According to an ancient Greek legend, mint was once the nymph of Minfa, who fell victim to love squabbles and was turned into a menthol plant by the goddess of fertility. Mint tea from time immemorial has been considered a useful drink that is able to soothe the soul, allay anxiety and clear the mind. Thanks to menthol, citral, carvone, geraniol and other components, it is so fragrant and useful. However, brewing tea with mint, benefit and harm should be taken into account in order to get not only pleasure, but also sense from the drink.

There are many types of mint: wild, indoor, menthol, field, lemon, pepper. Wild mint is a rare member of the yasnotkovy family. Tea made from such mint contributes to the revitalization of the brain and gives vitality. Tea is not made from room mint, but it perfectly flavors the room. Young shoots of field mint brewed with tea perfectly satisfy headaches. Peppermint helps to solve many problems. digestive tract. Menthol mint tea is similar to peppermint in its properties, but it has a greater saturation because it contains a huge amount of menthol in the cell structure.

Mint Tea Brewing Techniques

To fully unleash the full potential of the beneficial properties of the plant, you need to learn how to brew tea with mint correctly. Of course, the process itself depends on whether the mint will be the sole basis of the drink, or whether it is planned to combine it with black or green tea.

1. Preparation of green tea with mint involves the following sequence of actions:

- Bring 1 liter of water to a boil and wait until it cools to 80 ° C;

- pour in a porcelain teapot 1 teaspoon of deciduous green tea and 1 teaspoon of dried mint or a fresh twig with mint leaves;

- give the drink infusion for three minutes.

2. Making black tea with mint includes the following steps:

- boil 1 liter of water;

- pour one teaspoon of black tea and mint into a glass or porcelain teapot and pour water at a temperature of 90 ° C;

- after 2 minutes you can pour the drink into cups;

- for sweets, you can add some honey.

3.  Making pure mint tea  based on the same steps as the previous recipes: for 1 liter of boiling water, 1 teaspoon of dry mint or a few small twigs are needed. A nice addition to this recipe is honey. It can be added directly to the drink or used in the bite.

Useful qualities

The use of this drink has a whole range of healing properties. The most important advantages include the following:

1. Tea brewed on menthol, field, lemon or peppermint eliminates anxiety and saves from insomnia;

2. Tea with wild mint improves brain activity and gives the body vitality;

3. Such a drink is a good natural antiseptic and analgesic. Headaches, migraines, aching joints can be eliminated from the periodic use of this remedy. In addition, the drink perfectly helps with various respiratory diseases, improves expectoration, copes with stuffy nose and lowers body temperature;

4. This hot drink helps hypertensive patients to lower blood pressure;

5. A decoction of peppermint and menthol mint helps eliminate nausea, relieve stomach cramps and colic, and also improves the overall condition of the digestive system and helps in the development of bile. People who suffer from flatulence this drink can reduce the amount of gas in the intestine, as it reduces the activity of fermentation processes;

6. This drink also has anti-inflammatory effects. Such tea not only helps in restoring the general condition of the body, but also contributes to the formation of strong immunity.

Harm of tea with mint

With all its advantages, there is some harm to mint tea:

1. Menthol as the main organic matter of the plant can cause an allergic reaction;

2. Due to its ability to reduce blood pressure, tea is not recommended for people with low blood pressure, as this will lead to lethargy and dizziness;

3. In the presence of varicose veins, the use of this drink can aggravate the situation;

4. Mint tea can worsen the effects of heartburn;

5. Since mint contains tannins, it is not recommended for people suffering from constipation;

6. Drinking mint tea with any homeopathic medicine can cause unwanted side effects.

Is Mint Dangerous for Men?

The answer to the question of whether tea with mint can be drunk for men depends on the type of plant being made. Of course, the use of tea with peppermint or lemon mint, which contain a large amount of menthol will adversely affect male libido, as it will inhibit the process of testosterone production.

