Mint - 12 Medicinal Properties, 15 Types With Photos, 12 Recipes

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:43

Mint: useful and medicinal properties, recipes, types

Today man knows about three hundred species of mint, but only about 20-25 species of this plant are widespread. But in folk medicine, peppermint is mainly used. The main difference between mint and other plant species is, of course, its aroma. However, the aroma of peppermint is much stronger than that of its congeners.

Peppermint is a perennial plant in the family of the Lamb family. The stem of peppermint is tetrahedral, hollow, about one meter high. The leaves are ovoid, elongated, with denticles along the edges, and the root is horizontal and woody. This plant begins to bloom in June and lasts until September.

Most of all, in peppermint, the stem and leaves are valued, which must be collected before flowering, since it is at this time that the plant contains the most essential oil - menthol. In the chemical composition of mint, the main element is menthol. About 2.5% of menthol is contained in the leaves, in the inflorescences its amount reaches 4-6%.

Content:

• 12 incredibly beneficial properties of mint

  1. Relieves Pain and Bowel Upset
  2. Relieves headaches and migraines
  3. Refreshes breath
  4. Facilitates nasal breathing
  5. Relieves Fatigue
  6. Relieves menstrual pain
  7. Natural antibiotic
  8. Normalizes sleep
  9. Helps in weight loss
  10. Relieves allergies
  11. Improves your concentration and memory
  12. This is the perfect drink

• Medicinal properties of mint for women

  • Can pregnant women drink mint?
  • Can lactating women use mint?
  • Mint for oily skin
  • Benefits of mint for men
• Species of mint, with photos and names
• For what diseases is mint used?

• Recipes for the use of mint in traditional medicine

  • Mint infusion
  • Peppermint essential oils

• How to make peppermint tincture?

  • How to take peppermint tincture?
  • Peppermint tincture for hair growth

• Slimming mint

  Slimming cucumber, lemon, ginger and mint drink

• How to brew mint?

• Recipes for making desserts and lemonades with mint

  • Mojito recipe with lime and mint
  • Homemade lemonade
  • Mint dessert
  • Mint syrup
• How to grow mint at home on a windowsill?
• How to collect and harvest mint correctly?
• Contraindications to the use of mint
• Why do cats need catnip? Is it harmful to them?
• Conclusion

12 incredibly beneficial properties of mint

Mint leaves have undeniable health benefits. On this occasion, several studies have been carried out that have confirmed the assumptions of scientists. Mint improves digestion, freshens breath, improves concentration. It acts as an antibiotic, helps reduce allergy symptoms, relieve headaches, and clear sinuses. Mint tea does not contain caffeine, so you can take it at any time of the day.

Peppermint leaves contain essential oils: menthol, menthone and limonene. It is menthol that gives mint its characteristic aroma, familiar to everyone. It is also responsible for the cooling properties of mint.

Many people drink mint tea because of its pleasant taste and smell, but not everyone knows that it has health benefits. There are at least 12 of these properties, and they are all proven by science.

1. Relieves pain and bowel upset

Consuming peppermint can help you get rid of excess gas and reduce bloating. Studies conducted on animals suggest that the substances contained in the plant help to relax the muscles of the digestive system, thereby relieving pain. The smooth muscles of the intestine stop actively contracting, due to which the spasms become less pronounced.

A review of 9 studies concludes that mint may help improve irritable bowel syndrome. In total, 926 people with IBS took part in the experiments. They all took peppermint for 14 days ^[1].

Another study involved 72 IBS patients who took peppermint capsules. After 4 weeks, the severity of the symptoms of the disease in them decreased by 40% compared with people who received placebo (in the control group, this figure was 24.3%) ^[2].

At least 14 clinical trials have been conducted with 2000 children. It was found that their peppermint also helps relieve abdominal pain ^[3].

Peppermint oil capsules can be used by people undergoing cancer chemotherapy, as they can reduce the intensity of symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. This was established in a study involving 200 people. ^[4]

For the experiments, we did not use mint tea in its pure form, but it can be assumed that it has the same effect on the body as mint oil, that is, it relaxes the muscles of the digestive system.

2. Relieves headaches and migraines

There is evidence that mint may help relieve headaches. It contains menthol, which increases blood flow and also gives a feeling of coolness. Scientists suggest that the pain becomes less pronounced precisely due to this effect.

