Peppermint is a plant that long ago found its way from kitchen tables to medicine. In the kitchen, mint has a wide range of applications: it is used to season fish, lamb, tomatoes, cucumbers, legumes, and it is excellent for young potatoes. But, despite its diverse use in cooking, the properties of mint are still more valued as a natural medicine. In total, there are approximately 25 species of this plant. But medicine uses only one thing - peppermint, which, in turn, also has subspecies: English, noble and tea mint (which we all know very well for tea drinks).
Mint composition
Peppermint is most valued for its stem and leaves, which must be collected before flowering, because it is during this period that the plant contains the most menthol - essential oil, which gives the mint a characteristic, easily recognizable aroma. The healing properties of mint are mainly due to menthol, the content of which in the leaves is about 2.5%, and in inflorescences about 5%. In addition, important components in the composition of the plant are limonin, esters, felandren, yasmon, pinene, mentofuran, piperitone. Mint also contains rosemary, ascorbic and caffeic acid, flavonoids, bitterness, tannins, carotene and many other useful substances.
Mint needs to be collected from April to September, and the most useful are the leaves of mint, which are collected before it blooms.
Useful properties of mint in the treatment of diseases and ailments,
for skin problems and just for well-being
Peppermint, whose properties are very diverse, is accepted both internally and externally. Most often they use water infusion or peppermint tea, less often - alcohol tinctures and decoctions.
So, lotions and rubbing with mint infusion are useful for sensitive, delicate, easily inflammable skin. They tone the skin cells, perfectly relieve rashes and itching. To prepare this infusion, you need to pour a spoonful of dried mint leaves 200 g of boiling water, insist and strain for half an hour. Such an infusion can be used separately for rubbing the body or face.
The anti-inflammatory properties of mint are also widely known, which allows it to be used in the treatment of bronchitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis and a runny nose. But keep in mind that with a runny nose in children, especially infants, it is impossible to lubricate the baby’s nasopharynx with menthol, as this can lead to difficulty or even stopping his breathing. In addition, some babies (sometimes adults) are allergic to menthol. For colds, it is recommended to drink peppermint tea: pour a tablespoon of dry peppermint leaves 200 g of boiling water, soak and drink for 10 minutes. Peppermint essential oil must be added to the water during inhalation to get rid of stubborn cough.
The healing properties of mint determine its benefits for the digestive system: stomach and intestines. Peppermint infusions and teas are used to stimulate digestion, abdominal pain, to combat nausea and indigestion, vomiting, and to prevent gastritis. This is because the plant stimulates the production of saliva and gastric juice. But just for this reason, it is contraindicated in heartburn. In addition, tannins in mint inhibit the activity of bacteria in the intestines, helping to get rid of diarrhea.
Peppermint helps with heart and vascular problems: it dilates blood vessels, thereby helping to fight high blood pressure and heartbeat, especially when mixed in equal parts infusion of peppermint, chamomile and valerian. But such properties of the plant make it unsafe for people with severe low blood pressure (hypotonics).
Mint is also very effective for headaches. So, to get rid of migraines, you need to rub menthol oil (10%) in the whiskey, forehead and back of the head. For the same purpose, you can use fresh mint leaves (tied to the forehead) or a menthol pencil.
Extremely favorable mint for calming the nervous system. You can put dried mint leaves in a pillowcase, then you will fall asleep faster, and your sleep will be calmer and stronger. Well, of course, as we all know, tea with mint is useful for peace .
With menopause symptoms, mint decoction will help women fight.
Another plant is used to disinfect the oral cavity, since mint infusions effectively fight bacteria, reduce gum inflammation and freshen breath. With a bad smell from the mouth, rinse it with infusion: pour a spoonful of mint 500 g of boiling water, stand for 2 hours, filter.
The anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties of the plant make it an excellent medicine for cramping and pain, such as colic, stomach pain, swelling of the intestines, hiccups, indigestion.
And the tannins found in mint protect the intestines from irritation, which is very useful for relieving diarrhea, fighting ulcerative colitis and spastic constipation.
The bitterness of the plant stimulates the gallbladder and liver, so it is used to clean the liver and remove stones from the gallbladder. The choleretic property of mint is also known (as it promotes the flow and production of bile).
Peppermint infusion can be used to combat acne and dermatitis; it will eliminate oily sheen and narrow pores. They can wipe the skin or freeze the infusion and wipe the face with cubes of mint ice.
With mycoses (fungi), you need to grind the mint with salt between the toes, then put the pulp between the fingers for an hour. Repeat the procedure until the fungus disappears.
The healing properties of peppermint tea will help with convulsive colitis, increased acidity of the stomach, and heavy or meager periods.
A mixture of mint leaves with dandelion root helps to improve pancreatic function and diabetes mellitus: a teaspoon of crushed dandelion root is mixed with 3 teaspoons of mint leaves, 200 g of water is poured, boiled for 5-7 minutes and infused for half an hour under a lid, after which it is filtered. Take three times a day for 1/4 cup before meals.
Of course, the healing properties of mint - not a panacea for all diseases, but this plant can serve as a wonderful help in the fight for health. Take care of yourself!