Mint tea: beneficial properties and contraindications. Let's learn about the benefits and harms of mint tea

Since ancient times, people have been using herbs in their diet, treating diseases with them, and fields, meadows, forest edges and roadsides delight them with their lush aromas. One of the most popular and significant herbs is peppermint. Its properties and contraindications have been known for many centuries. However, not all varieties have medicinal properties and are suitable for consumption. Of all the species, peppermint stands out. It is she who is famous for her bright, enchanting aroma.

What is it, mint?

There is probably no person who does not know the aroma of this plant. We buy mint chewing gum and toothpastes, elixirs, candies, and often their smell is our favorite mint. Its medicinal properties and contraindications have been studied for a long time. Our distant ancestors used mint to overcome various ailments. Even the ancient Romans used it. The Arabs grew mint in their gardens, the Chinese dedicated treatises to it, and the Greeks washed their hands with it and freshened their faces. In the Middle Ages, mint with milk and wine was used to treat various diseases, including headaches.

Today this plant is used as a medicinal and for cosmetic purposes. The aromatic herb is grown on farms and supplied to pharmacology. What is the secret that mint contains? The medicinal properties and contraindications, features of the preparation and use of the plant are revealed in this article.

Description

This plant is perennial, from twenty-five to sixty-five centimeters in height, has a branched rhizome and thin roots. The flowers are whitish-pink, light purple or reddish-pink. They are located on the tips of the shoots in the form of oblique inflorescences. The plant blooms throughout the summer. The stem, like the whole plant, is smooth. Mint leaves have an ovoid shape with a heart-shaped base and sharp serrated edges. The beneficial properties are mainly found in them and the flowers, although other parts are sometimes used. Mint is bred specifically in gardens and vegetable gardens or grows wild in the fields. It exudes a strong and very pleasant refreshing scent.

Compound

This aroma is a consequence of the content of a whole set of essential oils and menthol that mint has. The medicinal properties and contraindications can be understood by studying the composition of the plant, which includes a large number of useful vitamins, substances and microelements, namely:

vitamins - C, B1, PP, A, B5, B9, B2, B6;
microelements - phosphorus, manganese, iron, copper, magnesium, zinc, sodium, potassium;
amino acids such as betaine and arginine;
fatty acid;
organic acids, including chlorogenic, ursulic, oleonolic, ascorbic, acetic, caffeic and valeric;
piperitonin pinene;
essential oils;
menthofuran;
from flavodinodes - hesperidin;
from tannins - rutin;
phytosterols and phytosterols;
saponins;
alimentary fiber;
resins;
alcohols;
Terpenes: citral, geraniol, limonene, terpinene, carvacrol.

It consists of seventy-eight percent water and two and a half percent essential oils.

Dietary fiber per hundred grams of leaves contains:

fat - 1 g;
carbohydrates - about 7 g;
proteins - about 4 g.

The energy value for the indicated weight is seventy-one kilocalories. This plant is a storehouse of useful qualities.

Collection and preparation

It can be purchased at the pharmacy in finished form, in bags or as dry raw materials that are brewed. But it’s even better if you collect mint with your own hands and prepare it for the winter. For those who decide to do this, the following tips will help:

The grass should be collected in the first half of the day, in dry weather, preferably when the plant is just beginning to bloom. Then mint contains the highest concentration of its beneficial substances. In this case, mainly its leaves and flowers are used.
Although the plant blooms throughout the summer, this period varies in different regions and may be somewhat shorter.
Mint can be collected by plucking the stems for greater speed, and at home you can tear off its leaves and flowers, which are suitable for use.
The mint is dried outdoors in the shade. To do this, the plant is laid out in a thin layer on paper or fabric. It is advisable to stir it from time to time.
After the raw materials are ready, they are wrapped in paper bags or glass containers, which are tightly covered.
It is stored in a dry and dark place for up to two years.
In order for the herb to retain more of its properties, it is better to chop it only before use, and not in advance.

Application

Peppermint is best known for its essential oil content, called menthol. It imbues the plant with a characteristic refreshing aroma that everyone loves so much.

There is an opinion that it is better to harvest peppermint in the spring, even before flowering.

Its properties are used in herbal medicine, mint is added to culinary dishes. It is also used to get rid of nausea, flatulence, nervous disorder, poor digestion, asthma, bronchial or pulmonary inflammation, cardiovascular and gynecological diseases, colds, migraines, spasms, cholelithiasis and many other problems. The plant complements diaphoretic herbal preparations.

Indications

Mint has a beneficial effect on the entire body. First of all, the nervous system is restored. Tea with mint helps you relax after a hard day or improve your mood in the morning. Useful properties contribute to better concentration and improved brain function.

