Will Peppermint Really Soothe Your Upset Stomach?

If you have an upset stomach, your first instinct may be to suck on a peppermint candy or brew a soothing cup of peppermint tea. However, while the minty treat can help some digestive conditions, like indigestion and gas, it may hurt others, such as heartburn due to gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD).

A study from 2011 published in Pain showed why peppermint might help people with irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. The compounds in peppermint actually activate an anti-pain channel in the colon. This channel, called TRPM8, may reduce the pain linked to eating some spicy foods like mustard or chili, according to researchers. Since then, multiple studies have confirmed peppermint oil to be a beneficial treatment for IBS.

When Peppermint Won’t Help

When it comes to digestive pain higher up in the digestive tract, such as heartburn due to GERD, peppermint might not be such a good idea. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, peppermint can actually relax the sphincter muscle which closes off the stomach from the esophagus. This can cause stomach acid to pour back into the esophagus and make heartburn or GERD worse.

If you have heartburn or GERD, it’s probably best to steer clear of mint-flavored products to avoid the irritation that can come along with it.

RELATED: 7 Health Benefits of Ginger

Tips for Using Peppermint

If you have indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, or pain lower in your gut, then you may want to try peppermint.

Aline Charabaty, MD, director of the Center of Inflammatory Bowel Disease at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., recommends using coated capsules of peppermint oil. “The enteric-coated form of peppermint oil bypasses the stomach and is released in the small bowel,” she says, “so the enteric-coated form should not affect the gastroesophageal sphincter.” Dr. Charabaty says the clinical evidence is pretty clear that coated capsules –available at health food stores, grocery stores, and online – are the way to go. “Studies that showed benefit in improving IBS symptoms used two tablets of enteric-coated peppermint oil twice a day for at least four weeks,” she says.

Another option is peppermint gum. It may not have the direct impact of a peppermint capsule, but it still might be worth a try. “Chewing any type of gum stimulates the secretion of gastric juices, which can help with the digestion of food and relieve the sensation of fullness and bloating after a meal,” explains Charabaty.

Peppermint hard candy, on the other hand, does not have the same effect. In fact, the sugar content might cause the opposite result. “One thing to remember is that peppermint candies have a high sugar content,” says Charabaty. “Sugar can get fermented by the bacteria in our small bowel, which in turn can produce gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.”

If you have lower digestive problems, such as indigestion or IBS, and are interested in trying peppermint as an alternative therapy, talk to your doctor about adding peppermint to your treatment plan.

14 Surprising Facts About Heartburn and GERD

You may have experienced that burning sensation that signals heartburn after a large meal or if you eat right before bed. The cause is stomach acid (and contents) leaking up into your esophagus, called acid reflux.

When heartburn happens frequently or is the cause of inflammation in your esophagus, it’s called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). You might be surprised to learn that the cause isn’t always food.

Here are 14 surprising facts about heartburn and GERD:

1. Even though heartburn and GERD start in your stomach, they aren’t necessarily caused by food. Other factors, like being overweight or smoking can lead to heartburn.
2. Peppermint may soothe an upset stomach, but it can also make heartburn worse. The same peppermint side effect that helps soothe your stomach also relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing stomach contents to leak up into your esophagus.
3. A hiatal hernia is a surprising cause of heartburn. A hiatal hernia is when part of the stomach squeezes up through the muscle wall (diaphragm) that normally keeps it in place.
4. Smoking and inhaling second-hand smoke can cause heartburn. Tobacco smoke makes your LES relax, allowing stomach contents to leak up into your esophagus.
5. Heartburn can cause breathing problems. It can cause hoarseness, sore throat, coughing, asthma, a need to clear your throat, and overproduction of mucus in your throat.
6. Sleeping on your left side can ease nighttime heartburn symptoms. Raising the head of your bed can also help.
7. Heartburn is a known side effect of many common medications, including some for blood pressure, asthma, allergies, depression, anxiety, and erectile dysfunction.
8. Tight clothing can cause heartburn. Anything that squeezes your abdomen can push stomach acid up into your esophagus.
9. If you don’t feel the burn but have a chronic cough, sound hoarse, clear your throat a lot, and feel like you have a lump in your throat frequently, you may have throatburn reflux, also known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).
10. Chronic irritation from heartburn and GERD can damage the lining of your esophagus, a condition called Barrrett’s esophagus. If not treated, it can lead to esophageal cancer.
11. GERD doesn’t just wake you up with heartburn. Sometimes, it can cause you to breathe in stomach acid in your sleep and contribute to obstructive sleep apnea. This discomfort can disrupt your entire sleep cycle. The negative impact to your sleep can be serious. A lack of quality sleep can affect your brain function, daytime functioning, emotional and physical health.
12. Chewing gum after a meal can reduce heartburn by increasing your need to swallow, which helps to reduce reflux. But not mint gum; menthol used to flavor mint gum can cause heartburn.
13. Acid reflux can harm your teeth and gums (and can cause bad breath). In fact, the acid can harm nearly anything it touches.
14. Sinus pain and headaches are some of the more surprising (and rare) symptoms of heartburn.