If you brew tea with wild mint, the result will be exactly the opposite. That is why the ancient Greek troops forbade the use of drinks with wild mint.

Harm and benefits of mint tea for women

It has long been known that consuming tea with mint, benefits for women manifests itself in many aspects. Firstly, the menthol component of the drink helps in stabilizing the hormonal background of the woman. Secondly, mint tea will ensure a smooth flow of menstruation.

However, even if a woman is healthy in all aspects that relate to taking mint tea, there are two categories that still are not recommended to enjoy this refreshing drink: pregnant and lactating.

Using mint tea during pregnancy there is a risk of allergic reactionwhich was not previously observed. In particular, peppermint is dangerous for this situation, as it provokes bleeding, which is dangerous for the period of gestation. And during the third trimester period, this particular drink can cause a burning sensation in the stomach. However, in some cases, mint tea is prescribed to expectant mothers. For example, with severe toxemia in the first trimester, with excessive flatulence, with food poisoning, colds. There are many popular opinions about whether mint tea is possible for pregnant women, but in order to avoid problems with the development of the fetus, it is better to consult with your personal physician.

Unfortunately, after birth, the situation does not change radically if you plan to feed your baby with breast milk. Consuming tea with mint when breastfeeding, there are certain risks for the infant and his mother.

The effect of mint on the body of a nursing or pregnant woman

Regarding the question of whether children tea with mint is also not a single opinion. The best solution would be to hold this drink until you reach 5 years of age. Especially dangerous will be taking mint tea by children who have problems with the kidneys and nervous system.

Based on the foregoing, it is possible to distinguish categories that can drink tea with mint and who are not recommended.

Thus, mint tea, the benefits and harms of which are listed above, should be used rationally to avoid a wide range of ailments. Mint, despite its excellent taste, is medicinal plant, and any drugs do not tolerate an overdose.

Hello dear readers. Today our conversation will be devoted to a plant unique in its composition and property - peppermint. After all, since ancient times, mint is considered "the grass of longevity." Its healing properties are widely used in modern pharmacology, aroma and phytotherapy, as well as alternative medicine. The enormous positive effect of mint on the human body is known, thanks to research that has been repeatedly carried out in the best laboratories around the world. Mint cures various diseases, preventing their development just as effectively. It soothes, has a beneficial effect on the state of the gastrointestinal tract, strengthens the immune system, helps to cope with viral diseases  and so on. And yet, mint is a valuable culinary ingredient used to make not only teas, but also soups, cereals, desserts.

Mint decoction

A mint decoction is prepared according to the following recipe: a mint bundle is put into enameled dishes, filled with 1 liter of water, boiled for 10 minutes after boiling, removed from the stove to cool and leave.

You can take 50-100 milliliters 2 times a day for 1 week. Every day, for treatment, you should prepare a fresh decoction.

Mint infusion

How to prepare an infusion on water? It is very easy! One tablespoon of mint leaves (green, fresh) is poured in a teapot with a glass of boiling water and infused for 5-6 minutes.

As a preventive measure, it can be used as an ordinary tea, 1-4 times a week. In the medical - every day, 1-3 times a day for 150 milliliters, but not longer than 7-10 days in a row.

Mint leaves - application

They are widely used in industry (pharmaceutical and cosmetic - most often), as well as - in cooking.

But there is another area where you can not do without them, it is - unconventional medicine. Along with the leaves, for the preparation of certain means, can be used and the stems and flowers of mint.

In percentage terms, the leaves occupy more than 70% of the total raw material used in recipes. Leaves can also be used externally. So, gruel of them can be used for hardening of the breast, for the treatment of fungal skin lesions, consisting of cosmetic masks  and so on.

Mint leaves are widely used in cooking when cooking desserts, baking, decorating dishes. It is part of many sweet sauces and meat sauces.

Mint - what are the benefits and harm for women and men

Quite a lot has already been said about the benefits of this incredible plant. And although this topic is inexhaustible, it is necessary to answer the question that often sounds: what can be the harm of mint for women and men? Indeed, in this aspect one should answer separately for both sexes.

