There are medicinal plants used by people in medicinal purposes since ancient times, the demand for which does not fall even with the availability of a large number of modern synthetic drugs with a similar mechanism of action. One such plant is peppermint. medicinal properties which is well known to medicine. The spectrum of action of mint is quite extensive, and the restrictions on intake are minimal, which is why it is so popular among traditional healers.
Composition and properties
Peppermint has a rich chemical composition, due to which it is used in many areas of pharmacology, medicine, cooking, perfumery and cosmetology.
This plant contains a large amount of essential oils, vitamins, pigments, tannins, organic acids and resins. Menthol is the main component of peppermint essential oil. It is this that gives the plant its specific pleasant taste and aroma. It has antiseptic properties and exhibits an analgesic effect when used externally. Menthol also effectively dilates blood vessels, so it is included in a large number of officially registered medications.
- Peppermint is effective for many diseases because it affects the human body in the following ways:
- calms the nervous system;
- relieves inflammation;
- tones blood vessels when used topically;
- relieves spasms of smooth muscles;
- normalizes heart rhythm, dilates coronary vessels;
- refreshes and disinfects the oral cavity; eliminates headache
- and fights insomnia;
- relieves sore throat and cough due to colds;
- exhibits disinfectant and antifungal effects;
eliminates muscle pain.
Application in gastroenterology
With increased stomach acidity, a collection of mint and centaury helps. These ingredients should be taken in a 4:1 ratio and mixed well. For a glass of boiling water you need to take 2 tsp. herbal mixture, infuse the medicine for 30 minutes under a closed lid. After filtering, the product should be taken 200 ml three times a day after meals.
You can reduce nausea and vomiting with mint infusion. To prepare this remedy, you need to pour 10 g of dried peppermint leaves into 0.2 liters of boiling water and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. After this, the product must be infused for 1 hour in a water bath, then filtered. You should drink the infusion one glass in small sips several times a day.
For irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a herbal mixture with mint helps eliminate pain, nausea and cramps. To prepare it you need to mix 3 tbsp. l. peppermint and lemon balm, 4 tbsp. l. chamomile 15 g of the resulting collection must be poured into 200 ml of boiling water and left for 60 minutes. You need to drink this medicine in a strained dose of 15 ml 3 times a day before meals.
Mint infusion reduces bloating and improves bowel function, eliminating constipation. 1 tbsp. l. plants need to be poured with 400 ml of boiling water and left for 15 minutes. After filtering, the product should be taken 200 ml twice a day an hour after meals.
Treatment of neurological diseases
For insomnia or other sleep disorders, taking mint infusion at night is effective. 1 tbsp. l. Leaves of the plant need to be poured with a glass of boiling water and left for 20 minutes. Strain and drink in one serving before bed. For the same purpose, you can periodically add fresh mint leaves to a glass of regular black or green tea that a person drinks after meals.
For hysteria and anxiety disorders, significant improvement can be achieved with the help of mint decoction as part of complex therapy. Need 1 tbsp. l. dry vegetable raw materials pour 0.2 l hot water, bring to a boil and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes. You need to drink the decoction in the morning and evening, 100 ml before meals.
To relieve stress and relax, you can prepare a communal bath with mint. Essential oils and aromatic substances that are released calm the nervous system and improve mood. The procedure should be carried out half an hour before bedtime. To prepare a concentrated infusion, you need to add 1 cup of crushed peppermint leaves to 1 liter of water and bring to a boil. You need to infuse the product for 30 minutes, after which it must be filtered and added to the general bath. The water temperature should be 37-38 °C.
Mint for colds
If you have a sore throat, mint infusion helps reduce the manifestations of pharyngitis; you need to gargle every 2 hours. To prepare it you need 1 tbsp. l. Pour a glass of boiling water over dry mint leaves and leave for 15 minutes. After filtering, the warm solution can be used to gargle or irrigate a sore throat.
When you have a runny nose, mint infusion with vegetable oil. Need 2 tbsp. l. Brew mint with 100 ml of boiling water and leave for 1 hour. Add 1 tsp to the strained solution. olive oil and instill this composition 2 drops into each nostril three times a day. You can also lubricate the nasal passages with this solution - thanks to mint, breathing becomes easier, and the oil in its composition protects the mucous membrane from drying out.
If the patient is tormented by a cough, then to improve expectoration at home, you can prepare a mint decoction with green tea and linden. All ingredients must be mixed in equal parts and 2 tbsp. l. pour 400 ml of boiling water into the resulting mixture. After infusing the product for 15 minutes, it is recommended to drink 150 ml three times a day after meals.