Applying peppermint oil to the temples and forehead has been found to relieve the headache. The effect develops after 2 hours. The study involved 35 people. As a result, the scientists' hypothesis was confirmed ^[5].

In another study of 41 patients with headache, peppermint oil applied to the forehead was found to have the same effect as acetaminophen taken at 1000 mg ^[6].

No research has been done on mint tea, but it has been suggested that inhaling the scent may help reduce headaches.

3. Refreshes breath

It's not for nothing that peppermint is used as a flavoring agent in toothpastes, mouthwashes and chewing gums. In addition to a pleasant aroma, it has an antibacterial effect, helping to destroy microbes that multiply in plaque. As a result, the breath becomes fresher.

In a study of patients undergoing spinal surgery, peppermint with tea tree oil and lemon was used to rinse the mouth. All patients noted that their bad breath became less pronounced ^[7].

Another experiment was conducted with the participation of schoolgirls. All of them noted an improvement in breathing after a week of regular rinsing of the mouth with mint infusion ^[8].

Peppermint prevents the growth of microbes in the mouth, thereby freshening the breath. There is speculation that mint tea has a similar effect.

4. Facilitates nasal breathing

Mint has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, tea based on this plant can be used to combat the common cold in ARVI, colds and sinusitis ^[9].

Peppermint menthol improves the perception of air flow in the nasal cavity. Therefore, inhaling the vapors of peppermint tea makes it easier to breathe with sinus congestion.

There is evidence that mint tea, along with chicken broth and other warm liquids taken by mouth, relieves nasal congestion.

5. Relieves the feeling of fatigue

Daytime fatigue has a negative effect on performance in general. Mint tea energizes, helps to overcome asthenia symptoms more easily.

There is an assumption that the compounds that make up peppermint have a beneficial effect on the energy potential of the body. In a study of 24 healthy young adults, they found that they were less tired on cognitive tests when they received capsules containing peppermint ^[10].

It has also been experimentally found that inhaling mint aromas allows you to overcome daytime sleepiness.

6. Relieves menstrual pain

Mint has been shown to have the ability to relax muscles, so it should come as no surprise that it can help reduce painful cramps during your period.

In an experiment involving 127 women, it was found that peppermint extract, taken by mouth, has the same effect as NSAIDs. There is no difference in the strength and duration of the analgesic effect. Therefore, it is possible that mint tea can be taken to relieve pain during menstruation ^[11].

7. Natural antibiotic

It has been scientifically found that peppermint oil has antibacterial effects. There is evidence that it is active against Escherichia coli, Listeria, Salmonella ^[12].

In addition, it has been proven that peppermint oil is detrimental to staphylococci and microbes that cause pneumonia ^[13].

Another antibacterial effect of peppermint is to destroy the microbial flora that lives in the mouth.

Research confirms that peppermint is effective in killing bacteria that cause food poisoning and other infectious diseases ^[14].

8. Normalizes sleep

Mint tea is the perfect drink before bed, as it does not contain the mind-arousing caffeine. In addition, mint acts as a muscle relaxant, helping to relax the body.

In one experiment, it was found that peppermint oil prolonged sleep in mice that had previously been offered sedatives. At the same time, menthol does not have a sedative effect on the body ^[15], ^[16].

9. Helps in weight loss

Anyone who wants to lose weight can replace regular tea with mint. It has zero calories and has a pleasant sweetish taste.

In one study of 13 people, peppermint oil capsules were found to suppress appetite ^[17].

Although there are other data obtained during the experiment on mice. In contrast, rodents treated with peppermint extract were found to gain body weight compared with the control group ^[18].

Mint tea helps to reduce appetite, which means that you stop overeating. However, there is not enough research on its use for weight loss.

10. Relieves allergies

The chemical formula of peppermint contains rosmarinic acid, which can reduce allergy symptoms: itchy eyes, runny nose and even asthmatic cough ^[19], ^[20].

The study, lasting 3 weeks, involved 29 people suffering from hay fever. They all received a food supplement containing rosmarinic acid. As a result, they have decreased all allergy symptoms ^[21].

It is not known for certain whether the amount of rosmarinic acid contained in peppermint is enough to treat allergies, but there is evidence that it can alleviate the course of the disease. In particular, this applies to symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and itching ^[22].

11. Improves your concentration and memory

Mint helps you concentrate better at work. Moreover, the effect develops both upon inhalation of its vapors and upon ingestion.