It also plays a positive role for the digestive system. Appetite, the process of digesting food improves, and the secretion of gastric juice and saliva is stimulated. In addition, mint is a choleretic agent and wonderfully freshens breath. The intestines are cleansed, the work of the liver and gallbladder is stimulated.

Vasodilation occurs, heart rate stabilizes and blood circulation improves. In some cases, it can completely replace medications or at least supplement treatment for cardiovascular diseases.

The beneficial properties of mint for women are perfectly revealed. In cosmetology it is used for masks, baths, saunas. It is able to suppress bacteria on the skin and mucous membranes. The procedures are especially suitable for oily skin with acne. The skin then becomes elastic and velvety.

What does it cure?

Mint has plenty of beneficial properties and contraindications. It is useful to take for the following diseases:

nervous disorders, anxiety, anxiety;
insomnia;
gastritis, diarrhea, other digestive tract disorders;
nausea;
increased acidity of gastric juice;
migraine;
respiratory diseases (in this case, mint essential oil is used);
arterial hypertension;
gynecological diseases;
caries, gum disease;
bacterial and fungal skin lesions.

Contraindications

Some men are afraid that their potency may worsen if they use mint. The medicinal properties and contraindications with moderate use of the plant will not appear so noticeably. It's another matter if you overuse mint. Then problems with potency may actually occur, because the production of female hormones, which peppermint contains in considerable quantities, will be produced.

Properties and contraindications can be expressed in sleep disturbances and headaches, especially with excessive consumption.

You should also refrain from using this plant for the following conditions and diseases:

allergies;
hypotension;
varicose veins;
pregnancy and lactation;
kidney and liver disease;
problems with conception;
children under five years old.

In addition, doctors are inclined to believe that the active use of mint leads to a loss of sensitivity of the body to its components.

Individual intolerance to the plant may also occur, in which case it is necessary to immediately stop using it.

Mint has different effects during lactation. The beneficial properties and contraindications for women in this case will directly depend on its variety. After all, according to some, it stimulates the production of milk, while others say, on the contrary, that it reduces it. In this case, spearmint is suitable, which contains the least menthol, but contains carvone, which stimulates lactation.

Nutrition

Since mint normalizes metabolism, removes toxins from the body and regulates gastric juice, it is often used in diets. It also helps with constipation, eliminating putrefactive processes in the intestines and reducing acidity.

Mint leaves are added to:

first and second courses;
baking pastries, pies, cakes and cookies;
fruit and berry desserts;
sauces and marinades;
milkshakes.

Peppermint is a spice, a flavor enhancer for dishes, a natural flavoring agent, and an element that improves appetite.

The tonic properties are used in various drinks, the most widespread of which is the non-alcoholic Mojito. Teas and infusions will wonderfully quench your thirst and at the same time suppress the feeling of hunger.

Mint is good to combine with products such as:

meat;
bird;
fish;
vegetables;
fruits;
berries;
greenery;
cottage cheese;
spices;
spices.

Mint teas

Green tea with mint, chamomile, thyme and lemon leaves is very popular. If you drink several cups of this drink a day, then within a few months a person will feel light and comfortable.

If tea is prepared from fresh leaves, then you must first pour boiling water over them, and then add water and brew.

Not all dishes are suitable for infusion. For example, plastic and metal are not recommended. It is best to brew mint tea in a porcelain or glass container. The beneficial properties are most preserved in a freshly brewed drink. Therefore, you should not cook a lot of it at once. Honey or lemon is often added to tea. It is better to avoid sugar, as it will neutralize the beneficial properties of mint.

As a cold remedy, take a tablespoon of inflorescences or leaves and pour a glass of boiling water. After just ten minutes, the drink can be taken orally.

In case of intoxication, take two tablespoons per glass of water and infuse for two hours. Drink one tablespoon during meals.

If you feel nauseous, drink one tablespoon of brewed tea per glass of water, half a glass twice a day.

For pain in the head or muscles, add a teaspoon of honey and two teaspoons of lemon zest to a glass with a pinch of dry leaves. The resulting drink should be drunk three times a day, half a glass.

Infusions and mint

The beneficial properties and contraindications of the plant must be carefully studied before starting its regular use and treatment. If no side effects are identified and mint is recommended, in addition to tea, infusions can also be prepared.

To do this, washed fresh leaves are placed in a half-liter jar and filled to the top with vodka or alcohol. You can add a little cinnamon there. The lid should be tightly closed and infused in a dark place at room temperature for two weeks.

You can prepare this simple version of the tincture: two teaspoons of the herb are poured into a thermos with a quarter liter of boiling water. After an hour, you can start drinking the strained tincture, one tablespoon six to seven times a day.

Essential oil

Many representatives of the fair sex prefer to use essential oils. Mint, whose beneficial properties and contraindications for women have been fully studied, is one of our favorite products. It is added to various face masks, massaged, and simply applied to the skin for certain problems.

