Mint is grown commercially, which is not surprising given
rich historical experience of its use, the number of diseases, with
which it helps and the number of nutrients in the composition. Moreover,
new and unexpected possibilities of using mint in medicine, dietetics and cosmetology
only today are revealed to scientists in the course of scientific research.
Useful properties of mint
Composition and nutrients
Fresh mint contains (in 100 g): .
Calories 44 Kcal
Vitamin C 13,3 Potassium, K 458 Vitamin
B3 0,948 Calcium, Ca 199 Vitamin B5 0,25 Magnesium, Mg 63 Vitamin
B2 0,175 Phosphorus,
P 60 Vitamin
B1 0,078 Sodium,
On 30
Full composition
What exactly is used and in what form?
For the manufacture of medicines, herbs are used and
mint leaves… Raw materials in the form of dried or fresh
herbs are a source of valuable essential oil. Based
mint leaves prepare decoctions, tinctures, teas.
Leaves and inflorescences of mint contain essential oil,
the amount of which is due to the general conditions of plant growth,
variety of mint and time of collection of raw materials Essential oil
mint is widely used: in medical practice, in food
industry. It is a natural flavoring agent, indispensable in distillery,
confectionery. mentholthat get
from essential oil, is a component of medicines
with a disinfectant and anti-inflammatory effect. Tincture
mint and mint leaves (as part of herbal teas) are used
to improve the functioning of the digestive system, as a choleretic
and antispasmodic. peppermint oil useful
with inhalation. Mint water good for rinsing,
is a part of potions. Bathing little ones in mint trays
children with allergic
rashes, scrofula, rickets,
intestinal colic. Menthol alcohol is used to treat neuroderma. Fresh
flowering mint is used in homeopathy..
Medicinal properties
Peppermint leaves rich in volatile oils
(among them menthol, limonene, depentene, menthone), they also contain
triterpene compounds (various acids), mineral salts,
tannins and enzymes. Most essential oil
contained in the flower part of mint, much less in the leaf
parts, and very little – in the stems.
As part of the leaves long-leaved mint some
types of organic acids (malic,
citric
and amber)
and vitamin C. Mint is curly contains carotene,
vitamin P, ascorbic acid and phytoncides..
The therapeutic effect of the use of mint is explained by the combination
substances of primary biological impact, including
the central place is occupied by menthol, which belongs to the terpene group.
Menthol exhibits the properties of an anesthetic characteristic of this group.
and antiseptic..
In official medicine
In official medicine, drugs are widely used:
- peppermint leavespackaged mono
collection; - peppermint tincture… Tincture in quantity
10 drops are prescribed to improve the functioning of the digestive
tract, as well as a diuretic and to eliminate nausea.
The tincture expels bile. For the purpose of disinfection, it is used when
purulent bronchitis,
bronchiectasis. Acts as a vasodilator with
angina pectoris. Reduces pressure, subject to simultaneous
taking with medications based on periwinkle; - peppermint oil… Has found application as a disinfectant
a flavoring agent and enhancer; - boromenthol, ointment. Excellent antiseptic
and antispasmodic, used externally to treat the nasal mucosa
for general respiratory diseases, to relieve itchy skin
and irritation; - menovazine, which contains ethyl
alcohol, menthol, novocaine, anesthesin. Rubbed into the skin
in dermatosis, myalgia and neuralgia.
The drug must be used with caution: if the dose is exceeded, it can
weakness, dizziness, hypotension occur. - validol – menthol solution in menthol ether
isovaleric acid. Used for angina pectoris, hysterical
and neurotic diseases, as well as an antiemetic
with motion sickness and disorder of the vestibular apparatus; - pectincontaining menthol, oil
eucalyptus,
sugar and talc. Prescribe one tablet under the tongue for inflammatory
processes of the upper respiratory tract; - drops “Evkatol” (menthol, eucalyptus tincture,
ethanol). For diseases of the upper respiratory tract
recommend gargling (up to 10 drops per 200 ml of boiled
water); - olimetin capsules (peppermint oil,
refined turpentine oil, calamus rhizome oil,
olive
oil, purified sulfur). Used to remove stones
in urinary and bile (2 capsules 3-5 times a day after administration
food); - candles “Anestezol”which includes
menthol. It is used to treat hemorrhoids; - dental drops;
- mint water… Used as a flavoring agent
and for rinsing the mouth..