So, men need to be careful with the use of peppermint and in any case not part with it, because it can adversely affect potency and libido.

For women, the overly frequent inclusion of mint in the diet can be harmful, in terms of the inability of the eggs to fertilize.

Mint for pregnant women, useful or harmful?

In general, it benefits the future mother and the fetus, as it nourishes the body with many irreplaceable elements. But one should not abuse it, and also - it is better to exclude mint in case of difficult course of pregnancy.

Ideally, it is better to consult a doctor about whether you can use mint, and in what quantities, or for the time being to refrain from this.

Can mint be used for children?

There are no strict contraindications to this. But, childhood  up to 5 years is a reason to significantly, or completely, limit the consumption of even weakly concentrated peppermint tea.

Also, you can not give children tincture of it, cooked with vodka.

How to prepare mint

Among the huge variety medicinal herbsMint is perhaps one of those that are the easiest to prepare.

You can cut it at any time of year, while it is green: before flowering, during it (optimum time), after.

But, even better, use green mint. Therefore, if you have your own site, you can take from there the amount that you need.

Mint - unpretentious plant that grows in almost every garden. The beneficial properties of mint allow it to be effectively used in various fields.

Mint Types

Currently, there are quite a large number of mint species. Total known about 25 species. The most popular are transverse and regular mint.

Peppermint

Cross mint has received the maximum popularity, it contains a large amount of menthol. This plant has been successfully used in medicine and cosmetology. Menthol is in toothpaste added to various medications  for the treatment of skin diseases, as well as in nasal drops from nasal congestion.

Peppermint has many beneficial properties:

• It has a diuretic effect, due to which excess fluid leaves the body. Lovers of pickles, it is recommended to drink daily tea with mint.
• Used as an antiemetic: combine a little mint juice and pomegranate juice. Such a composition can relieve nausea and prevent vomiting.
• Has a choleretic effect, helps to lose weight.
• Mint tea normalizes the nervous system, relieves anxiety.
• It has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. It is necessary to boil fresh mint for a few minutes and take ready tea with a headache.
• Lotions of mint decoction should be used to relieve itching of the scalp.
• Used to treat hair. To do this, after each wash, rinse your hair with a warm mint decoction. At the same time it is impossible to dry strands with a hair dryer. This tool perfectly nourishes the hair, stimulates their growth, fights split ends, and gives natural shine.

Plain mint

To this type can be attributed Japanese mint, water, marsh and apple. Mint leaves contain a large amount of menthol, due to which they have antispasmodic, antiseptic and analgesic effects. This plant can be used externally or in the form of tea.

It is helpful to take mint tea inside. severe pain  in the abdomen, with angina. The plant is used externally for neuralgia, severe toothache, bronchitis, and respiratory diseases. Mint thanks to its healing propertiesIt is added to various pills, drops, ointments and other medicines.

With the help of decoctions of mint, you can relieve inflammation in the mouth, heartburn, abdominal cramps, pain in the heart. This plant has a tonic effect, can normalize heart palpitations. It is used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, constipation and flatulence.

Mint favorably affects the work of the liver, gently cleanses it. Used when removing stones from the gallbladder.

The benefits of mint

The healing properties of this plant help fight a lot of serious problems. Using mint can be cured:

• Excessive sweating. If you make lotions with mint juice, you can narrow wide pores and reduce excessive sweating.
• Gynecological inflammation. The essential oil of the plant should be added to the bath water. It should take 10-20 minutes.
• Hormonal disorders manifested by obesity and excessive hair growth on the body and face. This plant contains phytoestrogen, which can reduce the level of testosterone in a woman's body.
• Infertility. It is believed that the use of mint infusion helps to get pregnant, in the absence of congenital abnormalities.
• Negative manifestations of menopause. The main ones are: anxiety, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and nervous disorders.
• Mastopathy. Mint in the complex therapy helps in the fight against this disease.
• Pain during menstruation.
• Mint soothes, relieves stress and fatigue.
• Reduces the likelihood of diseases of the nervous system and heart.
• Helps from toothache.
• Relieves the nose from congestion.
• Freshens breath.
• Helps against diseases of the genitourinary system.