It has a tonic, expectorant, absorbent and antiseptic effect, dilates blood vessels.

Mint in cosmetology

The properties of mint for women are widely used in skin care.

For example, to improve your complexion, you can prepare a lotion. To do this, mix mint infusion, cucumber juice and parsley decoction in equal quantities. They need to wipe their face morning and evening.

To relieve fatigue and tone the eyelids, apply cotton pads soaked in a chilled infusion to them.

The beneficial properties of mint for women will be expressed in a beneficial effect, especially on oily skin, even with simple use of the infusion. It will acquire a matte shade, and enlarged pores will narrow.

The ancient Russians called “dragolub”, which translated means “dear, beloved, kind,” such a healing herb as mint, the properties and uses of which were very well known to them. Today, many centuries later, we no longer call it so affectionately. But until now, mint remains a universal medicine and a favorite drink for many people.

Other names - cold mint, English mint, chilli mint, peppermint, cold mint, Mentha piperita (Latin).

Peppermint- this is one of the types of mint, there are currently 25 of them in total. In addition, there are 10 more subspecies of mint: Japanese mint, water mint, spearmint, apple mint, orange mint (bergamot mint), etc..

Peppermint, as well as its other types, is widely used in medicine (folk and traditional), in aromatherapy, in the production of cosmetics, in the food industry, etc.

For medicinal purposes in traditional medicine, peppermint is mainly used, less often water mint or steppe mint.

Peppermint is an artificially bred type of mint by crossing two wild species - water and spearmint. Peppermint has 2 more subspecies: white mint (the plant is completely green without any shades), and black mint - with red-violet stems and veins of the same color on the leaves.

Peppermint is a perennial, fragrant, herbaceous plant, 60-80 cm high. Its stem is tetrahedral, often reddish in color, covered with numerous dark green leaves, oblong, sometimes with a purple tint. The flowers are small, light purple, collected in spike-shaped inflorescences. Peppermint blooms in the second half of summer - in July-August.

The raw materials are harvested before or during flowering: the stems are cut or the leaves are torn off and dried in the shade. And it is better to store ready-made, completely dried raw materials in glass jars with a twist, so as not to preserve the essential component (aroma) as much as possible.

The shoots, leaves, and flowers of mint contain a large amount of essential oil, tannic, bitter and biologically active substances, sugar, fats, phytoncides, vitamins C and P, carotene, and mineral salts.

Peppermint is very popular among the people, and almost everyone who has such an opportunity (dacha or private home) grows it near their home as a valuable medicinal, culinary and cosmetic plant.

In medicine, both traditional and folk, peppermint is used to treat headaches, cardiovascular diseases, nervous disorders, insomnia, inflammation in the digestive organs, asthma, stomach ulcers, colds, vomiting, throat diseases, kidney and liver stones , atherosclerosis.

For medicinal as well as culinary purposes, mint leaves and shoots are used in fresh and dried form. They have a pleasant, cooling, spicy taste and a sharp, subtle aroma caused by their high menthol content.

In cooking, experts advise using spearmint and apple mint, as it does not produce bitterness when heated. Fresh mint is used to season salads, soups, meat and fish dishes. It is used for preparing drinks, sauces, confectionery, and baking bread.

Fresh mint is added to tea, decorated with dishes, a bunch of fresh mint or an infusion is added to medicinal baths. Compresses and face masks are made from crushed fresh mint leaves.

Mint tea : 1 tablespoon of dry and crushed mint, pour 1 glass of boiling water, leave for 10-15 minutes and you can drink. This infusion (tea) will relieve nervousness, irritability, and improve sleep. Without harm, you can drink 1 glass of mint tea during the day, that is, in 3-4 or more doses. And for colds, the allowed dosage is up to 2 glasses of infusion per day, although this may be a lot for some. This is a medicinal dosage, but you can also add a little mint (0.5-1 teaspoon) to regular black tea for taste and aroma. But, do not forget that mint contains many female phytohormones.

For reference: both female and male bodies contain female and male hormones, but in the female body, female hormones significantly predominate, and in the male body, male hormones predominate. So, it is important to maintain this balance and not upset it too much. Often for this reason, mint is called a women's herb, although this is not entirely true - men also enjoy using it. Here it is important just not to overdo it... Some women (who have a balance - female and male hormones are not normal) use mint to reduce hair growth in unwanted places (antennae, etc.).

Men, especially at a young age, should not get too carried away with mint, since it reduces excitability, including sexual excitability. Some say - here are Georgians, they drink mint tea all the time and they don’t care... So these are Georgians, but imagine what would happen if they didn’t drink it?!.... All people are different, for some excess male hormones, and some have just a little, but I drank tea for a while... and complete indifference. Although, in some moments, this can be very useful.