In folk medicine
Peppermint is used in folk medicine as a powerful antiseptic and pain reliever.
means. Gargling is indicated for sore throat or toothache.
concentrated broth of mint. The herb is useful for stomach cramps.
Provides relief from coughing. When
anemia is consumed raw mint leaves. Long-leaved mint
it is also used for neurological problems. Patients with hysteria
neurological problems and exhibiting aggressive behavior
prescribe a course of therapeutic baths.
- Mint leaves used for cooking
broth: in two glasses of boiling water, brew a tablespoon of leaves,
let it brew for 10 minutes. They drink such a broth with weak fermentation,
nausea in expectant mothers. Outwardly, the broth helps well
with an itchy rash. He is credited with having a steroid effect. - Mint decoction with gastritis or decreased appetite.
Brew 2 teaspoons of dry raw materials in a glass of boiling water. Decoction
leave for about 30 minutes, drain. Take 60 ml of the received
liquids before each morning and evening meals.
- Mint tea in SARS, ARI, colds, bronchi
and angina.
Pour a tablespoon of mint leaves with a small amount of boiling water,
I use it later as a regular tea brew. This tea is useful
with honey and lemon. - peppermint oil great for inhalation
with infections of the upper respiratory tract. - Mint lotions help with fungal infections
nails. Grind the leaves and stems of mint to a mushy state
and pour boiling water over. The resulting mass is wrapped in a thin
cloth or gauze and applied to the areas of the skin where the
fungus. After 5 minutes, rinse the affected area and blot
clean towel. Repeat the procedure up to 2 times a day. - Mint tincture with migraine. A teaspoon of mint
raw materials are infused with alcohol (70%) in the amount of 20 teaspoons.
The tincture is prepared for a week. Consume 15 drops per 200 ml of drinking
water daily. - Peppermint tincture helps with heartburn:
two tablespoons for half a liter of boiling water. Take in quarters
glasses up to 4 times a day. - Outwardly use oil for the treatment of wounds and erosion
cervix… For the preparation of oil 10% tincture
mint leaves are mixed in equal proportions with Provencal or
sunflower
oil and evaporate the alcohol in a water bath. - to prepare baths with healing effect
use 50 g of mint leaves per bucket of water. - Lotions with mint broth is recommended to
relieve fatigue, redness and irritation in the eyes. 2 dining rooms
tablespoons of mint leaves of mint are poured with 1⁄2 liter of hot water.
Simmer for about 10 minutes. Strain the cooled broth,
apply cotton pads soaked in broth to the eyelids for 1-2
minutes, repeating the procedure up to 4 times a day. - Mint steam baths: steaming the skin
face over mint broth reduces the amount of inflammation, has
excellent antiseptic properties..
In oriental medicine
Chinese and Japanese healers have long used mint to heal
migraines, digestive diseases and stopping internal
bleeding. Avicenna’s treatises mention the so-called
«bullet»Mint. Avicenna described her vasodilator
impact and cited mint-containing recipes for getting rid of stones
in the kidneys.
In scientific research
In ancient times, Avicenna described the types of mint known to him and recorded
existing recipes at that time. In early Europe, interest in the plant
supported at the state level: by the decree of Charlemagne in 812
year, the population was obliged to grow 4 types of mint in their gardens.
Contribution to the development of research on the species diversity of mint
introduced by Karl Linnaeus: it was he who, in 1753, gave the definition of a new
hybrid (arising from water mint and spearmint, garden)
– peppermint.
Modern scientists are increasing the system of knowledge about the numerous
healing properties of mint. Antibacterial and antioxidant
Peppermint (R. Singh, M. Shushni, A. Belheir)..
Biologically active characteristics become the object of research.
herbal tea from peppermint (D. McKay), J. Bloomberg)..
A group of researchers led by P. Mikaili emphasize the scientific
interest in pharmacological and therapeutic properties mint
long-leaved, and its main component – menthol..
Turkish scientists analyze agronomic and chemical indicators
spearmint, growing in Turkey..
In the domestic scientific paradigm, Malankina E.L. classifies
and describes the varieties of mint..
A Czech researcher deals with the species and hybrid variety of mint
Neigeboyrova Yarmila..