One study involved 24 young men who received peppermint capsules. As a result, they showed the best results on all cognitive tests ^[23].

In another study, peppermint aromatic oil was shown to improve memory (compared to other essential oils) ^[24].

12. It's the perfect drink

Mint tea tastes good and is easy to incorporate into your diet. You can use a store-bought tea bag or leaf tea, or you can grow the plant yourself.

Mint tea recipe:

1. Bring 2 cups water to a boil.
2. Turn off the burner and add a handful of torn mint leaves to the water.
3. Cover the container with a lid and leave for 5 minutes.
4. Strain the drink.

You can drink it at any time of the day. It is taken after meals to help normalize digestion. Tea is drunk in the evening to improve the quality of sleep, and in the afternoon - to increase concentration and get a boost of energy.

Medicinal properties of mint for women

The diverse chemical composition determines the healing properties of mint for the female body, namely:

• Reducing pain during menstruation.
• Removal of unpleasant symptoms of menopause.
• Help in the fight against obesity.
• Reducing inflammation in the pelvic organs.
• Normalization of hormonal levels.
• Improving the condition of the skin and hair, improving the functioning of the sebaceous glands, increasing the tone of the dermis.

Can pregnant women drink mint?

Mint is not prohibited for pregnant women, but drinks based on it should be drunk with caution and in small quantities. Excessive dosage can lead to increased contraction of the uterus and cause miscarriage or premature birth. The limitation is due to the estrogen contained in the plant.

During the normal course of pregnancy, mint can bring undoubted benefits to the body of the expectant mother. Mint tea allows you to eliminate the symptoms of toxicosis, get rid of headaches, relieve nervous tension, normalize sleep, and reduce swelling. The drink is useful for women with flatulence and constipation.

Contraindications to taking mint during pregnancy:

• Low blood pressure;
• Varicose veins;
• Allergy to mint.

It is not recommended for pregnant women to take more than 1-2 glasses of weak mint infusion per day. If a woman is in doubt, it is best to consult a doctor.

Can lactating women use mint?

Breastfeeding women can drink mint tea. Most often, they begin to add it to the drink at 3-4 months of pregnancy, but if everything is in order with the health of the mother and baby, then its use is permissible from the first month after childbirth.

Small amounts of mint are believed to help improve lactation. Its reception allows you to normalize the process of digestion of food, relieves flatulence. This property is useful not only for a nursing mother, but for a child suffering from colic.

Consume mint in moderation and only after pretreatment. To reduce the content of essential oils and menthol in fresh leaves, scald them with boiling water 2-3 times, then rinse with cold water. Only then can they be brewed and drunk as tea. A nursing woman should not take more than one glass a day.

Mint for oily skin

Mint normalizes sebum production, so it can be used to improve dermis. To achieve the optimal effect, they drink it in the form of an infusion, and also make masks with it.

Mask recipe for oily and combination skin:

• 10 fresh mint leaves are crushed.
• Grate half of the cucumber with the skin.
• Mix the components and add 1 tbsp to them. l. lemon juice.
• The mixture is spread on the face for 20 minutes, after which it is washed off with warm water.
• The treatment is completed with a cream suitable for oily skin.

You can drink mint infusion in its pure form. To improve the taste and increase the benefits of the drink, add 1 teaspoon of honey.

Benefits of mint for men

For men, mint tea is especially beneficial. It is enough to drink 1-2 glasses a day to get the following effects:

• Increase the body's resistance to stress.
• Normalize the work of the reproductive system.
• Relieve anxiety and tension.
• Increase libido.
• Improve sleep quality.

For men who do hard physical work, mint is especially useful as it allows you to relax after working days, as well as reduce pain in the lower back, joints and muscles.

However, mint should be consumed in moderation, no more than 2 glasses a day, as it contains phytoestrogens (substances similar to female sex hormones). With an excess of them, a man may have problems with potency.

Species of mint, with photos and names

In total, more than 25 species and over ten hybrids of mint can be found in the world. The uniqueness of this plant is that different species can have completely different amounts of metabolites. It is from this that each type of mint has a different smell, and the essential oils from mint, depending on the type, may differ.

The most famous and popular type of mint is peppermint (Mentha piperita). This species can be grown both in your garden and on an industrial scale. It is unpretentious in care and weather conditions.

By the way, peppermint is a hybrid between spearmint and water mint (Mentha spicata and mentha aquatica, respectively).