Early diagnosis and proper treatment are important to keep that annoying burning from becoming a long-term problem. Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio specializes in acid reflux treatment. To learn more, call 210-614-1234 or request an appointment online.

By the way, doctor: What can you tell me about peppermint oil?

Q. What are the pros and cons of taking peppermint oil?

A. Peppermint oil is extracted from parts of the peppermint plant, an herb that’s been used as a digestive aid since ancient times. Nowadays, it’s a flavoring agent in many over-the-counter health products, including toothpastes and mouthwashes. Menthol, a component of peppermint, is an ingredient in topical preparations for conditions ranging from congestion to muscle aches.

Peppermint oil relaxes the smooth muscle cells that line much of the gastrointestinal tract. It has been most extensively studied as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and indigestion. Although clinical studies in people with IBS have shown mixed results, two major analyses found a modest benefit. People with IBS who took peppermint oil reported less flatulence, abdominal pain, and bloating compared with those who took a placebo. Given by enema, peppermint oil can help relieve intestinal spasms in people under going a barium examination of the large intestine.

Unfortunately, peppermint also relaxes the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach (the lower esophageal sphincter), so it can cause gastroesophageal reflux and heartburn. It can worsen reflux symptoms in people with hiatal hernia and — not surprisingly — those with gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). In studies of people with IBS, peppermint oil (generally 0.2 to 0.4 milliliters three times a day) is taken in enteric-coated capsules, which allow it to bypass the esophagus and stomach before it is broken down and metabolized.

Peppermint oil has other downsides besides its effects on the lower esophageal sphincter. At high doses, it can be toxic to the kidneys, and you should not take it if you have gallstones or active gallbladder inflammation. Finally, check with your doctor if you take any other medication, because peppermint oil can boost the blood level of some medications, including the antidepressant amitriptyline (Elavil, others) and the statin simvastatin (Zocor).

— Celeste Robb-Nicholson, M.D.
Editor in Chief, Harvard Women’s Health Watch

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Peppermint Oil Uses, Benefits, Effects, and More

Peppermint oil is derived from the peppermint plant — a cross between water mint and spearmint — that thrives in Europe and North America.

Peppermint oil is commonly used as flavoring in foods and beverages and as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics. Peppermint oil also is used for a variety of health conditions and can be taken orally in dietary supplements or topically as a skin cream or ointment.

Clinical evidence suggests that peppermint oil likely can help with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. It may also help indigestion and prevent spasms in the GI tract caused by endoscopy or barium enema. Some studies show that used topically it may help soothe tension headaches and cracked nipples from breastfeeding—but more research is needed to confirm these studies.

When used as directed, dietary supplements and skin preparations containing peppermint oil are likely safe for most adults.

Peppermint oil may cause side effects such as heartburn and it may interact with certain medications. Talk to your health care provider before using peppermint oil.

Medicinal Uses of Peppermint Oil

In dietary supplements, peppermint oil has been tried for a variety of digestive problems including:

Dietary supplements containing peppermint oil are also used by some people for the following conditions, although there is no clear evidence that they are helpful:

Skin preparations containing peppermint oil are used by some people for the following conditions, although, again, there is no clear evidence that they are helpful:

In addition, peppermint oil vapor is sometimes inhaled to treat symptoms of colds and coughs. Also, some doctors add peppermint oil to a barium solution to relax the colon during barium enemas.

Benefits of Peppermint Oil

Several studies suggest that enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules — which allow the oil to pass through the stomach so it can dissolve in the intestines — may help relieve common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome such as abdominal pain, bloating, and gas. Non-enteric coated forms of peppermint oil, however, actually may cause or worsen heartburn and nausea.

