of essential oils and has a mild aroma. There is also: field, marsh, garden, green, Japanese, ginger, bergamot (used in perfumery). Well, probably the most original one is chocolate mint. It has brown leaves, a faint chocolate taste and smell, the leaves are used in making tea, baking and desserts.

Contraindications mint

Consumption of mint and essential oils contraindicated women, children under 6 years old, as well as representatives females suffering from problems with conception. People who have an allergic reaction to menthol or mint in general are also not recommended to consume this plant. In case of excessive abuse in men, the level of potency decreases. Mint is stimulating, so it should not be used if you decide to lose weight, and you should not drink cold mint tea - you may get a cold.

Mint - application

The use of mint plants is quite wide. They are used in medicinal and preventive purposes, for disinfection. In the cosmetology industry, mint has also found its use - it is added in the manufacture of various cosmetics (creams, gels, shampoos), baths, massages, masks and other Spa treatments are made with it. In medicinal cosmetological For this purpose, it is also very effective, as it copes with acne, fine wrinkles, rejuvenates and tightens the skin. They even make cosmetics out of it.
In the culinary field, mint is also used very often. She participates in the creation of first courses, meats, side dishes, and sauces. It is also mixed into baked goods, desserts, fruit and milkshakes, and even mint jam and ice cream are made.
Foot baths perfectly cope with excessive sweating of the feet in men and women, and tea with the addition of leaves will relieve stress, lift your spirits, and calm the nervous system.

Peppermint essential oil is used in small quantities for massage, baths, compresses and aromatherapy. When going to baths or saunas, you can use essential mint oils, or tinctures and decoctions of this plant. At high temperatures, all harmful toxins will be released, the skin will be cleansed, and the body will feel fresh and renewed.

Mint tincture

To calm and eliminate migraines, mint tincture is very useful. It is also very effective for nausea or vomiting, for promoting gallbladder function, and as an analgesic for mucous membranes.

The most common and simple recipe - mint leaves need to be finely chopped and poured with a glass of boiling water. Leave for half an hour, strain. You can add a little for taste. This infusion is used for headaches, insomnia and spasms. Or pour boiling water over the plant and boil for 20 minutes, cool, strain and squeeze.

For alcohol - here you will need 1 part dried mint and 20 parts alcohol (vodka, moonshine). Mix and leave for a week. You can also take 100 g of fresh mint, 5 g of cinnamon powder, pour half a liter of vodka and leave for 7 days. After this, strain, cook syrup from water and granulated sugar, add the syrup to the tincture and keep for another week in a dark, cool place.

In oil - put dry mint in a jar or bottle and pour it with vegetable oil for a couple of weeks. This mint oil tincture is used For dry type skin. Wonderful nourishes And moisturizes.
Tincture mint for sale V any pharmacy, A If her mix With others tinctures(peony, motherwort, hawthorn), That Can get double Effect from applications.

Jam from mint

Surely many heard, What from mint make , however majority Not take risks his sample or prepare. On himself in fact recipes Very simple, A taste at such jam – mind-blowing! More often Total mint jam roll up V small jars, That's why What a lot of his Not eat, A to Not gone missing or Not got windy better take jars how less, those better. Jam With mint It has specific taste, And his use V small quantities For desserts or baking. Here some simple recipes mint jam.
What will be needed: 300 ml clean water, 850 G sugar sand, 600 ml vinegar(apple), 75 G liquid pectin, 1 ,5 glasses fresh leaves mint, And By at will green food dye.

Mint should finely shred, put V stewpan, there same put water, vinegar And sugar sand. On average fire All This cook before boiling. How only mixture started boil, should take off her With slabs, pour pectin And dye. Then, stirring, again bring before boiling And take off With fire. Strain And rolls up V sterilized jars.

Strawberry—mint jam: one lemon, kilogram strawberries(fresh), half a kilo sugar sand And bunch mint. Strawberry being cleaned, washes himself, falls asleep sugar sand And juice lemon. Leave her on night. Further need to strawberries on average fire bring before boiling, after what straightaway take off, cool down And leave more on night. Behind All This time from strawberries will come out juice, A all sugar will be absorbed. After need to berries strain And received syrup boil minutes 10 —15 , after what berries And mint return V syrup And cook All minutes 20 . Hot jam spread out By glass jars And roll up.
Lemon: pair average lemons, 400 G fresh mint leaves, kilo sugar sand, floor liters water. Finely slice leaves mint, lemons cut And pour in All water. Mixture cook 15 minutes, leave on day V cool place. Strain And squeeze out decoction, fall asleep sugar And cook a couple hours on weak fire after boiling. Jam spill By seaming banks.