In traditional medicine, mint herb is used as a raw material in the production of cardiovascular drugs, menthol, ointments and drops for the common cold, and cough suppressants.

Preparations from mint leaves have anti-inflammatory, sedative, analgesic, appetizing, expectorant, choleretic, and moderate laxative effects.

Peppermint is included in many medicinal preparations. In the treatment of diseases of the liver and gall bladder, it is used as an auxiliary choleretic agent. If you have bad breath, rinse your mouth with mint infusion.

Mint infusion is taken for hemorrhoids, female diseases (insufficient or excessive menstruation), nervous disorders, hysteria, heart disease, lung disease, gastritis, rheumatism, toothache, etc.

Peppermint infusion : 2 teaspoons of crushed leaves, pour 1 glass of boiling water, leave for 20 minutes, then strain. Drink mint infusion throughout the day for heart pain, etc.

Peppermint decoction : 15 g of dry crushed herb, pour 1 glass of water, boil for 10 minutes, remove from heat, leave for another 30 minutes, strain. Take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day, half an hour before meals, for pulmonary bleeding, etc.

With increased stomach acidity accompanied by constipation and sour belching, use an infusion of the following herbal collection: peppermint - 3 parts, St. John's wort herb - 6 parts, trifoliate leaves - 0.5 parts.
Take 2 tablespoons of the mixture, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water, leave for 2 hours in a thermos, strain. Drink the entire infusion during the day in 5-6 doses.

For low stomach acidity It is recommended to take an infusion of the following components: peppermint - 4 parts, yarrow herb - 3 parts, fennel fruits - 2 parts, knotweed herb - 3 parts, marsh grass - 3 parts, chamomile - 2 parts, caraway seeds - 2 parts , hop cones - 1 part.
Take 4 tbsp. spoons of the mixture pour 1 liter of boiling water, leave in a thermos for 11 hours, strain. Drink in the morning, on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before meals - 1 glass of infusion, drink the rest every 2 hours - also 1 glass, i.e. 3 more times.

In addition to the decoction, you can also take powder from mint leaves internally, 1-2 times a day, on the tip of a knife.

Alcohol tincture of peppermint (extract) is used for inhalation for inflammation of the mucous membrane of the throat, nose, trachea, and bronchitis. Externally, for rubbing, for headaches, migraines, skin inflammation.

Make a mint tincture in a ratio of 1:5, i.e. take 20 g of dry mint herb and 100 ml of 75% alcohol, or vodka. Leave for 2 weeks in a dark place. Take 10-15 drops orally, 3-4 times a day.

For skin diseases, mint is used in the form of an infusion or decoction orally, and also taken cosmetically. mint baths (brew 50 g of mint in 10 liters of water). An infusion of this concentration is also used for enemas.
For itchy dermatoses, peppermint for baths is used together with a decoction of knotweed.

Peppermint is a good remedy for improving the physical condition of the body and improving mood. For depression, use the following recipe: 1 tbsp. spoon meas. mint herbs pour 1 cup of boiling water, boil for 10 minutes. Take half a glass of decoction in the morning and evening.

Peppermint oil - an effective drug for abdominal pain, bloating, and reduces heartburn. Drink 2-4 drops with water or drop on a piece of sugar and eat. Peppermint oil also helps well with acne, inflammatory skin diseases, eliminates nervous excitement, soothes headaches, etc.

Peppermint, contraindications . You should not use mint if you have an individual intolerance, as it can cause allergies. Peppermint oil is contraindicated during breastfeeding, pregnancy, and children under 6 years of age. Young men should not get carried away with mint, as it reduces libido. Do not overdose, since an overdose may cause worse sleep, heart pain, bronchospasms and other unpleasant moments.

Total reviews on this topic - 108 Pages - 2

we drink mint tea this way - 1/2 tsp. black tea (can also be green) 1/2 tsp. chopped mint per cup of boiling water

thanks, very interesting

I have high blood pressure, can I use mint?

you can, but chokeberry is more suitable for you. Viburnum helps some

Thank you all for the useful information! :)

Hello. Please tell me how to use mint during heavy and long periods during menopause????????

Tak poluchilosj neskoljko raz, chto posle mjatnogo chaja ne mogla zasnutj. Who to mne dazhe skazal, what mjata nekotorih vzbadrivajet
(it happened several times that after mint tea you couldn’t fall asleep. Someone even told me that mint invigorates some people).

Well, in the contraindications it is written - “...with an overdose, sleep deterioration, heart pain, bronchospasms are possible..” You need to reduce the dosage... Perhaps the amount of mint you use is too much for you... it has the opposite effect .