Preliminary studies also suggest that dietary supplements containing a combination of peppermint oil and caraway oil may help relieve indigestion.

Side Effects of Peppermint Oil

In most adults, the small doses of peppermint oil contained in dietary supplements and skin preparations appear to be safe. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, however, should avoid such products because little is known about their safety during pregnancy and lactation.

Possible side effects of peppermint oil include:

Although enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules may reduce the risk of heartburn, their protective coating can break down more quickly and increase the risk of heartburn when taken at the same time as prescription and over-the-counter medications that decrease stomach acid and which are often used for heartburn or acid reflux. It’s best to take such drugs at least two hours after taking enteric-coated peppermint oil products. A stomach condition called achlorhydria, in which the stomach doesn’t produce hydrochloric acid, also may hasten the coating’s breakdown. So people with the condition are advised against using peppermint oil.

Possible Drug Interactions With Peppermint Oil

Before taking peppermint oil, discuss the risks and benefits with your health care provider. Some supplements can interact with medicine. Interactions can be harmful or make medications not work as they should.

Be cautious about combining peppermint oil with certain drugs because it may inhibit the body’s ability to metabolize the drugs and increase the risk of side effects.

Coffee, Grapefruit, Garlic, Tomato, and More

You know it all too well. Heartburn. That fiery sensation that grabs hold of your lower chest after you eat something you know you shouldn’t have. What often follows is that sour or bitter taste of acid reflux in your throat and mouth that can last minutes (if you are lucky) or hours (if you are not).

Yes, millions of us are familiar with the discomfort of heartburn, a condition in which stomach acids back up into the esophagus. The good news is that heartburn is largely avoidable if you steer clear of the top 10 heartburn foods. It also helps to avoid certain classic heartburn-inviting situations.

From coffee and liquor to tomatoes and grapefruit, experts tell WebMD that certain foods are known heartburn triggers.

Here’s what you need to know about the top 10 heartburn foods.

Heartburn and Tangy Citrus Fruits

Oranges, grapefruits and orange juice are classic heartburn foods. “These are very acidic,” says Robynne Chutkan, MD. Chutkan is the founder of the Digestive Center for Women in Chevy Chase, Md. and a gastroenterologist at Georgetown Hospital in Washington, D.C. “As a result of being so acidic,” she says, “they are likely to cause heartburn, especially when consumed on an otherwise empty stomach.”

Heartburn and Tomatoes

While they might be chockfull of healthy nutrients like lycopene, Chutkan tells WebMD that tomatoes are also highly acidic and likely to cause heartburn in those who are prone to it.

The acid antidote may be a sour ball, according to Daniel Mausner, MD. Mausner is the section head of gastroenterology at Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Center, N.Y. “Things that promote saliva — like sour balls — are good for acid reflux,” he says, “because saliva neutralizes the acid that comes up from your stomach.”

Heartburn and Garlic and Onion

Bonnie Taub-Dix, MA, RD, says, “Some people with heartburn do not do well with either garlic or onion.” Taub-Dix, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, is a nutritionist in private practice in New York City and Woodmere, N.Y. “It’s all very individual,” she says. For avoiding heartburn, she offers the following suggestion: “Keep a food log to help you track the foods that are your heartburn offenders, and try to develop a list of safe foods.” Foods like broiled chicken, baked sweet potatoes, toast, or cottage cheese, she says, are on the safe side of the heartburn food list.

Heartburn and Spicy Foods

Pepper, Mexican food, chili, and any other food that is loaded with pepper or other spices can trigger heartburn, says Deepa A. Vasudevan, MD. Vasudevan is an assistant professor of family medicine at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston. He tells WebMD that avoiding heartburn isn’t necessarily a matter of all or nothing. “If spicy food triggers your heartburn, avoid it. Then slowly reintroduce milder versions of whatever you like.”

Heartburn and Peppermint

Chutkan says that while many people think peppermint is soothing for the tummy, it is actually a heartburn trigger food. Her advice? Skip the after-dinner mints — especially after a rich meal. “They may be good for your breath on a date,” she says, “but they are not so good if you are prone to heartburn.”

Peppermint may increase your chances of heartburn because it relaxes the sphincter muscle that lay between the stomach and esophagus. This allows stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus.