In dietetics
American researchers point to choleretic properties
mint, and explain the effectiveness of mint tea diets
improving the outflow of bile, which accelerates the breakdown of fat. Experimentally
mint aromatherapy has been shown to be useful in suppressing
appetite. Subjects who inhaled mint flavor,
experienced less hunger and were content with reduced
the number of calories.
In cooking
Mint is a real find when you need to diversify.
an uncomplicated dish, adding a piquant touch. A pair of dried leaves
or fresh herb will significantly alter the flavor of the soup or salad. Dishes
meat and pastries also go well with specks of mint.
This spice is appreciated by chefs of oriental cuisine. Dish recipes
with mint so diverse that they can constitute a separate
cookbook, so the question “What to cook with mint»
– just a matter of taste. Mint is one of the essential ingredients of the legendary
drink mojito.
Mojito recipe:
You will need 40 ml of white rum, 6 peppermint leaves, 30 ml
lime juice
10 g light cane sugar, half a glass crushed
ice and 0,25 liters of soda. Grind mint leaves with lime juice
and granulated sugar, fill the glass with crushed ice, mix with mint
mass and pour in rum and soda..
Incredibly delicious and non-alcoholic mint drinks:
Moroccan mint tea
For cooking, take 2-4 mint stalks with leaves, a quarter
glasses of granulated sugar, 2 incomplete tablespoons of green tea,
150 ml of water. Separate the leaves from the stems, throw into the infuser
kettle, add sugar, brew in 50 ml of boiling water. Make green tea
in another kettle, brewing with the remaining boiling water. Insist for 3 minutes.
Strain the tea and mint leaves from two teapots and pour into one
capacity. Divide into cups over the stalk of mint and pour the finished
tea. Serve with crushed sugar.
Mint julep
Take a handful of raw mint, 1 lemon
or lime and a liter of sparkling water. Wash and chop mint leaves.
Then puree in a blender with 100 ml of water. Connect puréed
mass with the juice of one lemon or lime, pour soda and strain.
Serve julep in glasses decorated with mint leaves and lemon
slices.
A pastry chef who wants to make a mint dessert also has plenty of options
choose.
Mint cookie recipe (cooking
France):
You will need 80 g of butter and sugar, 160 g of flour, 20
g fresh mint leaves, egg – 1 piece.
Grind granulated sugar with mint leaves. The resulting mixture
combine with softened butter and stir. Pour in flour, add
egg. Blind small balls, and shape them with your fingers into small
tortillas. Bake for about 20 minutes at 175 degrees,
until golden brown. Store cookies tightly
the bank..
Useful for preparing refreshing drinks mint
лед: mint leaves, laid out in molds, pour boiled
water and send to the freezer.
Mint sauce harmoniously paired with dishes
lamb
and pork, and meat prepared for cooking in a mint marinade
will satisfy the most discerning palates.
In cosmetology
Mint in cosmetology proved itself as valuable
and a polyfunctional plant. Mint has a beneficial effect
on the skin, hair, moisturizes, nourishes and heals. This herb is included
in the composition of both professional care cosmetics and various
home cosmetics. Mint is used in masks for
skin, hair, on its basis they create lotions, tonics, compresses,
lotions. Shampoos and hair rinses based on mint
extract help with seborrhea.
In perfumery
In Greek culture, mint was attributed to the properties of an aphrodisiac.
Wreaths were woven from it, added to the water for ablution and used
when cleaning premises. In modern days, this plant is used
in perfumery. Mint-based aromatic oils are beneficial for healing
migraine
and in the fight against unpleasant odors. Within famous brands
perfume and eau de toilette were created based on mint notes. Popular
perfumes with mint scent: Water of joy
from Giorgio Armani, Aqua Allegoria Herba Fresca from Gerlen.
Other uses
Mint is a kind of natural fumigator. Insect pests
do not tolerate the smell of this plant. If you plant a mint area
around the house, you can forget about cockroaches, flies and moths for a long time.
Interesting Facts
Depending on the era and cultural background of the countries, mint in
different times has been a symbol of hospitality, inspiration, creative
start. In world literature, one of the most famous references to
Fragrant Herb is a detective novel by a French writer
Marguerite Duras “English mint“. Soviet poet-futurist
Nikolai Aseev, in poetry about his own work, wrote that
his poems “from mint and wormwood”, comparing the beneficial effects of the word
with the healing power of mint. “Fragrant Mint” created a fairy tale about mint
children’s writer Iris Revue.