Species of mint are distinguished not only by smell, but also by their appearance. For example, mint leaves are only 1 centimeter long, but long-leaved or forest mint (Mentha longifolia) can surprise with leaves that reach 15 centimeters in length.

Each species can be identified and labeled with features that distinguish them from each other.

English mint green Such mint has smooth and curled leaves with an elongated shape. The bright and juicy green color is sometimes distinguished by dark shades. All veins can be clearly seen with the naked eye. In English it is called "spearmint", and in German "Waldminze". This mint is most often used to make jellies and various sauces. It is an excellent seasoning for pea dishes, vegetable stews, minced meat or lamb. Chefs love this mint and are actively used in cooking when preparing meat or in the confectionery industry.

Greek mint Mentha species Dionysos or in simple terms, Greek mint has a rather pleasant and fresh aroma. Bright green smooth leaves are distinguished by a jagged edge. The vein can be seen with the naked eye in the light. The plant is between 0.3 and 0.8 meters long and has bright purple flowers. This mint is often added to yoghurts or sauces, it goes well with garlic. The yoghurt sauce with this mint goes well with meat dishes or vegetable salad, which is typical for Greek cuisine.

English peppermint This mint is the most diverse type of mint with a long history. The stems of the plant have a bright red tint, and the leaves themselves are dark green. Leaves are smooth, with short petioles. By itself, mint has a spicy "spicy" taste, which is why it is often used as a flavoring for drinks. With English peppermint, delicious and harmonious teas are obtained that are good at calming the nervous system. Also, this mint is great for desserts and salads and is often used as a spice for meat or vegetable soup.

Peppermint "Nana" By smell, this mint resembles caraway seeds, the flowers themselves have a purple tone, and the plant reaches a length of half a meter. Compared to all other species, Nana pepper has light leaves. The tea with this mint is quite aromatic and soothing.

Orange mint As you already understood from the name, this species has a pronounced citrus aroma. In addition, it has a lower menthol content compared to other types. Has a pronounced citrus flavor, as it is a hybrid. The leaves have a rounded shape and a bright light green color, which is distinguished by a red tint in the light. This mint is used for fruit cocktails or as a dessert decoration.

Lemon mint Another hybrid with citrus fruits, it has a sour lemon scent and, like orange, is used to make desserts and cocktails. The pleasant lemon sourness can also be used to add unusual aromas to tea.

Spearmint This mint is similar in appearance to peppermint, however, it has a bright and unconventional taste like menthol gum. By the way, this is a type of mint that tolerates cold weather well. This mint is rich in menthol.

Moroccan mint If you've heard about Moroccan refreshing tea, then you've heard about mint, which is used to make it. It has a rather sweet smell and a pleasant refreshing note. Moroccan mint is used for making desserts and sauces for meat. The leaves of this mint have a light green hue, an oval shape, which is pointed at the top. Drinks with this mint are sweet and refreshing, but do not have a bright mint flavor.

Water mint This is a wild mint that grows in forests and fields. The leaves of this mint are oval and denticulate at the edges.

Curly mint Curly mint has wavy leaves with a rich green color. It grows in large numbers and looks more like a thistle than a mint. Its smell is something between caraway and camphor. That is why curly mint is chosen as a seasoning for meat dishes or vegetable salad. Its pleasant and tart taste will accentuate the meaty note.

Basil mint This mint has a spicy smell, which is why it is often used in the preparation of vegetable salads. Basil mint flowers are bright purple, and its leaves and stem are reddish. This mint goes well with salads that contain tomatoes.

Mint "Mentuccia" The leaves of this mint are small in size and have a round shape. The mint itself grows in Italy. The appearance is distinguished by bright purple flowers. "Mentuccia" is used for legumes or vegetable dishes, as well as during the preparation of various salads. The scent of this mint can be compared to the scent of cumin. Italians often use this mint in their dishes.

Pineapple mint The leaves of this mint are lowered and have a white frame around the edges. The plant itself is rather short with white or pale pink flowers. The leaves have a pronounced tart flavor, but despite the name, they are not at all like pineapple. This mint is well used for salad dressings or in the preparation of drinks. The two-tone color makes it suitable for decorating dishes.

Mountain mint Calamintha officinalis has bright purple flowers and black stems. The human eye will be able to see clear streaks on the leaves. The taste is an amazing combination of camphor notes and the standard mint flavor. Beautiful lilac flowers are used to decorate desserts, and mint is added to tea and drinks.