Heartburn and Cheese, Nuts, Avocadoes, and a Juicy Rib Eye

What do these foods have in common? They are all high in fat, according to Chutkan. “These foods may not get as much press as acidic foods when it comes to heartburn,” she says, “but they can be major triggers.” Here’s why: Fat slows down the emptying of the stomach, so there is more opportunity for a big distended stomach — which increases pressure on the esophageal sphincter — to make heartburn more likely.

Chutkan says that doesn’t mean you can never have those foods again. “Don’t have a cheese plate at the end of a meal,” she suggests. “Instead, eat it early in the day when you are not already full.” Remember, a serving of cheese is roughly the size of two dice.

Heartburn and Alcohol

Wine, beer, or your favorite cocktail can all trigger heartburn, says Chutkan, especially when they are imbibed with a large meal. “If you have a meal of steak, creamed spinach, and lobster bisque and then alcohol on top of that,” she says, “you may be in for it.”

Taub-Dix agrees. “A glass of red wine may not be a big deal on its own,” she points out. “But if you also have tomato sauce on your pasta and a glass of orange juice in the morning on an empty stomach, it could be a problem.” Like peppermint, alcohol opens the sphincter, allowing the acid free range.

Heartburn and Caffeine

Coffee, soda, tea, iced tea, and any other food or beverages that contain caffeine are big offenders. But java junkies don’t have to give up their Joe forever, Chutkan tells WebMD. “It’s not ‘no coffee ever’ if you have heartburn. It’s about cutting down and paying attention to portion sizes. A Starbucks tall,” she explains, “which is their version of a small, is like three cups of coffee. Some people tell me they drink two cups of coffee a day and that they get it at Starbucks. That’s like six cups a day.”

If you have heartburn, you can likely consume a 3- or 4-ounce cup of coffee each morning with no problem. But if you guzzle coffee all day long, then, yes, heartburn is a consequence.

Heartburn and Chocolate

Sure, it can be loaded with caffeine, but chocolate can also be a heartburn food in and of itself. “Pack up all of your chocolate and give it to your gastroenterologist for safekeeping if you have heartburn,” Chutkan says. Chocolate relaxes the sphincter, allowing stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus, she says.

Heartburn and Carbonated Beverages

“Carbonated beverages cause gastric distension,” Mausner says. And if your stomach is distended, this increases pressure on the esophageal sphincter, promoting reflux.” He tells WebMD that people with heartburn may be wise to steer clear of pop and other carbonated beverages.

Heartburn Foods: Find Your Triggers

Taub-Dix’s advice is to use the above list as a guide to help you figure out your heartburn foods and heartburn trigger situations. And remember, she cautions, even if your favorites are not on this list, you don’t necessarily have a free pass. “Too much of any food can trigger heartburn,” she says. It’s not just what you eat; it’s how much you eat and when you eat it. “Consuming a large meal right before you lie down,” she says, “will likely cause heartburn even if it doesn’t include any of these heartburn foods.”

Peppermint for Acid Reflux: A Boon When Taken Correctly

Peppermint has long been a highly controversial herbal treatment for acid reflux. You’ll find that some naturopaths highly recommend careful and controlled dosage of peppermint to cure a mild case of heartburn. An equal number of health enthusiasts don’t recommend peppermint for GERD as it further relaxes the LES (lower esophageal sphincter), which could allow stomach acid slosh back up the esophagus. Knowing how to use peppermint for acid reflux is crucial to it’s success.

How Peppermint Helps The Gut

Peppermint has been used in traditional folk medicine to cure indigestion, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and IBS for ages. This is because peppermint has a soothing, cooling and relaxing action that helps the gut relax. Additionally, it is mildly antibacterial and antifungal, further keeping stomach infections at bay.

The various benefits of peppermint for digestion include:

• Peppermint is a wonderful all-natural cure for non-ulcer and functional dyspepsia or indigestion.
• Chronic heartburn leads to ulceration and inflammation of the gut mucosal layer, causing pain. The analgesic compounds contained in peppermint soothe the gut walls and bring relief from the pain.
• Peppermint oil has been shown to be an effective antispasmodic natural drug, reducing spasms in lower gastro intestinal tract.
• For those who feel very full after a meal and suffer from excessive bloating, peppermint can bring relief. A cup of peppermint tea reduces the feeling of fullness post meal and aids digestion.
• Peppermint also increases the rates of gastric emptying, which reduces the incidence of gastro intestinal distress, including heartburn.
• The soothing and cooling effect of peppermint can bring relief from the burning sensation that accompanies reflux.