Dangerous properties of mint and contraindications
In case of hypersensitivity to menthol, do not use
toothpaste, cream that contain it, as it can
cause hives
redness of the skin, headache. It should also be very careful
use peppermint oil for the treatment of the skin of infants.
In large doses, peppermint oil can provoke vomiting, ataxia,
and sometimes due to the action on the central nervous system –
accelerated breathing rate, seizures, and even death from paralysis
breathing center..
In addition to allergy sufferers and babies, mint is not recommended to be taken in
any kind of children under 3 years old, pregnant women and those who are
driving as this plant causes drowsiness. Medical
consultation is necessary in each of the cases of possible treatment
preparations from mint. Don’t buy dried or freshly harvested
grass at market points or in a passage. The origin of such
raw materials may be associated with unsuitable environmental conditions,
the grass could be collected close to the roadway. In this case, mint
will be a repository of toxins hazardous to human health.
The use of mint in any form should be discarded if the patient
simultaneously accepts:
- preparations containing iron;
- cyclosporine;
- any antibiotic or anti-fungal agent;
- anticonvulsants;
- medicines for
lowering blood pressure, any drug for “cores”..
We have collected the most important points about the benefits and possible dangers of mint
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Botanical description
It is a perennial ethereal herb from the family Yasnotkov
(Lipocytes).
Origin of the name
The name of the plant is borrowed from the Greek
and Roman mythologies. Latin word “Mentha»
was the name of the nymph Menta (in the Greek version – Minta), turned
jealous wife of the lord of the underworld into a fragrant, fragrant
grass.
Types
The generic system of the plant includes 42 species and many hybrids.
The most famous and used in various fields are the following views
mint and its hybrids:
- 1 Peppermint – hybrid of two wild
species (garden and water mint). The melliferous properties of this variety
mint is highly prized by modern beekeepers; - 2 Long-leafed mint – grows
in Europe, Asia, on the African continent. Spicy taste contributed
the fact that this species has taken an honorable place among the spices of world cuisine; - 3 Water mint – grows on wet
ground, near a water source. This type of mint took root in Europe,
but also found in African and Asian countries; - 4 Fragrant mint – distributed
in the Mediterranean, Asia Minor region, Europe. Used by
in cooking and medicine; - 5 Mint of the field – growing in Europe,
Asia, the Caucasus, India and Nepal. A component of many herbal teas; - 6 Peppermint – from Asia Minor
countries and Egypt spread to the Caucasus and took root in the south
Europe. Found wide application in confectionery; - 7 Japanese mint – quite rare
species, representative of the flora of the Japanese islands. Used in cosmetic
industry; - 8 Marsh mint (or flea)
– grows in the north of Africa, east of Asia, common in Europe,
in the mountains of the Caucasus; - 9 Mint is curly – grows
in the north of America, in some Western European and Southern European
countries..
The rhizome of the plant is branched, spreading, gives numerous
processes. Stem with many branches, up to half a meter in height.
According to phenotypic characteristics, black and white mint are distinguished. Leaves
the first variety purple, red-purple, white mint –
light green in color. The blooming period of white mint starts earlier,
its essential oil has a more subtle scent. But yield indicators
white mint is lower than black. Therefore, in industrial cultivation
the latter variety is preferred. Leaf arrangement
opposite, the arrangement of flowers is annular. Mint flowers
small, purple-red, spikes collected in an inflorescence. Characteristic
the property of all types of mint is a persistent aroma.
Species diversity of mint is so wide that the plant can be found
almost everywhere. Peppermint is grown in kitchen gardens and orchards,
water mint has chosen places near water bodies, long-leaved – grows
in swamps, highlands and alder forests..
In history
The history of growing mint goes back centuries: mankind has long
used a storehouse of beneficial properties that this plant offers.
How did mint spread around the world? To the islands of Britain, for example,
it was brought by the Romans. Pliny wrote about mint: “The smell of mint makes
mind soar, and appetite – expand and grow“. Mint mentioned
in medieval manuscripts, it is known that already in the ninth century it
becomes a horticultural culture among the British. Mentions of garden mint
can be found in Chaucer’s texts..