Korean mint Agastache rugosa is grown in the North Asian regions, mint has delicate and pleasant leaves, and its flowers are bright purple. Outwardly, it resembles hyssop to many, but with a bright and fresh aroma. The leaves of this mint have a rich menthol flavor.

For what diseases is mint used?

Peppermint is rich in menthol (contained in the leaves of the plant), which has local anesthetic, antispasmodic and antiseptic properties, promotes reflex expansion of coronary vessels. For angina pectoris or pain in the stomach and intestines, mint is used internally. For neuralgia, toothache, or as an antiseptic and pain reliever for respiratory diseases, bronchitis and bronchiectasis, mint is used externally.

For the treatment of migraines, menthol is used in a mixture with paraffin in the form of pencils. Also menthol is part of Zelenin drops, valocordin, drops and ointments for the treatment of a cold. Peppermint oil is also used for inhalation. Peppermint oil is included in peppermint drops and tablets. To improve the taste of mixtures and to rinse the mouth, add mint water. For the treatment of neurodermatitis, menthol alcohol is used. To improve digestion, increase appetite, to get rid of nausea and vomiting, infusions and tinctures of mint leaves are used.

But not only in our country mint is used, for example, in Bulgaria it is used to treat diseases of the stomach (with spasms) and intestines, with flatulence, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and also as a choleretic agent, with stones in the gall bladder and with jaundice, as a remedy for pain relieving hepatic colic, stimulating heart activity and relieving headaches.

Mint leaves are also used in Germany. There they are used in the form of tea to get rid of diseases of the digestive tract, flatulence and improve appetite, and they also take mint baths.

Decoctions, tinctures and oils from mint are prepared for the same diseases in Australia.

Mint leaves are quite common in France. There mint is used as an antispasmodic, choleretic, wound-healing agent, as well as to improve appetite and digestion.

As an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, disinfectant for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, neuralgia, insomnia, migraine, mint leaves are used in Poland. In the same place, mint leaves are used for inflammation of the periosteum, middle ear and other diseases. In addition to all this, mint is included in the collection to improve taste and smell.

Russian folk medicine uses mint leaves as a refreshing, choleretic and diaphoretic. From the leaves of wild mint, juice is made, which is used to treat kidney stones, as well as a diuretic, mixing a tablespoon with white wine.

Fresh or dried mint leaves and flowers are used to prepare various dishes as a seasoning for salads, soups, meat and vegetable dishes, for flavor they are added to sauces and teas.

Tea, which includes mint, has: choleretic, diaphoretic, calming effect. Peppermint is included in the gastric collection and in the bath collection.

Mint is widely used in the food, confectionery and perfume industries, it is found in toothpastes and powders, etc.

To get rid of headaches, the essential oil (in an alcohol solution 1: 4) is rubbed into the skin, it is also used for migraines, skin inflammations, or for inhalation for colds.

Recipes for the use of mint in traditional medicine

In folk medicine, mint is used as a pain reliever and a powerful antiseptic. Also, many people advise to rinse the mouth with a decoction of mint in case of toothache or sore throat. In addition, it is useful for stomach ailments and cramps.

• Mint decoction for pregnant women. Mint broth is great for nausea in pregnant women and weak fermentation. Boil a tablespoon of mint in two glasses of boiling water and let sit for 10 minutes. It can be taken internally or applied to the skin in case of itching.
• Mint decoction for gastritis and heartburn. Peppermint is great for increasing appetite and helps with gastritis and heartburn. Brew 2 teaspoons of dry mint in a glass of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes, then drain. Take 60 ml before morning or evening meals.
• Mint tea for ARVI. Mint tea is excellent for colds, bronchitis and sore throat. The decoction is quite simple: brew a tablespoon of mint with a little boiling water, and later use it as a regular tea leaves. An additional effect can be achieved by using this tea with lemon and honey.
• Tincture for migraine. 15 drops of tincture can help relieve headaches. On 70% alcohol, mint must be infused for a week. The ratio is as follows: 1 tablespoon of mint to 20 tablespoons of alcohol. Take 15 drops in a glass of water every day.
• Peppermint oil has a positive effect on inhalation, and is also used in the preparation of lotions that help get rid of fungal infections on the nails. To do this, you need to grind the leaves and stems of the plant to gruel and pour boiling water. Wrap everything that happened in a thin cloth and attach to the affected skin area. Leave it on for 5 minutes, and then rinse and pat dry with a clean towel. Repeat twice a day.
• With erosion of the uterus. Mint essential oil is used to treat uterine erosion, for this it is necessary to prepare oil from 10% tincture of mint leaves, mix with sunflower or Provencal oil and evaporate the alcohol in a water bath.
• Mint baths will help you relax and relieve fatigue. For their preparation, use 50 grams of leaves per 10 liters of water.
• Mint lotions can help remove circles, redness, or irritation in your eyes. To do this, you will need to pour 2 tablespoons of mint with 500 ml of hot water, boil everything over low heat for 10 minutes, strain the broth and attach cotton pads soaked in the broth to your eyelids for 2 minutes. The procedure can be repeated up to 4 times a day.
• By the way, mint steam baths perfectly remove red spots, reduce the amount of inflammation on the face and have good antiseptic properties.