Peppermint For Heartburn: When It Can Harm

Despite the fact that peppermint has a soothing effect on the gut, it can be a tricky herbal treatment for those with acid reflux. Since peppermint ‘relaxes’ the gut, it can harm at higher doses – especially those who suffer from GERD. High doses of peppermint can relax the lower esophageal sphincter or LES, which is a muscular flap between the esophagus and stomach. A relaxed LES allows acid and other stomach contents to flow back up the esophagus and into the mouth, triggering acid reflux. In fact, this mechanical fault is one of the key contributors in most people with chronic acid reflux.

Also, if you are on antacids that reduce production of stomach acids, peppermint gets dissolved in the stomach too quickly, causing heartburn. However, when your stomach produces an adequate quantity of acid, the soothing effects of peppermint are more noticeable. So if you are on antacids long term, you may want to work with your doctor to wean yourself off those as you begin to use peppermint.

Peppermint for Acid Reflux: When It Helps

For the above reasons, peppermint may work best as a preventive for acid reflux, rather than as an SoS measure after the heartburn starts.

You could have a cup of peppermint tea an hour before the meal or make your own refreshing beverage in the morning . Take a glass of warm water, add a drop of peppermint oil, ½ teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of Manuka honey and stir it up. Sip this slowly at the start of the day to give your digestive system a boost.

If you are in the throes of an acid reflux attack, don’t ingest peppermint, as it may further relax the LES. Instead, try rubbing a drop of peppermint oil on your belly. Many mothers swear by it for instant relief from bloating, burning and pain of reflux.

How To Use Peppermint?

There are several ways in which you can have the peppermint.

1. A cup of peppermint tea is a good way to boost digestion. Drink your cup half an hour before mealtime. You can also have the peppermint-honey-ACV drink in the morning if you prefer.
2. If you prefer pure essential oils, place a drop (and no more) on your tongue after or during a meal to aid in digestion. Remember: If the heartburn has started, you may be better of rubbing the oil on your tummy, rather than putting it on your tongue.
3. Enteric-coated capsules containing peppermint oil are also a good option as they dissolve slowly in the acidic environment of the stomach, giving the full effect without a large dose of peppermint in one go. These capsules bypass the stomach to be released in the small intestines, which doesn’t adversely affect the LES. Try 2 capsules of enteric-coated peppermint oil twice a day for at least four weeks under supervision by a naturopathic doctor for best results.

So use peppermint wisely, at the right time and at the right dose, to reap its soothing effects on your acid reflux.

Peppermint Information | Mount Sinai

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How to quickly get rid of at home and what not to do with heartburn

A huge number of people face the problem of heartburn. How to get rid of heartburn at home and quickly remove discomfort? And also what methods are unacceptable for heartburn?

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Heartburn is manifested by a burning sensation behind the breastbone, in the epigastric region. Most often it is caused by increased acidity of gastric juice and occurs 30-45 minutes after eating.Why does it occur and how to get rid of heartburn?

What are the causes of heartburn

In addition to increased acidity, heartburn may appear on the background of:

• disorders of the biliary system;
• gastritis;
• hiatal hernia;
• cholecystitis;
• gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer.

Heartburn often occurs in pregnant women, this is due to the pressure of the growing uterus on the stomach, which causes food to back up into the esophagus.
Heartburn may result from: inappropriate nutrition; abuse of spicy, fried, pickled and smoked foods, alcohol. In some people, heartburn occurs in response to black bread, sour fruits, kefir.

Important! Do not “extinguish” heartburn with baking soda: it brings relief only for a while, but it also irritates the stomach.

Home remedies for heartburn

There are proven home remedies that help quickly get rid of heartburn and are completely safe for the body.

• Mint tea. Pour 2-3 mint leaves with a glass of boiling water, let it brew and strain. You can add mint to regular tea. Drink mint infusion or tea 2-3 times a month. Mint has been proven to reduce gastric acidity.

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• Calamus root. Prepare (dry and grind) calamus root in advance or purchase a ready-made powder at the pharmacy. During a heartburn attack, eat a pinch of the powder and wash it down with water.Helps even with severe discomfort and burning.
• Almonds. Almonds effectively neutralize stomach acids and eliminate unpleasant burning sensations in 2-3 minutes. Pre-peel the nut and pour over with boiling water. To get rid of heartburn, chew almonds slowly and thoroughly – the discomfort will go away in the near future.
• Potato juice . Juice raw potatoes and drink 1/4 cup four times a day before meals (15-20 minutes).Heartburn will stop bothering you in 2-3 weeks.