Teas and infusions from mint quench thirst, remove toxins, drown out the feeling of hunger, normalize the secretion of gastric juice.

Mint Harm

When used excessively, mint tea can bring not only benefits, but also harm, which is manifested by the following features:

• skin rash, itching;
• nausea, vomiting;
• respiratory failure;
• bronchospasm;
• skin redness;
• strong headache;
• in men, absent-mindedness may appear.

Contraindications

Mint has beneficial features  and contraindications.

• The use of this plant is not recommended for people with low blood pressure.
• Should not be treated with mint with individual intolerance to this plant.
• Do not get carried away mint during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This may lead to a decrease in the amount of milk. And in the first months of pregnancy can provoke uterine bleeding or miscarriage.
• It is not recommended to use more than 1 cup of mint tea to active men, because it can reduce testosterone levels.

Composition

Mint is rich in a variety of nutrients. 100 g of fresh mint contains:

• carbohydrates - 6.89 g;
• proteins - 3.75 g;
• ash - 1.76 g;
• fats - 0.94 g;
• dietary fiber - 8 g;
• water - 78.65 g;
• calorie content - 70 kcal.

How to cook

Mint gives dishes an exquisite aroma. The plant refreshes, calms, charges with cheerfulness and energy. Peppermint is most often used in the preparation of refreshments. Mint tea can be drunk in summer and winter. This plant is used in the preparation of various meat, fish dishes, soups, desserts, decoctions.

This plant is very fragrant and tasty. You can make it herbal infusions  or add to taste in black and green teas.

Mint tea making methods:

• A few leaves of dry mint and a small spoonful of green or black tea should be filled with boiling water and allowed to stand for 10 minutes. You can also add some honey for sweets.
• Mint tea. To make tea with mint, you need to pour 1 tbsp. l mint glass of boiling water. Hold the drink for 10 minutes. Tea turns out delicious and hot and cold. For a sour taste, you can add a slice of lemon.
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Health 04/28/2014

Dear readers, today I propose to talk about such a familiar and, probably, many beloved grass like mint. One name "mint" and immediately goes the flavor, right? At least I always have such associations. This fragrant grass  has long been considered healing.

It is popular in our time. And her medicinal properties  supplemented by applications in cooking and cosmetology. Remembering mint, we most often associate it with freshness. After all, the "calling card" of this plant - it is her scent - fresh and spicy.

What only "with the taste and smell of mint" did not come up with modern industry: perfumes and deodorants, teas and cocktails, ointments and toothpastes. But what is it? Marketing ploy? Or does mint really possess such wide spectrum  actions? I propose to get acquainted with this familiar grass and find out what benefits it can bring, how and for what it can be used.

To begin with, there are quite a lot of mint varieties - around 25. The most common for us is peppermint. In pharmacology, in addition to it, steppe and water mint are also sometimes used. Peppermint appeared as a result of the crossing of two species - water mint and spike mint. It is found in two versions: white mint (completely green) and black mint (it has a red-purple stem and streaks on the leaves).

It looks like an inconspicuous plant, however, it was still appreciated in ancient times. It was believed that mint is able to clarify the mind, so the Roman thinkers and philosophers wore mint wreaths. Aristotle walked around in wreaths of mint, somewhere they cast out evil spirits, in Russia they hung her everywhere to remove her eyes. She was presented as a gift and even payment for a product or service.

The main trump card for which peppermint is valued is the menthol contained in it. Special peppermint oil, by the specific spicy smell of which we will recognize peppermint. This essential oil is contained in the land part of the plant - leaves and inflorescences.

Mint. Composition.