Mint infusion

Mint infusion is prepared as follows: 2 teaspoons of mint leaves are poured with 250 ml of boiling water (daily dose), infused for an hour, and then filtered. During the day, it is recommended to drink the product by sips.

Peppermint essential oils

This oil is actively used in case of a violation of the nervous, respiratory, digestive or endocrine systems.

Quite an effective remedy for tachycardia, arrhythmias or hypertension. Peppermint oil is used to treat infections, stomatitis, tooth decay, or gum disease. The oil has a tonic and analgesic effect.

How to use peppermint essential oil:

• Three times a day from 1 to 3 drops per dose. It is better to use it with sugar or honey and drink it with juice, tea or fermented milk drinks;
• Take inhalation. For 1 procedure, 2 drops of oil in 10 ml of saline. Inhalation is done once a day;
• Massage: dissolve 5 ml drops of mint in 10 ml of vegetable oil;
• 2-5 drops of oil in half a glass of water are used to gargle;
• For aromatherapy use 6 drops of oil per 15 square meters;
• 7 drops per bath, for medicinal baths;

It is worth paying close attention to dosages, since exceeding can lead to problems with physical and mental health.

Peppermint essential oils are not recommended for children, pregnant women, allergy sufferers and nursing mothers.

How to make peppermint tincture?

Tincture of peppermint in an alcohol solution is actively used for rinsing and inhalation, as well as for skin diseases and headaches.

Making such a tincture at home is easy:

• Mix 20 grams of dry leaves with vodka or 75% alcohol;
• Leave in a dark place for 2.5 weeks;
• The resulting liquid must be filtered and taken 15 drops once a day;

The second recipe is based on fresh mint:

• Pour 6 sprigs of freshly picked mint with hot water and dissolve 100 grams of sugar there;
• Add half a liter of vodka and leave for 2.5 weeks in a cool dark place;

This tincture is recommended for overexcitation, sleep disturbances, hiccups or toothache. It perfectly awakens the appetite and stimulates the digestive system, helps to normalize the work of the heart and is prescribed in case of gynecological diseases.

Not recommended for pregnant or lactating women, hypertensive patients and men who suffer from low potency and children under 12 years of age.

How to take peppermint tincture?

Peppermint tincture helps to normalize the nervous system, calm down, relieve irritability. It is used to treat the gallbladder, to relieve muscle spasms and headaches. It relieves inflammation, helps to cope with nausea.

Take a pharmacy peppermint tincture in the amount of 10-15 drops. They are dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water and drunk 30 minutes before meals. Frequency rate of admission - 3 times a day.

Homemade alcohol tincture is taken in 30 drops. It should not be offered to children under 12 years of age.

Peppermint tincture for hair growth

You can speed up hair growth with peppermint tincture. To grow the length faster, it is applied in the form of a mask.

Mode of application:

1. Mix 2 tsp. honey, 1 tsp. cream, 1/2 tsp. tincture, 1/2 tsp. olive oil.
2. Apply the resulting composition to dry or damp hair roots, distribute the remainder over the entire length.
3. Cover your head with plastic wrap, wrap with a towel and leave to work for 30 minutes.
4. Wash your hair with shampoo.

The mask is used once a week for 1.5 months.

Slimming mint

Nutritionists are actively using mint when drawing up diets designed to get rid of excess weight.