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• Plain water. To get rid of heartburn at home, you can drink plain water. It will wash away irritating substances from the walls of the esophagus, dilute the contents of the stomach and thus relieve the condition.

How to get rid of heartburn during pregnancy

Mineral water without gas will be an excellent remedy for heartburn for pregnant women. You do not need to dilute the water. It is enough to drink only half a glass of water when discomfort appears and the unpleasant symptoms will quickly disappear.You can also use the folk methods described above. Fennel tea is also good for heartburn.

Important! Milk, soda, seeds are unacceptable treatments. Complications can occur with their constant use.

How to prevent heartburn

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• Only a doctor can determine the causes of heartburn and choose the right treatment. And to make it easier for him, try to analyze the heartburn. When does it appear and how long does it last? In response to what products?
• For examination, you may be prescribed an ultrasound of internal organs, endoscopy and determination of the acidity of the stomach.
• Develop the correct diet: eat 6 times a day, but little by little. After eating, do not go to bed for half an hour, it is better to walk a little, in extreme cases – sit. Try to place a high pillow under your head when you sleep. Eliminate irritating foods from your diet.
• Do not bend over after eating, lift heavy objects, or wear tight clothing. Also, carefully read the instructions for the drugs you are using – one of the side effects may be heartburn.

The editorial opinion may not coincide with the opinion of the author of the article.

10 foods that cause heartburn

Heartburn occurs due to the weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter, which normally should be closed after the passage of food into the stomach. If the sphincter does not work properly, the acidic contents of the stomach fall back into the esophagus.

Heartburn can be triggered by many foods. And people suffering from heartburn should be well aware of which foods are most often the cause of its occurrence. These foods act on a similar principle: they increase the amount of gastric juice and its acidity, and also relax the sphincter muscles, which is the cause of acid reflux.

Each human body has individual characteristics, so doctors recommend that patients keep a food diary. This makes it easier to understand which foods are causing heartburn in a particular person. Keep track of what and how you eat so you can identify exactly what is causing heartburn.

Fire in the chest can be avoided by taking prokinetics (improving the motility of the esophagus and stomach), staying away from a certain set of irritating foods.

Garlic and onions

Garlic and onions are one of the most powerful stimulants of gastric acid production.Excess acid irritates the esophagus and therefore heartburn can occur. It is more typical after eating garlic.

In addition, heartburn from onions and garlic appears due to the abundant presence of sulfur-containing substances and essential oils. Volatile oils, inhaled already during cooking, reflexively stimulate the production of saliva, gastric juice, and when ingested – bile. In the case of frequent consumption of raw onions and garlic, heartburn may occur.

Onions are a rich source of fermentable fiber that can cause belching, which can worsen acid reflux symptoms.Onion fiber is made up of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs), a group of compounds that can cause digestive problems.

Citrus

Oranges, grapefruits, tangerines – they are all favorites in the autumn-winter period due to the presence of a large amount of vitamin C in them and, at the same time, the classic catalysts of heartburn. But this very vitamin is an acid that increases the acidity of the stomach and stimulates the excessive production of digestive juices, due to which heartburn and pain appear.These fruits are especially dangerous if eaten on an empty stomach. Therefore, starting your day with a glass of orange juice is not a good idea. It is much healthier to drink a glass of clean water. And in general, do not use citrus juices undiluted if you are prone to heartburn.

Sausage and canned food

Smoked products are products that are difficult to handle for the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, much more hydrochloric acid is released to digest them, which leads to heartburn.Undigested food residues enter the intestines, from which fermentation processes begin, gas formation increases, belching and flatulence appear. In addition, store-bought smoked meats contain monosodium glutamate, which doubles the difficulty of digestion.

All kinds of canned food and marinades are regulars on the table, from autumn to spring. However, canned food often contains vinegar, which causes heartburn by increasing acidity.

Spices (especially hot peppers)

Any spicy or spicy foods irritate not only the taste buds, but also the mucous membranes, the walls of the esophagus and stomach.This leads to increased production of gastric juice and weakening of the muscles in the digestive system.

Spicy foods often contain a compound called capsaicin, which can slow down the rate of digestion. This means that food will stay in the stomach longer, which is a risk factor for heartburn. In addition, spicy foods can irritate an already inflamed esophagus and this can worsen heartburn symptoms. Therefore, if you are already suffering from heartburn, your best bet is to cut back on spicy foods.