In addition to menthol in mint there is a whole list of medicinal substances of absolutely natural origin:

• Vitamin C
• Tannins
• Carotene
• Rutin
• Phytosterols

Mint. Beneficial features

1. Pain relieves
  2. Mint has a strong bactericidal effect.
  3. It has vasodilator and choleretic action.
  4. Tones
  5. Soothes
  6. Has anti-cancer effect

All of these properties of mint make the range of its use is quite wide. And it is used not only in the recipes of alternative medicine, but also in official pharmacology. Everyone knows mint pills for nausea, cough ointment and rhinitis. But what can we say - the old acquaintance "Pectusin" is also made on the basis of mint.

What can fragrant grass help? What solves the problem?

• Medicated mint is used to treat catarrhal diseases, bronchitis, laryngitis, sore throat and diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
• It will help to cope with headaches, nervous agitation, insomnia and depression.
• Relieve constipation and colic, bitter peppermint will help the flow of bile and clean the liver.
• It stabilizes the heart rhythm, expands blood vessels and helps with increased pressure.
• Well disinfects the oral cavity, freshens breath, reduces inflammation of the gums.
• It will help women cope with the difficulties caused by the period of menopause.

I propose to watch the video about the beneficial properties of mint.

Mint. Application

1. Mint tea. The most common recipe using "menthol grass" is tea with mint. This drink will relieve nervous irritability, calm, give a strong healthy sleep. Also useful for colds. We need four leaves of fresh mint. Finely chop them and pour a cup of boiled water. We are waiting for 20 seconds and drain the water. After that, pour mint again with a cup of boiling water and let it stand for 2 minutes. According to the testimony during the day, you can drink one glass of mint tea. I do not know about you, but I love this tea so much. At the cottage we have a lot of mint growing. And then you tear a few leaves, brew them, or just 1-2 leaves in any tea you put and enjoy the aroma. Just do not pass. And for the winter I dry it always. Moreover, no matter how much I dry it, it is always not enough. I give to my friends and always. Everyone knows my love for mint.
2. Mint infusion. This recipe uses dried herb. We take one tablespoon and pour a glass of boiling water, let it stand for 30-40 minutes. Strain and drink one-third of a cup twice a day, about 20 minutes before meals. Mint infusion is used as a preventive measure for gastritis, for getting rid of nausea and pain in the heart. After drinking half a glass of means, you can stop vomiting. The same infusion will help to cope with bad breath. In this case, it is used as rinsing.
3. Mint decoction. This tool will facilitate the condition of the female body during menopause. Two teaspoons of dried mint pour 500 ml of hot water and bring to a boil over low heat. Boil for 10 minutes and then give another 30 minutes to infuse. Eat one tablespoon three to four times a day for half an hour before eating.
4. Peppermint Essential Oil   well helps with bloating, heartburn. You can drop a few drops of peppermint oil in a tablespoon of water or on a piece of sugar. It is also used for inhalations, carried out using a nebulizer. So treat bronchitis or a cold, accompanied by coughing.
5. You can cook and spirit tincture of mint . For this, a teaspoon of dry mint is poured 100 ml of alcohol. Give brew for a week and use for headaches, anointing the temples.

Mint in cosmetology

The disinfecting and toning properties of mint could not remain unnoticed by cosmetologists. And from their positions, they also declare the benefits of mint, recommending to use it for making lotions.

Prepare a mint tonic lotion.

Toning mint lotion is as easy to prepare as a decoction. Take the color of mint or mint leaves (1 tablespoon) and fill with a glass of boiling water, then on low heat for 15 minutes. We are waiting for the broth to cool, and wipe the face.

Mint mask from inflamed and watery eyes.

Inflamed red watery eyes will save the mask of mint. Take two tablespoons of mint and pour 500 ml boiling water. Insist for half an hour and filter and squeeze. In fact, we are preparing a decoction, but now we need not liquid, but gruel from brewed herbs. That is, the resulting decoction can be applied at its discretion, but the cooled gruel is wrapped in several layers of gauze. Put to the eyes for 15 minutes.