Peppermint syrup also relieves coughs. A glass of fresh leaves of this plant needs to be crushed and 150 g of sugar added. Separately, you need to dissolve a glass of sugar in 0.3 liters of boiling water and keep it on low heat for 15 minutes. Then add mint mixture to the resulting sweet solution and cook over low heat for another 15 minutes. After cooling, the syrup must be strained and taken 2 tbsp. l. three times a day half an hour before meals.
Other uses
During pregnancy, mint tea helps eliminate nausea and vomiting during toxicosis, calm intestinal spasms and normalize sleep, but before using it, you should definitely consult a gynecologist. Take 1 tsp per glass of boiling water. dry mint and infuse this drink for 15 minutes under a closed lid. You need to drink it strained and cooled in small sips.
For acne and furunculosis, you can use mint tonic. 15 g of dried plant should be poured with 200 ml of boiling water and left for 30 minutes. After straining, the product should be stored in the refrigerator. They need to wipe their face after washing. You can also freeze this solution and use ice cubes in the morning to wipe problem areas of the skin.
For fungal diseases (mycoses), this plant helps to defeat the fungus and restore skin that has superficial damage. To do this, fresh mint leaves must be crushed in a mortar and the resulting pulp should be applied to fungal lesions on the body. The exposure time should be 30 minutes, after which the composition must be washed off warm water and dry the skin with a towel.
Contraindications and features of use
Although peppermint is widely used to treat digestive diseases, it should be used with caution for heartburn.
It causes the stomach sphincter to relax, which can cause stomach acid to flow into the esophagus (reflux). Therefore, it is better not to use mint if you have increased stomach acidity and heartburn. Since this medicinal plant calms the nervous system, a person may experience a decrease blood pressure
- for taking mint:
- children under 12 years of age;
- phlebeurysm;
- chronically low blood pressure (arterial hypotension);
- infertility;
- serious disturbances in the functioning of the liver and kidneys;
individual intolerance and allergies. When using this medicinal plant, you must follow the recommended dosages and not exceed them. At excessive consumption
Peppermint may cause insomnia, dizziness, or bronchospasm.
And it is used in the treatment and prevention of many diseases. The essential oil content in it is 3%, mint contains pinene, piperitone, and tannins. There are more than 25 species of plants. In addition to menthol, mint contains ascorbic acid and carotene.
The highest content of nutrients is in mint, which is collected before flowering. Mint decoctions are used internally and externally, in the form of tea, tinctures (find out how to properly prepare a mint tincture) or compresses. The menthol contained in mint is used in pastes, essences, drops and various ointments and tablets.
This plant has been used since ancient times in alternative medicine to treat various diseases. It is known for its healing, soothing properties, and is even used in the production of cosmetics. It contains many essential oils, menthol, which determines the smell and taste of mint, and is also a bactericidal agent.
The beneficial properties of mint include:
- painkiller;
- vasodilator;
- soothing;
- tonic, etc.
Peppermint tea is good for treating colds and viral diseases. Fresh tea will relieve headaches and migraines, eliminate the first symptoms of a cold.
For a cold
Pour 1 tbsp into a porcelain container. spoon of mint leaves (dried), then pour 200 ml of boiled water. Cover the broth and leave it for 10-15 minutes in a dark place. Then strain the resulting decoction and you can drink it
Remember!
For children, you should not make such a strong decoction; 1 tbsp will be enough. spoons of mint leaves poured into 0.5 liters of boiling water.
In addition to treating colds, peppermint tea is used to treat a variety of illnesses. Mint contains quite a lot of menthol, which is used for skin diseases, to relieve itching or rashes. Mint decoction is used for diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract, diseases of the stomach and intestines. Such tea, metabolism, the state of the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Mint tea for stomach problems
Take 2 tbsp. spoons of mint and pour 400 g of boiling water over them. Let the decoction steep for about half an hour, then strain and drink this tea before meals.
- For headaches
- Dried mint leaves, 1 teaspoon, pour 200 g of boiling water.
Add lemon or lemon zest, a spoonful of honey and drink instead of tea throughout the day.
- For skin diseases
- Brew 1 teaspoon with 10-200 ml of boiling water.
Let the broth brew, then strain and rub into problem areas on the skin.
Brewing rules There are a few worth remembering simple rules when brewing.
- mint tea
- You can brew mint only in glass or porcelain containers.
- You can only drink this tea fresh, because the next day the tea will lose all its beneficial properties.
- For children, it is necessary to reduce the mint content by 2 times.
- Tea should not be brewed with boiling water, as this will kill all the beneficial properties.
You can add lemon or pieces of fruit to your tea. You can also add mint to black tea or any other tea.