Very interesting. Thank you!

how to remove hair from body and face

The information about female hormones is not very good, since I started drinking mint tea, it is very calming. Is there any analogue of mint with the same sedative properties, only an option for men? Thank you.

Calming herbs include lemon balm, but it also calms sexual excitability, valerian, milk thistle, hawthorn, blue cornflower, dill and celandine, it can also be classified as a herb that calms the nervous system. This is, of course, not the entire list of herbs, but those that I remembered

Very interesting, thanks for the info everyone.

Interesting information! I'll know how to remove facial hair!

Very informative, thanks for the information! I drink mint tea instead of regular tea. I will know not to abuse it)

Who wrote the article - well done! Laconic, clear, useful and humorous.

very useful information thank you

Ogromnoje SPASIBO - so aktualjno dlja menja!

Thanks for the useful information.

lemon balm is also very calming and sleep is excellent

help, I have a really bad headache

headache is a symptom of various diseases (pressure, poisoning, the initial stage of influenza, inflammatory processes, etc.), you need to know the cause before treating. tea from St. John's wort, agrimony, mint, lemon balm helps in some cases

And if I’m too hairy, can I drink mint? It helps me cope with increased stomach acidity, it’s a pity I can’t drink it for a long time! Who knows what herbs reduce stomach acid production? Thanks in advance!

Of course, hairiness is not an argument not to drink.... with increased acidity, you need to know how else to eat, not eat or limit those foods that contribute to increased acidity. it may be enough to change your menu and that’s it

And with an excess of male hormones in women, I wonder what course of mint tea? Now I drink 1 packet of mint from the pharmacy 2 times a day. I thought about drinking for three months... Is this a normal period or should I drink less? Thank you.

Valeria, I don’t think it’s worth less, because it needs to have an effect... If this is too much for you, the body itself will tell you, symptoms of an overdose will appear (described in contraindications)...

Is it true that mint lowers blood sugar? And also, if your low blood pressure is 100 to 60, you can drink fresh mint, like tea.

Hello! And if there is little hair on the head, does mint affect it? Is there any recipe for increasing hair thickness, please tell me!!

no, it doesn't. Burdock is used to strengthen hair

SOPHORA tincture is very good for strengthening and growing new hair. It also gives volume to the hair. You lubricate your hair roots every morning and get treatment and volume. Removes oiliness and odor from hair, you can avoid washing your hair for a week.

thanks for the article, it was very helpful.

For hair growth, it is very good to rub celandine juice into the skin. Tested on my husband. Bald spots began to appear on his head (I don’t know what to call them correctly). So, we rubbed celandine juice from mid-summer until frost (there is plenty of celandine in the private sector). As a result, all the spots disappeared. Now hair grows there.

For high acidity, I can recommend a very simple tip - I use it myself. Grind regular dry peas in a coffee grinder, from which we then cook something like soup. For heartburn, take 1/3 teaspoon, chewing, do not drink. That's all. Hello!

Oh, mint, just right for me! :))) otherwise I’m very hot from excess

Interesting and informative, and most importantly concise.

Please tell me how to make mint oil?

Tell me, does mint help with female inflammation, and how many times a day should you drink mint tea?

mint helps against inflammation in general, not only against inflammation in women. drink mint tea 1-2 times a day, but it is better to change the medication. teas periodically

Alisa, Kirovograd, essential mint oil can be bought at the pharmacy, ready-made. but it can also be done at home, although the technology is somewhat different. For this you will need a base oil, usually wheat germ or almond oil is used. take fresh mint leaves, wash, dry from water, then put in a plastic bag and beat with a wooden mallet until the juice appears. This mass is placed in a jar and filled with base oil, covered with a lid. The next day, drain the oil (strain through cheesecloth), make a new portion of crushed mint and fill it with the drained oil. Then they do the same procedure a third time and the mint oil can be considered ready. You can buy base oil at the pharmacy, but it’s better to grow mint yourself. It is better to store it in the refrigerator, or at least somewhere in a cabinet, but, like other oils, under no circumstances in the sun. It’s troublesome, but you can do it as much as you need.

I really love mint tea. Can it be used for breast cancer (hormone-dependent). Estrogens were suppressed by drugs.

Mint tea is an incredibly tasty and aromatic drink that has many natural properties. Its benefits and harms have been studied for more than one generation, thanks to which it was found that it is suitable for almost all women and men in moderation.

Mint tea is very popular and even children like it, as it is very refreshing and has a pleasant taste. Peppermint is also a medicinal plant that is often used to treat and prevent various diseases. This tea is good to drink in hot weather, as it perfectly quenches thirst and cools. And in winter, mint tea will speed up recovery during ARVI, strengthening the immune system and giving strength to a weakened body. It is often used by mothers to cure their child of a cold without resorting to medication.

