Mint has been used in cooking and folk medicine for centuries. Peppermint is recommended primarily in digestive system ailments, especially abdominal pain, flatulence and lack of appetite. In ancient times, mint infusion was recommended for the relief of migraine symptoms. In addition, it can be used on skin lesions caused by smallpox or herpes. Check what other properties and effects of mint, how to use mint and whether it can be overdosed.

Mintis a herb whose properties and effects have been appreciated since antiquity. In Poland, the most popular ispeppermint(LatinMentha piperitaL.), Also called medicinal mint.

In medicineapplicationpeppermint herb ( Herba Menthae piperitae ), peppermint leaves(Folium Menthae piperitae ), oil ( Oleum Menthae piperitae)and menthol ( Mentholum ), which is obtained from peppermint oil by freezing.

Pro-he alth properties of mint

Mint is one of the most valued healing agents in folk medicine.

Mint as an infusion or oil:

  • has antispasmodic properties
  • facilitates digestion and assimilation of food
  • relieves catarrh of the upper respiratory tract
  • soothes inflammation of the oral mucosa
  • relieves the symptoms of sinusitis, colds and flu
  • relieves migraine headaches
  • has antipruritic, local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory effects
  • has anti-virus and anti-bacterial properties
  • helps to get rid of dandruff.

Mint for stomach problems

In folk medicine, peppermint leaves andpeppermint oilwere used for stomach pains, digestive disorders such as nausea, indigestion, and intestinal colic. Currently, peppermint leaves in the form of tea, tincture, oil and extract are used in ailments such as spasms of the upper gastrointestinal tract and bile ducts, because they have a diastolic effect and reduce the tone of smooth muscles.

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Responsible for the antispasmodic effectthere are flavonoids and compounds contained in peppermint oil, especially menthol itself.

Peppermint can also be used for indigestion with impaired digestive juice secretion. Peppermint increases the amount of gastric juice, thanks to which it facilitates digestion and assimilation of food.

In addition, it can be used in gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome.

In addition, peppermint restores the correct perist altic movements of the intestines, enables the proper movement of intestinal contents and the departure of gases, and thus prevents flatulence.

Peppermint - the use and effects of peppermint

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Mint for diseases of the liver and bile ducts

Peppermint preparations can be used in diseases of the liver and biliary tract, cholecystitis, as well as in mild liver failure and reduced bile production.

Modern phytotherapy recommends its use as an aid in gallstone disease and jaundice, and in the recovery period after hepatitis.

Mint oil for cough and more

In natural medicinepeppermint oilis used in catarrh of the upper respiratory tract and inflammation of the oral mucosa. Peppermint oil can be used for inhalation to relieve the symptoms of sinusitis, colds and flu. Just pour 3-4 drops into hot water.

In catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, mint oil can also be used externally - in the area of ​​the breast and nose. However, this practice should be abandoned in infants and young children due to the possibility of laryngospasm and bronchospasm.

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Peppermint tea - recipe

Pour 1 tablespoon of leaves into 1 1/2 or 2 cups of boiling water and leave it to infuse for 10 minutes. Then strain. Drink half a cup 1 hour before eating for gastritis and anorexia. After a meal, the infusion can be used as a diastolic, carminative and choleretic agent.

For rinsing the mouth and throat, you can make an infusion of 1 tablespoon of leaves per 1 cup of boiling water.

Mint oil for headache

Pliny the Elder recommended an infusion of this herb as a soothing agent for migraine symptoms and opening the mind (his students wore mint wreaths). Moreover, the peppermint leaves rubbed into the skin. The oil contained in it soothes migraine headaches.

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Moreover, the essential oilpeppermint can be applied topically in the form of an ointment or lotion for neuralgia and muscle aches.

Peppermint oil has a similar effect as mint leaf, but some of its properties, such as disinfecting properties, are more pronounced, while others are much weaker. It is most effective when sprayed in the form of an aerosol.

Mint for herpes

Mint leaves, in the form of rubs and liniments, have antipruritic, local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, they create a feeling of coolness. Therefore, in natural medicine, it is recommended to use them, inter alia, in the course of chicken pox.

In addition, peppermint can be used to speed up the healing process of unsightly blisters, which are a symptom of herpes. Aqueous mint leaf extracts are scientifically proven to inhibit the activity of the herpes simplex virus.

Leaf extractsMenthae piperitaeinin vitro studiesshow not only antiviral but also antibacterial properties. Mint leaves at a concentration of 0.1-2.0% (w / v) inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Salmonellatyphimurium(red), staphylococcus aureus, andVibrio parahaemolyticus.

The antibacterial activity of mint leaves is attributed to tannins and some components of the essential oil, especially menthol and menthon.

According to some, it is also active against yeast-like fungi of the genusCandidaand against dermatophytes and mold fungi.

Worth knowing

Peppermint oil - contraindications and effects of overdose

Peppermint oil, administered orally in doses higher than medicinal, may cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and in large doses - upset and deep sleep. Due to the too strong reactions it can cause after an overdose, it is not used in medicine alone.

It is not recommended to use it alone, also externally, because in some cases it may cause irritation and redness of the skin. Therefore, it is better to dilute it with e.g. olive oil or almond oil.

Caution should be used in elderly people or young children. Pregnant women should not use it.

Mint - use in the kitchen

In the food industry, peppermint is used to make peppermint candies and some liqueurs, as well as chewing gums.

In the kitchen, these cooling and refreshing leaves can be added to lemonade or other drinks designed to quench your thirst in hot weather. Fresh, green mint leaves can also be added to cottage cheese and salads. They also taste good with potatoes and lamb.

Mint leaves should bestore in a ventilated and shaded place, and after drying in airtight containers, so that the raw material does not lose its essential oil.

Mint - use in cosmetics

Peppermint is also used in cosmetics. Due to the high content of menthol, it is a component of toothpastes and mouthwashes.

Oil and menthol applied externally may cause hives, itching and reddening of the skin in hypersensitive people

Peppermint can also be used for hair care. Just add a few drops of this plant's essential oil to a bottle of hair shampoo to get rid of stubborn dandruff. On the other hand, the oil massaged directly into the scalp accelerates hair growth.

Peppermint oil is also a proven remedy for chapped lips. The oil will soften and smooth the skin of dry lips, and also slightly cool it down.

In addition, peppermint oil is used in the production of perfumes, colognes and scented candles due to its refreshing scent.

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