In the 14th century, mint was used to whiten teeth, and later extracted
from it, fragrant oil was added to toothpaste, soap and confectionery
products. This is how peppermint appeared, the oldest cultivated representative
flora, a hybrid of which was bred by the British in the seventeenth century,
believed to be by crossing other species. In the territory
… began to cultivate mint a century later (this process coincided
with the activities of the so-called pharmacy gardens). In Soviet times
the plant was cultivated on the territory of the former republics in huge
scale.
Growing conditions
Plant propagation method is vegetative: mint spreads
division of the root system, and not only rhizomes, but also with the help
rooted stems and leaves. Basic soil requirements: moisture.
Peppermint is a high-yielding plant when grown in low-lying areas.
areas characterized by shallow soil
water With abundant snow cover, mint is able to withstand minus
temperature up to the “30” mark. But in snowless frosts, she dies.
The most favorable summer weather for mint with a temperature regime
from 18 to 22 C. Frequent rain and heat lead to the appearance of fungal
diseases that negatively affect the amount of ether
oil produced by mint. The site for planting rhizomes is necessary
plow to a depth of 25 – 27 cm, while adding organic
fertilizers. In early spring, the soil is cultivated. Fresh not sprouted
rhizomes are planted by hand in a square-nesting way. When the appearance
of weeds, crops are cultivated to a depth of 8-10 cm.
for the period of budding and the beginning of flowering (in July – August), repeated
picking mint is possible after regrowth in September. Mint blooms in June
– July..
Collecting mint starts in July (sometimes in August)
and coincides with the period of flower budding. Harvested mint and reused
in September, after regrowth.
In the cultivation of mint on an industrial scale, the grass is mowed with special
mowing devices. In the daytime, the raw materials are dried,
in the evening they are collected in small sheaves. Drying continues until a certain
the degree of fragility of the stems. Then the leaves are separated from the stems. Mechanized
harvesting and cleaning give crushed raw materials, cleaned of tough stem
parts. The safety of raw materials is ensured in dry, well-ventilated
premises for up to 2 years..
How to store mint properly? The answer to this question
is determined in what form – dried or fresh – you need to save
this healing herb. Dried mint is best stored in cloth
pouches. A wet waffle towel will prolong the life of fresh mint
and a refrigerator. Mint leaves can also be frozen for a long time
store in the freezer, in a tightly tied bag or plastic
container.
How to grow mint at home
You can enjoy the mint harvest not only on the personal plot,
in the garden. If you wish, you can grow mint at home, on the windowsill,
in an ordinary flower pot. Use seeds when planting mint
or rooted, sprouted mint stems. Mint care in conditions
apartment or house is quite simple: moderate watering, periodic
feeding, moisturizing the aerial part of the plant, additional lighting
in the cold season and maintaining the optimal temperature
mode (about 20 degrees).
Growing mint can be accompanied by challenges faced
many gardeners are pests and diseases that affect the plant. Among
pests attracted by mint mint flea,
aphid, mint mite, leaf beetle and others. Optimal
the way to control them is to use appropriate insecticides
and spraying according to the instructions. Remember to handle
the plant needs at least a month before the start of the harvest in order to
avoid the high concentration of harmful substances in the mint stem and
leaves. Peppermint is often affected by a disease such as rust.
In this case, the lower part of the leaves is covered with voluminous brown spots.
The lesion spreads quickly enough and soon the whole plant
gets sick. Rust is caused by fungus. With a fungal infection, you need
use a special spray solution. The emergence
rust is promoted by high humidity, rather low temperature
regime, the “age” of the grown mint and the increased level of nitrogen in
soil. Preventive rust control measures on mint
bushes: you need to feed the soil with a mixture of phosphorus and potassium,
transplant plants on time and be sure to burn those affected by the disease
stems.
Power circuit
Due to its strong smelling essential oils, mint is successfully used
as a flavoring and aroma additive in canine and feline
feed. In this case, dried stems or leaves of grass are used,
sometimes an extract. Improvements in taste are achieved with the help of different varieties
mint, but especially attractive to pets (cats or cats)
remains cat mint (catnip) containing substances
able to attract the attention of a pet and act on
him stimulating.
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