Mint helps you lose weight as it has the following properties:

• It activates metabolic processes, accelerates metabolism.
• Strengthens intestinal peristalsis, due to which food is digested faster.
• It neutralizes the processes of fermentation and decay in the digestive tract.
• Stimulates the outflow of bile.
• Takes part in lipolysis (the process of breaking down fats).
• It helps relieve constipation as it has a mild laxative effect.
• Reduces cortisol levels, which inhibit weight loss.

The calorie content of the leaves is minimal. 100 g of fresh mint contains only 49 kcal. Mint tea can be drunk before physical activity to increase its effectiveness. However, it should not be consumed before meals as it stimulates the appetite.

It is good to drink water with lemon and mint. The drink is prepared overnight, pouring 0.5 liters of water over 5 mint leaves. After breakfast, divide the volume into 2 portions, add a little lemon juice and drink a glass each morning and evening.

Slimming cucumber, lemon, ginger and mint drink

This drink is also known as Sassi water, which forms the basis of the American Dietetic Association's flat stomach diet.

Recipe:

• Cut the lemon with zest into rings, and cut a fresh cucumber with the skin in the same way.
• Grind 20 g of ginger on a grater.
• Cut 15 mint leaves.
• All components are mixed and crushed with a mortar so that they let the juice out.
• The mixture is poured into 2 liters of still mineral water, covered with a lid and put in the refrigerator overnight.
• The resulting drink should be drunk within the next day.

How to brew mint?

In order for mint to bring maximum benefits, it must be brewed correctly. Features of the preparation of infusion from dried raw materials:

• Place 1 tablespoon of dried herb in a teapot.
• Pour 250 ml of hot, but not boiling water over it.
• Leave to infuse under a closed lid for 20 minutes.
• Strain the drink and add another glass of warm water to it.

This composition can be drunk neat. It is especially useful before bed as it has a sedative effect. It can be added to black or green tea during the day.

Fresh mint brew recipe:

• The teapot should be rinsed with boiling water so that the mint leaves reveal their aroma and give the drink the maximum benefit.
• The washed leaves are put into a teapot in the amount of 5-8 pieces.
• Pour raw materials with hot water.
• Leave to infuse for 5 minutes.

Fresh leaf mint tea is especially beneficial immediately after brewing. This drink goes well with green and black tea, if diluted in equal proportions.

Recipes for making desserts and lemonades with mint

You don't have to look for fresh mint to make lemonades and desserts. Even when dried, it retains its aroma and shares its taste with food. Dried mint keeps longer and takes up less space.

Tea Recipe: 16 Best Mint Tea Recipes

Mojito recipe with lime and mint

To make a mojito with lime and mint, you will need the following ingredients:

• Limes - 2 pcs.
• Mint - 0.2 kg.
• Sugar - 50 g.

The plant is washed, the leaves are separated from the twigs. Limes are cut into 4 pieces. They put the leaves in a mortar, sprinkle with sugar and pound with a wooden pestle. Transfer the mixture to a suitable container, add lime cut into slices. Pour the mixture with mineral or plain water in an amount of 1 liter. The drink is served cold.

Video: Mojito cocktail, very simple and tasty (non-alcoholic).

Homemade lemonade

This lemonade is great for refreshing in the heat and quenching thirst. It doesn't take much time and effort to cook it.

• Take 2 large grapefruits, large lemons, 8 mint leaves and 2 cups of sugar, and you will also need 2.5 liters of drinking water;
• Lemons must be washed, cut into pieces and chopped in a blender;
• Next, you need to boil the syrup, for this, boil one and a half glasses of sugar in two glasses of water. You need to cook until the sugar is completely dissolved;
• Add 2.5 liters of water to the lemon puree;
• Next, you will need to add syrup and refrigerate for 10 hours;
• After strain the drink, add grapefruit juice and mint leaves to it;

You can add sugar to the resulting lemonade if desired.

[Video] Homemade Lemonade Recipe:

Mint dessert

The mint dessert has an amazing fresh taste. The recipe is simple and doesn't require complicated ingredients.

• You will need 75 grams of sugar and chocolate, a bunch of fresh mint and one egg white;
• Rinse the mint, sort out large leaves, dry. Small ones can be left for tea or dried;
• Whisk the protein and put the prepared sugar on a flat plate. Mint leaves must be dipped first in protein, and then in sugar;
• Put the leaves on a plate or tray, cover with a napkin and let dry for 24 hours;
• Melt the chocolate in the microwave, dip the mint leaves in there and place on a separate tray in the refrigerator;

The combination of chocolate and mint will give you an amazing taste experience!