Also, mint in tea calms the nervous system, allowing you to relax and forget about all your problems. Therefore, it is recommended to use it in the evening before bed for insomnia, adding a spoonful of natural honey to it.

The most important thing is that mint tea is considered an excellent natural remedy for colds.

A drink made from freshly brewed green leaves eases the course of the disease, relieves pain in the head and neck, soothes and normalizes breathing.

To prepare it, you need to pour 5 tablespoons of mint with one liter of boiling water and cover the container, letting the broth brew for 15 minutes. Next, the drink is filtered, poured into a mug and drunk. To add sweetness to the tea, you can add a spoonful of honey, which will make the drink even more beneficial for a sick body.

If a boy or girl gets sick, he needs to dilute this infusion with boiled water or immediately pour not one liter, but two, and infuse the tea for an hour.

When you have a cold, you should drink tea warm, never hot, so as not to cause a sharp rise in temperature.

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You can also rinse your nose with this infusion to breathe easily and freely.

Mint contains menthol, which has antibacterial properties, so it is often used to treat skin diseases. Lotions made from mint tincture can relieve inflammation, reduce rashes and irritation on the skin. Mint drink is used to treat gout, stomach and intestines. It also copes well with increased gas formation and bloating.

Women's critical days do not always proceed smoothly and without problems. Premenstrual and menstrual pain plague more than half of the female population. And mint tea helps you calm down and reduce pain in the abdominal area. It can also be used to relieve menopausal symptoms.

Pregnant women can drink this drink little by little. It is enough to limit yourself to two small mugs a day to get rid of toxicosis and forget about nausea and nervousness.

But men should not rely on this fragrant tea, as it can provoke a decrease in testosterone in the male body, which in turn will lead to a weakening of potency. Since mint is a good calming agent, a man’s excitability will be reduced significantly. But if you use it daily in large doses, then there will be no contraindications. Men should still treat themselves to this tasty and healing drink 1-2 times a week. You should especially remember about it during a cold.

Properties of mint: beneficial properties of mint tea

Mint is a unique plant that has many beneficial properties.

The most commonly used is peppermint, which has a number of contraindications:

Allergic reaction or individual intolerance;
Low blood pressure, since mint soothes even more, but in moderate dosage time will not bring it;
Phlebeurysm;
Children under three years of age are not allowed to give mint.

However, this healing plant has gained popularity among people for a reason. Everyone knows its beneficial properties. In addition, it is included in many medications.

Let's see what are the beneficial properties of mint in tea:

An excellent diuretic that allows you to remove excess water from the body. People who love salty foods need to drink mint tea regularly to neutralize the harmful effects of an overdose of salt;
An excellent product for weight loss. But you need to drink tea in the permitted amount so as not to remove excess water from the body and not lead to dehydration;
Choleretic effect;
An antiemetic medicine can be obtained by adding pomegranate juice to mint;
Natural sedative. One cup of mint tea can calm the nervous system even in the most stressful situations;
Anti-inflammatory agent. Mint contains menthol, which is added to almost all ointments for muscles and joints;
The analgesic and medicinal property allows you to cure colds, throat and head diseases.

Today, mint essential oils are also used in cosmetology, making masks and decoctions for hair growth based on them.

The decoction can also be prepared at home. You just need to pour boiling water over 300 grams of leaves and boil them for half an hour. Then you need to let the broth brew and cool. Rinse washed hair with this tincture and dry it.

Having learned the properties of mint tea and its positive effect on the human body, mint began to be used in cooking. This plant emits a pleasant aroma, and drinks with it are refreshing and invigorating, especially if you add a pinch of thyme to the tea. Tea with mint is brewed not only in winter, but also in summer. Mint is used in almost all refreshing drinks, including the beloved Mojito.

Lemonade is made from sugar and lemon. Add 200 grams of sugar to one liter of water and squeeze out the juice of two lemons. By adding a sprig of mint to the drink, it will become more aromatic and rich.

Mojito is a favorite non-alcoholic cocktail with mint. In summer it is not very convenient to drink alcohol, as the heat makes you immediately feel ill. For a Mojito you need to take mint, lime, ice, sugar and Sprite. Place 4 tbsp per liter of soda. sugar, cut the lime into arbitrary slices and throw in 4 sprigs of mint. Add ice to this mixture and mix everything thoroughly. These drinks are perfectly refreshing in the heat and charge you with vivacity and energy.

Also, mint is often combined with other equally beneficial herbs, such as linden, thyme, and chamomile. Fragrant tea with thyme and mint is not only very tasty, but also healthy, as it has antiseptic and analgesic properties.

Mint is a medicinal herb that is used not only to treat all kinds of diseases, but also to make delicious teas and drinks. The main thing to remember is that it will only be useful if you do not use it in excess.