Mint mask to strengthen hair and to combat baldness.

We take a tablespoon of mint and two teaspoons of lemon balm and oak bark. Fill 500 ml of boiling water and leave to infuse for 24 hours. Squeeze and mix the resulting gruel with yogurt (2 cups). Apply the product on the scalp and hair and hold for about half an hour. After the procedure, wash the hair with shampoo.

But alcohol tincture  Peppermint is used to combat baldness. Every evening it should be rubbed into the affected areas of the scalp. It is better to do this with a cotton pad. By the way, the infusion of mint obtained during preparation of the mask can be used after washing as a hair rinse. Here is a waste-free production.

Mint in cooking.

Scented herb is often used for culinary purposes. Fresh mint leaves are used in salads, vegetable soups. They complement the taste of cheeses and fish dishes, decorate pastries.

Dried and fresh mint is found in the recipes of marinades and sauces, is actively used for the preparation of cocktails and soft drinks.

Here are a few mint recipes:

1. Mint Jam. Recipe. 300 g of fresh mint (you can take not only the leaves, but the stems and flowers) pour 0.5 liters of water. To enhance the taste and smell, you can add chopped finely lemon along with the peel. Cook it all for 10 minutes and let it brew for 24 hours. After we filter everything and the resulting infusion is boiled again, this time adding sugar (700-900 g) for about two hours on a very small fire, we practically do not boil it, but “boil it”. We pour into banks and close for future use or use immediately. It can be used as a tasty and healthy cold medicine.
2. Greek sauce of cucumbers and mint (Tzatsiki) . Grate rubbed peeled cucumber and seeds. We place the yogurt (natural, savory) in a colander laid with paper towel or gauze. It is necessary to separate the liquid. It will take about four hours. Strained yogurt and grated cucumber mix, add salt (0.5 tsp) garlic chopped (12 cloves), pepper and chopped fresh mint (about 20 leaves). Let stand in the fridge for a couple of hours and try.
3. Non-alcoholic Mojito (Mint Cocktail) . In general, this drink is considered to be alcoholic, but it is also tasty in a “sober” form. Six sprigs of fresh mint tear into pieces and throw in a glass, there we fall asleep a teaspoon of sugar. In the original recipe, brown sugar is indicated, but I tried cooking with plain white (if there was no brown on hand) - delicious! Pound the mint with sugar. Cut into four halves of lime (also, if desired, you can substitute lemon). Next, pour all this with crushed ice and pour about 200 ml of sparkling water. If you want alcoholic mojito - add 40 ml of rum. A matter of taste and circumstances.

Mint. Contraindications

The ban for the use of drugs based on mint is reduced pressure (hypotension). No need to use mint oil for pregnant and lactating. Mint should not be given to children under four years. Also, do not get involved in crumpled men. Long-term use of it can cause a decrease in libido and the decline of “male power.

In both men and women with an overdose, sleep disturbance is possible. And in general, it should be remembered that mint is medicine, which means that it should be used strictly as prescribed.

And you need to know another subtlety in the use of mint. For anyone who has problems with the digestive tract, mint can provoke heartburn. So we will be wise. Do not overdo it with mint. In all the measure is good.

How to choose a mint?

Actually, there are three options - to buy, collect and stock up or grow with your own hands.

1. Buy mint.

Dried grass is simple - it is always sold in pharmacies. As separately, and as a part of charges (as a rule, sedatives, chest or choleretic). But fresh can be found mainly in large supermarkets. Since mint is used for culinary purposes, it can be found in stores as a cooking product. Or on the market you can buy. If you buy mint in the supermarket or from private owners, pay attention to its color, and just smell it. She should smell mint. Her smell is pronounced.

2. How to collect and dry mint.

Here we will need to go a little further than the nearest pharmacy or supermarket. Best of all is out of town, into the forest, where the grass is not fed up with exhausts and polluted urban air. Many people plant mint on private plots in order to use it for health and beauty.

