Properties of mint

Mint was known to people back in antiquity. It is believed that this plant received its name in honor of nymphs of Mint. Ovid in his work "Metamorphosis"tells that Persephone, the goddess of the underworld, turned a beautiful nymph into a plant in punishment for a love affair with her husband, Hades. Ancient Greek name of the nymph Minthe in Latin was transformed into Mentha, and we have - in the "mint". In ancient Rome, it was believed that mint clarifies the mind, so scientists and nobles wore mint wreaths on their heads. Useful properties of mint were known not only in ancient Rome, but also in the east - in China, Japan and Arab countries.

There are about 25 kinds of mint, but the most known and used peppermint. This is a cultivated plant, a hybrid of water and garden mint. Useful properties of mint are due primarily to high content menthol - an essential oil that gives it a characteristicrecognizable smell. In leaves of mint contains up to 4% menthol, and in inflorescences its concentration can reach up to 6%. The content of menthol depends on the conditions of mint growing and collection time. Also mint contains ascorbic acid, carotene, tannins, ethers, menthol derivatives and other useful substances. Fresh mint is harvested from April to September, the most useful are mint leaves collected before flowering.

Useful properties of mint allow you to take it both internally and externally. Well known, for example anti-inflammatory properties of mint, allowing the use of mint in the treatmentangina, bronchitis, pharyngitis and cold. However, when treating a cold in children, especially in infancy, you can not lubricate the nasopharynx of a child with menthol, this can lead to depression and even stopping breathing. In addition, some children (and sometimes adults) are allergic to menthol.

The properties of mint make it useful for digestive system. Infusion of mint is used for stimulationdigestion, stomach upset, fight against nausea, and also for the prevention of gastritis. This is due to the fact that mint stimulates the secretion of gastric juice and saliva. But that's why mint is contraindicated for heartburn. And tannins contained in mint inhibit the activity of bacteria in the intestines, thereby helping to get rid of diarrhea.

Peppermint dilates blood vessels and thereby helps fight high blood pressure, especially if you mix the infusion of mint (1 part) withinfuse chamomile (1 part) and valerian (1.2 parts). However, such properties of mint make it unsafe for hypotension (people with pronounced decrease in blood pressure). Also mint is effective at headache. To get rid of migraine, you need to rub in the temples, the back of the head and the forehead 10% menthol oil. You can use for this purpose fresh mint leaves or a special menthol pencil.

The properties of mint are favorable for calming the nervous system. Putting dried leaves of peppermint into the pillowcase, you will fall asleep more quickly, and the dream will become stronger and calmer. Women mint broth helps to fight the unpleasant symptoms of menopause.

It is also known choleretic properties of mint. Another mint is used for disinfection of the oral cavity: infusion of mint fights bacteria, refreshesbreathing and reduces inflammation of the gums. Mint infusion can be used to combat dermatitis and acne; he will narrow the pores and eliminate the greasy shine. You can wipe their skin or freeze and rub your face with mint ice cubes.

For mint treatment, mint tea and mint infusion are most often used. For preparation mint infusion you will need:

• 1 tbsp. dried peppermint leaves


• 250 ml of boiling water

Pour mint leaves with boiling water. Insist half an hour, then strain the infusion. The dosage of mint infusion depends on the specific disease. You can prepare a mint infusion in a thermos or in a water bath. If you use fresh mint to prepare the infusion, you will need more leaves - about 3 tablespoons.

To improve digestion, calm the nervous system, combat inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract and for other purposes, mint tea is used. In order to brew Mint tea, take:

• 4 sheets of fresh mint


• 2 cups of boiling water

Rinse the mint leaves and chop finely. Pour them a cup of boiling water, count to 20 and drain the water. Then pour the mint with boiling water again and let it steep for 2 minutes. Mint tea is warm. However, you can not drink it all the time, you need to take breaks.

In addition to essential oil, infusion and mint tea, mint is used in the form decoctions and alcoholic tinctures. Of course, the beneficial properties of mint are not a panaceafrom all diseases, but this plant can be a good help in the struggle for one's health. And do not forget about other medicinal plants. Useful properties also have, for example, bay leaf and basil, as well as other plants, which we will certainly tell you in our next articles.