Mint is one of the most popular medicinal plants. Many people brew it and drink it instead of tea in unlimited quantities, without even realizing that mint can be not only beneficial, but also harmful. In some cases, its advantages turn into disadvantages. What do you need to know about the properties of mint?

Herb with a “chill”: exploring the benefits of mint

The family of such plants includes up to 20 species (this also includes lemon balm). But the most popular is peppermint. Its benefits and harms are determined by the characteristics of its chemical composition.

One of the most important components of mint is the essential oil. Its amount in leaves reaches 2.5%, and in flowers it is even higher - up to 6%. Mint contains menthol, which gives it a unique fresh aroma and cooling taste.

In addition to ascorbic acid, the content of which in mint is at least 0.01%, it contains many other vitamins - retinol, PP, E, six representatives of group B. It is rich in valuable macroelements - from phosphorus, sodium, magnesium to calcium and potassium.

Microelements are no less widely represented in mint, the main ones being iron, zinc, manganese, and copper. Its leaves, stems, and inflorescences contain a lot of dietary fiber, phytoncides, and saturated fatty acids.

This variety of healing substances allows mint to have a complex effect on the body. It has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, relaxant, anesthetic, antimicrobial, expectorant, antispasmodic, and moderate laxative effects.

Healing abilities of mint:

accelerates recovery from colds;
has a diuretic effect;
stabilizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
inhibits aging, as it is a powerful natural antioxidant;
relieves foci of inflammation;
has a positive effect on digestion: suppresses the activity of Helicobacter (bacterium that causes ulcers), Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli;
eliminates diarrhea;
strengthens nerves;
tones in the morning, calms in the evening;
relieves cramps;
reduces the gag reflex;
treats throat;
activates intestinal motility, removes putrefactive processes in the intestines;
eliminates bloating;
demonstrates antimicrobial activity;
improves appetite;
produces a choleretic effect;
relieves migraines;
relieves insomnia;
helps eliminate skin itching;
has a low calorie content: 100 g contains only 65-75 kcal, so mint can serve as a component of a diet for weight loss;
reduces pain in rheumatism, promotes resorption of hematomas (in the form of compresses);
puts the metabolism in order.

Does mint tea spoil the “flying weather” for men? Why is mint called “feminine”?

Mint is a plant whose benefits and harms are not the same for representatives of different sexes. She provides great support to women in the area of health and beauty.

Qualities of mint that are useful for girls and women:

treats stagnation of milk in a nursing woman: to get rid of lumps in the breast, you should apply a paste of mint leaves to the “bumps”;
helps relieve the condition of painful and heavy periods;
relieves symptoms of toxicosis during pregnancy;
reduces the symptoms of menopause;
can serve as an adjuvant for the treatment of inflammation “feminine style”;
improves the condition of dry, colored hair;
in the form of tonic and masks, it benefits “tired” skin - it refreshes, smoothes out fine wrinkles, and also eliminates greasy shine and tightens pores;
slows down hair growth in “unnecessary” places (antennae, underarm hair).

Important! An expectant mother is allowed to drink mint only after consulting a doctor!

Although mint infusion is considered an effective hangover remedy, it is better for men not to partake in such a “drug.” Refreshing tea, when consumed regularly, negatively affects potency and excitability, as it reduces testosterone levels.

No mint! Who should give it up?

How can you not love this kind of grass? Pleasant taste and fresh aroma - good for health! It’s a pity, mint is not good for everyone, and it has plenty of contraindications.

Restrictions and prohibitions on the use of mint:

individual intolerance: mint can cause severe allergies;
hypotension: it lowers blood pressure;
low acidity of gastric juice;
varicose veins;
lactation: the formation of breast milk will decrease;
infertility: if a woman has problems conceiving, regular use of mint will only worsen the situation - the egg will lose the ability to fertilize;
children under 5 years of age: this plant contains many active biocomponents, which can create too much stress on the baby’s body;
pregnancy with complications, as well as if a woman is expecting a male child.

Secrets of brewing tea with menthol flavor

The standard method of brewing mint tea is to add 1 tbsp to 250 ml of boiling water. l. dry chopped mint. Infuse tea for 15 minutes. Mint water will be extremely tasty - 1-2 bunches of fresh herbs should be filled with 500 ml of clean water. Or you can just add 1 tsp. mint in black tea.

Other recipes are suitable for preparing a medicinal drink. To get an infusion that will help relieve heart pain, you should take 2 tsp. crushed leaves, brew 1 tbsp. just boiled water. Leave for 20 minutes. Strain, drink 150 ml 1-3 r. in a day.

To make a decoction, you will need 15 g of dried herb. It is poured with 1 tbsp. water. Boil for 10 minutes. Insist for half an hour. Take 1 tbsp. l. from 3 to 4 r. per day, preceding meals.