You can store it fresh or in water or in the refrigerator. If you put it in water, it will remind you such a fresh fragrant bunch. How nice, right? I like. But it will stay so long after all.

Both wild-growing, and garden mint need to be collected during flowering period. It happens once a year and falls in June-July. Previously, collecting mint does not make sense - young plants, after drying, will lose their properties and aroma.

You need to collect only dry mint. So the options after the rain or early in the morning, when there is dew on the leaves, will not work. We must wait. While the leaves are dry and only then tear the leaves separately or together with the stem.

Collected stalks and leaves should be divided into small bunches and hanged to dry away from sunlight - in a dark but well-ventilated place. You can create suitable conditions in the balcony or attic. If only the leaves were collected, they can be decomposed on the canvas, but also removed from the light and provide access to fresh air.

Dried mint can be stored in a glass jar, tightly closed with a lid, or placed in fabric bags.

3. Grow mint at home.   Like any other greens, mint can be grown at home on the windowsill.

From me to you my favorite recipe for mint homemade lemonade.

Take chilled sparkling water, lime or lemon, add everything to mineral water to taste, pour it into a glass, put mint leaf there and decorate it with a glass on top or side. Simple, useful, affordable and very fragrant!

My soulful gift for you Ashkenazy plays Chopin Waltz No.19 in A minor   David Ashkenazi is an amazing musician. Interestingly, he learned to play the piano on his own. Performed in cinemas during the shows a little movie. Then there was the Moscow Conservatory, in the postwar years was the accompanist of Rashid Beybutov, Isabella Yuryeva, Alla Bayanova, Claudia Shulzhenko, Lyudmila Zykina, Mark Bernes, Valentina Tolkunova, Joseph Kobzon, Marina Gordon, worked in the theater of variety show.

I wish you all good health, good mood. Use all recipes with wisdom.

Mint is an ancient aromatic plant that was discovered and used many centuries ago. The plant began to gain its popularity in ancient Greece, but when its fame reached Ancient Russia, here he was given the name “mint” known to us today. As a rule, the grass used in therapeutic purposes, but also it was used in everyday life. She washed the floors, making the indoor air better. Likewise, it was considered an excellent hand rinse. Even in those days, people were convinced that this herb contributes to refreshing the mind. For this reason, noble people wore wreaths on their heads, which were made of mint.

Experts allocate a large number of its varieties.

Types and varieties of mint

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

We most often found pepper, field and fragrant mint.

Mint composition

Vitamins:  And,, D, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, PP.

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

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

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

Calorie mint -  50-70 kcal per 100 g

Useful properties and benefits of mint

• it has analgesic and diuretic properties,
• helps with
• prevention and treatment
• relaxes the abdominal muscles
• improves digestion
• treats diseases of the stomach,
• eliminates flatulence,
• helps with diarrhea,
• promotes weight loss
• stops the putrefactive processes in the intestines,
• eliminates the feeling of nausea
• treats diseases of the respiratory system
• fights tuberculosis and bronchitis
• slows heartbeat
• helps with
• eliminates
• 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
• takes off pruritus,
• improves skin and hair.

Peppermint oil is one of the most popular. It is loved due to its aroma, which captures the pleasant notes of chill.

Mint smell is considered to be feminine, it symbolizes her charm, courage, desire for adventures. Peppermint energy is able to completely renew and rejuvenate a person. That is why oil is often used to improve the functioning of the nervous system. It gives confidence, relieves irritability, relieves anxiety, strengthens the heart. In addition, mint oil is recommended to carry with you, if you are swayed in transport.

In cosmetology, it is used to treat skin diseasesdiseases oral cavity  and improve the condition of the hair.

Tea with mint

Mint tea is drunk for calm and for spiritual harmony. In addition, flavored drink eliminates indigestion, increases appetite, and tones beautifully in the heat. It is used for therapeutic purposes to reduce cough and reduce temperature.

