In the autumn period in the southern regions begins the active collection of peppermint. Unpretentious culture gained wide popularity over 250 years ago. The medicinal properties of the plant are highly appreciated by eastern and western medicine. In the 21st century, the benefits of green leaves with purple stems have not been forgotten.
Peppermint is used on a huge scale in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The benefits and harms of a unique plant for ordinary people remain a mystery. Learn this important information will help our article.
What a natural miracle?
Many beautiful legends and myths are associated with this plant, as evidenced by ancient chronicles. The Bible has repeatedly mentioned the properties of mint . The ancient Egyptians used it for embalming. In the world there are more than a hundred species of wild grass. But about 35 species, including peppermint (photo is presented in the material), are recognized as valuable for cultural cultivation.
Bred it by an artificial method - by crossing spike and water mint. The phenomenon of global popularity of a plant lies in its components. The essential oil found in the grass contains a valuable substance - menthol. It gives a cooling bitter taste and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Flavonoids that improve vascular permeability and elasticity, as well as having antioxidant and anticarcinogenic effects, were also found in the composition. Due to the presence of tarry and tannins, astringent properties are attributed to the plant. The leaves are rich in organic acids, which have a tonic, immunomodulatory and antispasmodic effect.
Leaves are added to dishes and drinks, and they also make medicinal infusions and decoctions of them, helping to improve the functioning of the nervous and digestive systems. And finally, grass is a source of essential minerals and vitamins.
Medical appointment
Peppermint, the benefits and harms of which have been well studied by experts, is used in a wide variety of therapeutic areas. It is added to ointments and creams, which are indicated for relieving pain and migraine. Drugs relieve dermatological diseases. Multiple studies, carried out for more than one decade, have shown that the grass exhibits anti-cancer effects.
The experiments were performed on animals, the result was stunning - mint stops the development of malignant tumors and improves the general condition. American scientists attribute the plant a calming effect. It is proved that regular use of peppermint tea improves digestion, prevents flatulence, bloating, heaviness and pain in the stomach.
According to experts, the essential oil has mucolytic properties: it dilutes sputum and removes mucus. Rubbing it into the chest area, you can quickly eliminate the cough and relieve sore throat. Hot drinks have a beneficial effect on pressure, normalizing it, improve blood flow and metabolic processes. Tea strengthens the immune system and regulates the menstrual cycle.
In addition, mint leaves well tone and refresh. And due to the low calorie content, such a drink can be consumed during the diet. Psychotherapists advise using oil in aromatherapy. Fragrant couples strengthen memory, promote concentration. A positive effect on the psycho-emotional state of peppermint.
Benefits and harms for men: effects on the body
The male part of the population of mint brings the same benefits as the female. True, there is an opinion that its use helps to reduce potency, causes reproductive dysfunction. What can be answered? A sense of proportion is important in everything. This also applies to the use of infusions, decoctions and preparations containing peppermint. In order not to get a negative result, do not increase the dose. In general, peppermint has a beneficial effect on men's health. The benefits and harms of it, like any plant, depend on the proper application.
Use in cosmetology
According to many experts, the herb has emollient and moisturizing properties. Without the use of chemicals, you can improve the appearance. To strengthen hair and get rid of dandruff, add five drops of essential oil to shampoos.
A scrub will help tighten and moisturize the skin. Method of preparation: mix coconut and peppermint oil with sugar. They can rub their legs. For those who suffer from problematic skin, we recommend purchasing herbal lotions. Calms, relieves rashes and excessive fatty peppermint. The grass has an antibacterial effect, it kills pathogenic bacteria and cleanses the face.
In times of lack of superfashionable anti-aging products, our ancestors used this plant. We offer to prepare a rejuvenating mask: mix fresh mint leaves (large spoon), dried chamomile (5 g), beaten egg and a spoon of honey. Apply on face for 15 minutes.
Restrictions on use
Menthol, which is contained in mint, negatively affects the amount of breast milk - reduces lactation. Refuse the use of the following plant during pregnancy. Do not give tea to children under five years of age. In small doses, peppermint is prescribed to hypotensives.
The harm directly depends on the quantity and frequency of use. It is undesirable, as mentioned above, to abuse mint drinks for men, since the components contained in them will adversely affect the production of testosterone.
How to brew?
Tea should be prepared only in glass or ceramics. You can use both dried and fresh leaves. Three hundred grams of boiling water will require two large tablespoons of herb. It should be allowed to infuse the liquid for five minutes.
Peppermint, a photo of which can be seen in the material, with black tea goes well. This is done simply - put a couple of leaves of grass in the tea leaves. To improve taste, add lemon and honey. Drinks normalize digestion and improve peristalsis.
Medicinal infusion for gastrointestinal disorders
From the next collection - 15 g mint, 60 g St. John's wort and 2 g water shamrock - take two tablespoons of the mixture and brew a glass of boiling water. Hold in a thermos for two hours, drink during the day.
As we found out, peppermint has unique properties. The benefits and harms of the plant are unequal. But be careful and prudent in its application.