Mint is widely used for medicinal purposes. But for colds and other diseases of the respiratory system that are accompanied by cough, its use has gained particular popularity. We will look into the benefits of this medicinal plant and how to use it for therapeutic purposes in this article.

Mint is an aromatic plant with a high menthol content, which has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Nowadays peppermint and lemon mint are recognized as official medicine, but peppermint is used mainly for coughs. Its main component is the essential oil from which menthol is extracted. Among other elements of the plant are:

Vitamins A and C.
Ascorbic and folic acid.
Potassium.
Rutin.
Betaine.
Tannins.
Calcium.

Alcohol tinctures, infusions, syrups, essential oils, decoctions, extracts and dry leaf herbs are made from the plant. Mint is used in the treatment of the respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive and nervous systems.

The plant is collected from April to September; it is advisable to do this in June before the plant blooms, when it contains the maximum amount of menthol. Dry mint in a well-ventilated area or outdoors in the shade.

The shelf life of mint is 2 years, but it is important to place the dried plant in a dark, dry place.

Benefits of mint for cough

This perennial essential herb has a valuable composition, thanks to which it is often used in the treatment of various diseases, including ENT pathologies. The active components of mint help cope with both dry and wet coughs. The use of mint for colds, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, pharyngitis, tracheitis, laryngitis and other diseases of the respiratory system, which are accompanied by this unpleasant symptom, has gained wide popularity.

The plant helps eliminate cough because:

Has an astringent effect.
Has an antispasmodic effect, relaxes the smooth muscles of the bronchi.
Reduces pain.
Has an antiseptic effect and kills germs.
Relieves swelling.
Promotes expectoration of phlegm.
Makes breathing easier.
Dilates blood vessels.
Calms the nervous system.
Increases the body's protective functions.

The plant can be grown for medicinal purposes on your own at home, or you can purchase a dry leaf collection at a pharmacy.

When coughing, mint is an affordable method of combating this unpleasant symptom at home.

Folk recipes

To eliminate coughs due to colds or other diseases of the respiratory system, use mint in inhalations, drink it as an infusion, tea, decoction or syrups. Let's look at the most effective ways:

Healing tea with linden and mint. An affordable way to use mint that calms the cough reflex well. According to the recipe, you need to pour 1 tsp into the teapot for brewing. green tea, linden flowers and mint leaves. Pour 1 liter of boiling water over the dry mixture. If the kettle is smaller, then the amount of ingredients needs to be reduced. Cover tightly with a towel and let the liquid sit for 15 minutes. You can drink the resulting tea 2 times a day, adding a little honey to it.
Inhalation with mint. For the procedure, peppermint (peppermint) essential oil is used, which can be purchased at any pharmacy. To do inhalation, you need to add 2-3 drops of ether to a container of boiling water, bend over the container and cover your head with a towel. You need to breathe the resulting mint steam for no more than 5–7 minutes once a day until the symptom is eliminated; as a rule, you will need to carry out 5–15 inhalations. This inhalation therapy will help get rid of cough due to bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and pneumonia.
Syrup. To prepare mint syrup, you need to grind 1 cup of fresh mint in a blender, add 150 g of sugar, and let it brew for a couple of hours in the refrigerator. Add 1 cup of sugar to 1.5 cups of boiling water, then cook the mixture until completely dissolved. Add mint mixture to the resulting liquid and simmer over low heat for another 10–15 minutes. When the syrup has cooled, strain it and place it in a clean glass container with a lid. If you have a severe, annoying cough, you should take the syrup several spoons twice a day. Children will really like this version of mint “medicine”, as it has a pleasant and sweet taste.
Mint infusion with ginger and honey. 1 tsp. dry mint leaves pour 1 glass of water and boil for 5 minutes over low heat, the liquid should infuse for 30 minutes. After this, the infusion is filtered, 1–2 tsp is added. lemon juice, a pinch of ginger and honey to taste. A glass of the remedy is taken 2 times a day after meals. If you have a cold, this infusion will help cope with unpleasant symptoms and strengthen the immune system.

It should be borne in mind that recipes also use other ingredients besides mint, so when preparing syrup, tea or infusion, make sure that you do not have individual sensitivity to the components used.

Contraindications

It is important to remember that such a familiar plant as mint also has restrictions on its use. It is prohibited to use for cough when:

Hypotension.
An allergic reaction to mint or another ingredient in a recipe.
Increased stomach acidity.
Disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract, gall bladder, liver.
Varicose veins, because the plant dilates blood vessels.
Child under 3 years of age. This is due to the fact that mint can lead to reflex depression and respiratory arrest.
The presence of problems with sexual function in men.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, mint can be used, but in limited quantities.

Remember that the use of both traditional and traditional medicine based on mint should be agreed with your doctor, especially if you have contraindications.