Recipe "Tea with mint"

It is prepared very simply. Need fresh leaves of mint or 1 tbsp. dry raw material brew 1 cup boiling water. The decoction will be ready in 10-15 minutes. Optionally, you can add a slice and a stick .

Mint during pregnancy

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

During pregnancy, the herb helps with nausea, relieves colic, itching and relaxes the nervous system. In addition, tea with mint leaves copes very well with constipation, which is often found in women in this period.

Contraindication and harm of mint

• individual intolerance,
• infertility,
• breast-feeding,
• children under 3 years old

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

Mint for men

The negative impact of mint on male potency is a very common misconception. A negative result is achieved only on 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 tea with grass, and even very rarely, then there is no cause for concern.

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

When to collect mint

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

How to dry mint

1 way.  Cut grass stalks together with leaves and flowers. Rinse the bottom part with clean water, wait until it drains. Then spread the mint on a clean cloth somewhere in the shade so that the sun's rays do not fall on it.

2 way.  Collect the grass in sparse bundles and hang on a hook in a dark place. The room should be well ventilated. The sun adversely affects the aroma of grass - avoid it when harvesting raw materials.

3 way. For a quick billet process, either the oven is suitable. But this is not recommended, as many useful properties of the grass are lost.

How to store mint

1. Freezing.  Thanks to the production of modern refrigerators, there is an amazing way to store greens, berries, vegetables, etc. for a long time. So why not use this method and freeze mint? A particularly excellent option is freezing, which will easily find their application. They can be added to self-made cocktails, also used in soups and salads. In winter, frozen mint can be brewed and enjoy unparalleled fragrant tea with healing properties.

2. “Wet” method.  You can use a good option that will keep fresh mint leaves for 7 days. To do this, it is recommended to wet the towel, wrap the mint in it and send it in the refrigerator. You can resort to using another option: put mint in a bucket or a vase. First, it will allow to keep it for a long time, and secondly, it will saturate your home with an unsurpassed flavor. Only in this case it is necessary to change the water in which the mint stands daily.

3. Dry method.  It has long been famous for "drying" of healing herbs - it allows you to store them for many years. The only drawback when choosing this method is that over time, mint loses its useful properties. That is why it is best to update the mint stock every year. The methods of drying were discussed above.

Mint application

Medicinal properties of mint. Mint treatment

Mint for insomnia, headaches and irritability

Drink mint tea 1-2 times a day.

Mint with high acidity

20 g mint + 10 g valerian + 15 g + 10 g dill seeds + 10 g cumin seeds + 5 g hops. Grass mixture pour 5 cups of boiling water. Take a decoction in the morning on an empty stomach for 1 glass every 2 hours throughout the day.

Mint for digestion

Take 1 cup of mint decoction in the morning and evening.

Mint from wounds and bruises

Crush the mint and attach it in the form of a compress on a sore spot. Leave it for 15-20 minutes.

Mint for oral cavity

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

Mint for face

Mint Oily Skin Mask

Crush fresh leaves or add water to dry raw materials. Apply grass to face and leave for 15 minutes, then rinse with water. You can add 1-2 drops of peppermint essential oil to your beloved cosmetic  or base oil.

Mint Moisturizing Mask

1 tbsp. chopped leaves of the plant (or 1 drop of essential oil) + 1-2 tablespoons. or . The mixture is applied on the face for 10-15 minutes.

Ice cubes for face with mint

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

Mint for hair

Mint improves hair growth, gives them shine, does not allow them to mess. Apply 2-3 drops of essential oil to the comb and spread it over the entire length of the curls.

Mint Hair Conditioner

Prepare 0.5-1 l (depending on the length of the hair) decoction of mint. Rinse their head after shampooing, do not wash it off.

Mint Cooking

The herb is used in the preparation of smoothies, cocktails, soups, fruit and vegetable salads. Mint gives an unusual taste 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, for example, lemonade.

Do you use mint in aromatherapy? 🙂 🙂

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