Women often use mint as a means to remove toxins and waste from the body. It helps normalize metabolism, which can lead to weight loss or weight gain if necessary. This plant is widely used by many cosmetic companies in the production of cosmetics, because it has a good effect both on the body and its internal organs, and on the condition of the skin.
Read about the body and its contraindications in our article.
Tea with ice:
- Boil the water. Add a few mint leaves to it.
- Let the tea brew for about 25-30 minutes.
- Then cool the drink and add ice cubes.
Arabic mint tea:
- You will need half a liter of water (boiling water), add 3-4 tablespoons of tea (black or green) to it.
- Cook for about ten minutes, then add mint and sugar.
- Continue cooking for another 25-30 minutes. Let the tea cool and you can drink the drink.
During pregnancy
Peppermint tea is no less useful for women who are pregnant and expecting an unborn child. Since mint does not have a negative effect on the fetus, many women prefer to be treated with mint. It can help a pregnant woman with colds, heart and vascular diseases, and stomach problems. But you should not overuse mint decoctions, especially highly concentrated ones.
Important! Pregnant women are often nervous and worried about future births and the condition of the unborn baby. Tea with mint will help you calm down, relax, and get distracted.
Indications for drinking tea:
- Constant nausea, toxicosis.
- Flatulence, colic, diarrhea and other stomach problems.
- For insomnia, headaches.
- Skin inflammation.
For nausea (toxicosis)
3 tbsp. Grind tablespoons of dry mint through a sieve or in your palms. Then pour 200 g of boiling water. Let stand for half an hour. Cool the broth and drink it a few minutes before meals.
Contraindications
Because it is full of useful properties, but we must remember that you should not abuse tea with mint or its decoctions.
It contains a female hormone that can cause premature contractions and childbirth. Mint lowers blood pressure, so if you suffer from low blood pressure, you should limit your intake. If the expectant mother suffers from varicose veins, then she should not drink mint tea often either.
Benefits and harms for men
The effect of this plant on female body harmless unless there are contraindications due to illness or allergies, but men should be careful and limit themselves to taking mint tea.
- . Mint tea helps with intestinal diseases, nervous system, blood vessels and heart. It helps men relax at the end of the working day or calm down before an important meeting.
- Harm. The biggest disadvantage of mint for men is its detrimental effect on potency. With frequent consumption of mint, male hormones begin to be produced less frequently and less actively. Therefore, you should not abuse this plant.
Mint tea for the heart
Mint is a sedative, so tea with it will help you normalize sleep and blood pressure. This tea can be drunk to prevent heart attacks and hypertension. A decoction of mint will also help with heart pain, as it has an analgesic effect. Peppermint tea will help normalize your heart rate.
Remember!
If you suffer from hypertension, then you should consume mint in small quantities and not too often.
Tea with mint has a calming effect on the adult body. But the effect on the child’s body is not fully known. Mint, because it contains menthol, can cause allergies, itchy skin, and rashes in a child. Peppermint tea should be given to a child over 3 years of age, and preferably after consultation with a pediatrician, to avoid adverse effects.
- Attention! If your children suffer from diseases of the kidneys, nervous system and urinary system, then you should refrain from drinking mint and tea with it.
- Add 5-7 petals of the plant to 1 teaspoon of tea, pour in 500-700 g of water (boiled).
- Let stand for 5-7 minutes, strain if necessary and drink.
Children can add lemon or grapefruit to their tea.
Harm and contraindications In front of everyone beneficial properties
- mint has a beneficial effect on the body and general condition of a person, remember that it has contraindications. If used incorrectly, it can cause harm rather than benefit to the body.
- Mint does not have a favorable effect on potency, so men must follow the rules that were described above in this article. Must be observed correct proportions
- when making tea for children.
- Hypertensive patients and people with kidney and urinary system diseases should be careful when drinking mint tea and decoctions.
- If you are allergic to mint or menthol, you should avoid drinking this tea.
Also, for heartburn, infertility, and drowsiness, doctors do not recommend using it, as it will only worsen the condition.
Natural mint tea is a drink with a long history that nourishes, refreshes, heals, and has a fragrant aroma. The taste and smell of the medicinal herb are determined by menthol and numerous essential oils. Unique properties The benefits of mint tea were noted by respected ancient healers who used mint to treat numerous diseases.
Mint tea: healing, cleansing, relaxation
For cooking fragrant tea fresh or dry mint leaves are brewed with boiling water, taken hot/chilled for overwork, nervous overexcitation, fatigue. Tea with mint goes well with honey and lemon - this decoction is recommended for colds and acute respiratory viral infections. A simple, affordable, natural drink filled with such useful substances, How:
- tannins;
- thiamine;
- riboflavin;
- phytoncides;
- copper;
- phosphorus;
- iron;
- zinc;
- sodium;
- magnesium;
- potassium.