Mint syrup

Mint syrup is not only a tasty addition to various dishes, but also healthy. This syrup is good for the stomach, helps to restore strength and relieve pain.

The syrup can be obtained at home, for this you will need:

• Fresh mint leaves should be washed in water and chopped using a blender or meat grinder;
• The leaves are poured with boiling water, on average, about 30 ml of water per 100 grams of leaves.
• Leave the leaves to infuse for several hours, then strain through cheesecloth;
• Heat the resulting liquid, bringing to a boil and pour into bottles;
• Bottles must be sterilized, corked and stored in a cool place;

Video recipe for mint syrup:

How to grow mint at home on a windowsill?

If you are having trouble planting mint in your area, try planting mint seedlings. We will sow mint for seedlings in a snail. This method has recommended itself perfectly. Try it and you will be drinking mint tea from your own site all winter!

Watch the following video, from which you will learn all the intricacies of how to grow mint at home:

Step-by-step algorithm of actions:

1. Soak the seeds in a damp cloth wrapped in plastic wrap. The holding time is 2-3 days.
2. Earth is poured into a flowerpot or box and lightly tamped with hands. The soil must be moist.
3. Swollen seeds are placed on top, slightly pressing them into the ground, but not burying them.
4. Moisten the soil again with a spray bottle.
5. Cover the container with foil or glass. Every day the pot is ventilated for 10-15 minutes.
6. After emergence, the film is removed.
7. Water the grown plant 2-3 times a week with a little water. In winter, the frequency of watering is reduced to 1 time per week.

With the right approach, the plant grows quickly, so the leaves need to be picked in a timely manner. They are torn off at a distance of no more than 3 cm from the stem, so that new shoots form in this place. You can cut off the top, but no more than ½ of the entire length of the plant.

How to collect and harvest mint correctly?

The timing of harvesting this plant depends on how you plan to use mint. For example, in July, mint is harvested to get essential oils from it.

The optimal and quick way to harvest mint is to dry it in the oven, but you will get raw materials that cannot be stored for a long time. It is best to use air drying. This will help retain all the active ingredients.

Leave the cut mint leaves for 5-6 hours in the sun, then transfer them under a canopy for a week. The leaves must be protected from the sun and need to be agitated occasionally.

Store in tight paper bags, tin cans or cloth bags in a dark and damp place. The average shelf life of dried mint is 2 years, after which it loses its properties and may become moldy.

Contraindications to the use of mint

Mint is contraindicated for people who have hypersensitivity to its components, as well as people with individual intolerance to mint. Mint should not be used for people with low blood pressure (arterial hypotension).

It is important to know that mint is able to reduce the tone of the venous vessels, which can easily contribute to the exacerbation of another already having a disease. Quite often, under the influence of mint, varicose veins are aggravated. To avoid this, it is best not to use mint for people with this disease.

Do not give mint to young children under the age of three. It is not recommended to use mint for men (in large quantities), as it can reduce male libido. Peppermint should be discarded for people suffering from drowsiness. With infertility, mint should not be consumed either. If you already have problems with conception, then you should definitely give up mint, as this plant can only aggravate this problem.

Why do cats need catnip? Is it harmful to them?

Catnip is a plant that can be found all over Russia. In dried form, it is sold in many pet stores. Cats are attracted by the strong scent of the plant, which is similar to the scent of lemon and geranium. The source of the smell is essential oil, which is 77% nepetalactone (a substance similar to the enzymes secreted by cats during mating games).

Inhalation of the scent of catnip makes the animal fall into a kind of euphoria, they meow loudly, can roll on the floor, rub their muzzle against it. The effect wears off in 10 minutes. On the other hand, cats become calmer when they eat grass.

Catnip does not harm animals, it does not contain substances hazardous to their body. Moreover, it can be used to correct animal behavior. Inhaling the aromas of the herb allows you to get rid of aggression, make your pet more peaceful and calm. There is evidence that the plant acts for cats not only as an antidepressant, but also helps to increase appetite, normalize digestion, and helps get rid of parasites. Dry catnip can be stuffed into your favorite animal toy. It is permissible to offer cats a small amount of grass for food. There will be no harm from it.

Conclusion

Mint is a perennial plant that has not only medicinal, but also a preventive effect and a pleasant smell.

Due to its rich composition and high concentration of phytonutrients, mint can be an excellent anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic or bactericidal agent.

The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist

Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008).