Perennial photophilous plant with branched stems, which under favorable conditions grow up to 100 cm. Leaves, simple, pubescent. The flowers are purple or whitish, collected in whorls or inflorescences. All types of mint in their composition contain essential oils, the main component of which is menthol.
What do you know about mint
The plant is common in many temperate countries. Mint, the harm and benefits of this plant are known to man since antiquity. It is used in cooking, confectionery, alcoholic beverage industry. In addition, this herb is often added to teas, used as a medicine for colds. Peppermint is the basis of many soft drinks, sweets, syrups, ice cream. Fresh peppermint greens add an extraordinary flavor to soups.
Distilling stems cut to flowering, in many countries get the most valuable essential oil. Mint is a plant that has found wide application in perfumery and medicinal collections.
The plant grows in sunny or slightly shaded places, in well-moistened soil. It grows on all lands except clay. It blooms and is suitable for collection in the first year.
What is mint
The plant is widespread in many countries of the world. There are different types of mint. But today we will tell you about its most popular varieties. The undisputed leader in this list is peppermint. The properties and contraindications of this plant have long been studied by scientists.
The plant was first bred in the UK by breeding in the 16th century. This is a perennial that grows to a height of one meter. The leaves have a bright green color. The roots are not deep (15 cm), have large nodes. Many small roots diverge from them.
Peppermint flowers can be pale purple, less often purple. They are collected in inflorescences. The plant begins to bloom in June and ends in August.
Peppermint: properties and contraindications
This plant has many valuable beneficial properties:
- improves digestion;
- It is a sedative and painkiller;
- relieves insomnia;
- has anti-inflammatory effect;
- used in the treatment of heart and vascular diseases;
- treats skin diseases;
- used in the treatment of the bladder.
Along with such an extensive list of useful characteristics that peppermint possesses, one cannot but say about the contraindications that this mint plant is endowed with. The harm and benefits of this herb, or rather knowledge of them, are extremely important for all lovers of this fragrant plant. So, to whom is peppermint contraindicated?
Caution is advised to drink peppermint tea for people with hypotension (low blood pressure).
Not recommended for nursing mothers and pregnant women.
It is forbidden to use peppermint for allergies.
As you can see, peppermint, properties and contraindications for use are already well studied, it is a powerful natural medicine. When preparing infusions and decoctions, strictly observe the dosage. Otherwise, it will cause drowsiness.
These contraindications apply to almost all types.
Garden Mint
This grass grows in almost all gardens. A fairly powerful plant that grows up to 90 cm in height. In this form, essential oil is appreciated, or rather, the substance that makes up its substance - carvone. Thanks to him, garden mint does not have such a powerful burning and cooling effect as peppermint. It is used in the manufacture of chewing gum, added to non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, and aromatizes toothpaste. In addition, this mint is also used in perfumes. The harm and benefits of this herb (unlike peppermint) are poorly expressed.
Mint field
It grows around the world, often in the wild. It is found along river banks and in wet meadows. Field mint is a bush, 80 cm high, with a branched stem and large rhizome.
This mint has no pungent odor and menthol, cooling taste. It is added to fish and vegetable dishes, salads, for the preparation of tonic drinks.
For medicinal purposes, it is used for inflammatory processes and headaches.
Mint
A powerful plant that can reach a height of 120 cm. Long-leaved mint has a tetrahedral branched stem and a powerful creeping rhizome. Leaves with serrated and serrated edges, saturated green with a delicate aroma. The plant is valued for its essential oil. It has antiseptic and analgesic effects.
It is used as seasoning for salads, broths, vegetable soups. Sometimes this type of mint is added to meat (more often to fried beef), used in confectionery production, with sauerkraut.
Apple Mint
This is a small bush with a height of not more than 60 cm. It is distinguished by small round, velvety leaves of bright green color. The plant is endowed with a less intense, but very delicate aroma. This type can be added to vegetable and fish dishes, as well as in pastries.
As you understand, in the format of a small article, we could not talk about all the varieties that mint is famous for. The harm and benefits of these plants are still being studied by scientists around the world. But today it is safe to say that it should be used as teas, infusions, decoctions with caution, and preferably, after consulting with your doctor first.