Peppermint tea is good for women: by promoting the production of estrogen, the infusion stabilizes hormonal levels, regulates the menstrual cycle, improves skin condition, and helps cope with unpleasant symptoms during menopause.
The effect of mint tea on children has not been fully studied, so it is advisable to give herbal infusions to a child starting from 4-5 years old (in small quantities). Pay attention to the reaction of the child’s body (are there any rashes, itching, allergies), consult a specialist.
The effect of mint tea on men is controversial and debated. Occasionally, in small quantities, a mug of brewed mint can help representatives of the stronger sex cope with overstrain, depression, and neurosis. In large quantities, mint can reduce the level of male hormones (testosterone), leading to a decrease in potency.
Area of application of fragrant herb
Thanks to healing properties mint tea is used as:
- sedative and analgesic for nervous exhaustion, insomnia, migraines, hypertension;
- antiseptic for runny nose, cough, sore throat (helps relieve pain, clears mucus);
- antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory agent for stomach cramps, intestinal disorders, nausea;
- a choleretic drug to improve the flow of bile and reduce high acidity of the stomach.
Many representatives of the fair sex effectively use mint tea for weight loss, noting its remarkable ability to reduce hunger and cravings for sweets. By taking this drink before meals, you can speed up your metabolism and improve your performance. digestive system. Peppermint tea is especially useful during times of stress.
There are mixed opinions about the benefits of mint tea during pregnancy. It is known that mint:
- helps fight early toxicosis;
- eliminates constipation, dizziness;
- tones the muscles of the uterus;
- relieves swelling and heartburn symptoms.
However, mint tea brings not only benefits, but sometimes harm. Obstetricians and gynecologists advise taking the herbal infusion with caution, in doses, and in moderation. Female hormones contained in large quantities in the plant can affect the course of pregnancy or provoke premature birth. Therefore, before using medicinal herbs, it is advisable for the expectant mother to consult with her doctor.
Important: The use of essential peppermint oil during pregnancy is strictly prohibited!
It is undesirable to consume mint tea excessively and breastfeeding, due to its pronounced hypotonic effect. The presence of menthol in the herb can lead to a decrease in blood pressure and interruptions in heart rate for both mother and baby. It is known that peppermint affects lactation, reducing the amount of breast milk. Mint tea can be taken with problems of hyperlactation and during weaning of the baby.
How to brew delicious, refreshing mint tea?
The proportions and combination of ingredients indicated in the recipes are not critical; they can be varied depending on personal preferences.
Mint tea with ginger and honey
3 tbsp. spoons of grated and mint are brewed in a liter of hot water, add 4 tbsp. spoons of honey. Can be mixed with regular black tea of different varieties.
Soothing tea with mint and lemon balm
2 tbsp. spoons of mint leaves and pour 0.5 liters of hot water, leave for 5-10 minutes, take with the addition of sugar and honey to taste.
Moroccan classic tea
2 teaspoons are brewed with 200 g of water in a small teapot or a special glass. Fresh leaves mint (1 bunch) are brewed separately in another container with added sugar. After 5 minutes, the infusion of green tea is mixed with mint and poured into small glasses.
Mint tea with cranberry and honey
Mint leaves are brewed with boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Cranberries are ground with honey, placed on the bottom of glasses, poured with mint decoction, and infused for 5 minutes under a closed lid. In summer, you can serve the cooling drink with ice cubes.
Spiced tea with cinnamon and lime
Place on the bottom of the glass: a leaf of fresh mint, a little black tea, a pinch. The ingredients are poured with boiling water, covered with a lid, infused for several minutes, and before drinking, the glass is decorated with a slice of lime.
Are there any contraindications for mint tea?
Mint leaves contain active substances that can also have a negative effect on the human body. Therefore, it is not advisable to take mint tea:
- persons with individual intolerance, allergy sufferers;
- pregnant women, women during lactation;
- children under 5 years old;
- hypotensive patients with low blood pressure;
- men with problems in the intimate sphere;
- with varicose veins.
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:
- speeds up 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 effective means from a hangover, 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 a 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 mint will only worsen the situation - the egg will lose its 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 respiratory system, which are accompanied by a 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 pepper and lemon balm, but for coughs they use mainly pepper. 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.
Made from a plant alcohol tinctures, infusions, syrups, essential oils, decoctions, extracts and dry leafy herbs. 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.
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 taking medications, both traditional and traditional medicine based on mint should be agreed with your doctor, especially if you have contraindications.