Carbonated drinks

Carbonated drinks are also common culprits for heartburn. Research shows that these drinks can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter and increase stomach acid, two risk factors.

Any drinks, even slightly carbonated drinks, contain carbon dioxide. “Bubbles” enter the stomach, irritate its walls and lead to increased gas formation and belching.

Alcohol

Moderate and excessive alcohol consumption can also cause heartburn symptoms.Alcohol can cause heartburn in a number of ways. For example, it can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, which promotes gastric acid back up into the esophagus and causes heartburn. In addition, alcoholic beverages, especially wine and beer, can increase the amount of acid in your stomach, which can increase your risk of heartburn.

A glass of wine in itself is not so dangerous, but if in addition to it you have fish soup, pasta with tomato sauce for dinner (and also remember a glass of orange juice drunk in the morning on an empty stomach), then heartburn will not keep you waiting.

Caffeine

It must be admitted that coffee and tea, as well as any other food or drinks containing caffeine, are the first provocateurs of heartburn.

If you have heartburn, you can afford one small cup of coffee (85-110 ml) per day every morning, but no more. If you tolerate coffee well, then there is no need to avoid it.

Chocolate

Even if you forget about the caffeine in chocolate, there are other substances in it that can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and allow acid to flow into the esophagus.

In addition, chocolate is composed of cocoa, which contains the “happiness hormone” – serotonin. Unfortunately, serotonin can also relax the lower esophageal sphincter. Finally, chocolate also contains the compounds theobromine and caffeine. Both can stimulate relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter.

Mint

Mint, such as peppermint and spearmint, is often used as a natural remedy for digestive problems. However, there is some evidence that mint may cause heartburn.One study found that high doses of peppermint were associated with acid reflux symptoms. Surprisingly, peppermint does not relax the lower esophageal sphincter. Instead, researchers believe peppermint may cause acid reflux by irritating the lining of the esophagus. Another study involving over 500 people found that those who consumed peppermint tea daily had a twice as high risk of acid reflux. If you feel that peppermint is aggravating your heartburn, then it is best to avoid consuming it.

Cheese, nuts, avocados and juicy ribeye

What do all these products have in common? They are all high in fat. These foods may not be as irritating to the stomach as sour foods, but in any case, they provoke heartburn.

Fat slows down the emptying of the stomach, and when full it increases pressure on the esophageal sphincter and thus increases the risk of heartburn.

This does not mean at all that you need to forget about the above products completely.Nutritionists, for example, advise serving a cheese plate before the main meal in the morning, and not after the meal in the second. And remember that it is permissible to eat two or three cubes – no more.

In the case of avocado, it is more likely about using it with lime juice and salt – in this case, this plant product will definitely cause a burning sensation in the esophagus. Without additives, you can safely eat it without fear.

To avoid heartburn , nutritionists recommend following simple rules:

• Do not overeat! In a crowded stomach, any food will be extremely slow to digest.

• Do not eat on the go. When moving, air enters the stomach, which causes both belching and heartburn. By the way, if you talk too much while eating, you can also swallow a lot of air – with the same consequences.

• Do not lie down immediately after eating. Eat – take a walk. So you will consume at least a little calories. And most importantly, with an upright position, gastric juice will not flow from the stomach into the esophagus.
  

Remember these simple rules and be healthy!

Mint and alcohol.8 Foods That Trigger Heartburn | Nutrition and Diet | Kitchen

Acute burning sensation in the stomach and chest – heartburn. This problem is faced not only by those who suffer from chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, but also by those who do not even seem to have gastritis.

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the esophagus caused by food from the stomach back into the esophagus. It occurs due to the weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter, which, in theory, should close after the passage of food into the stomach.But – it does not close. And the contents of the stomach, which have already begun to be processed by a highly acidic medium, partially falls back into the esophagus, where the medium is slightly alkaline. The result is irritation of the esophageal mucosa and heartburn.

Heartburn can occur for many reasons, including eating foods and special foods that trigger this terrible burning sensation. AiF.ru presents 10 products, the use of which can provoke heartburn.

Alcohol

Alas, the use of alcohol, especially the use of quite active, relaxes the sphincter and provokes a burning sensation.

Citrus and other sour fruits and berries

They irritate the walls of the stomach and can increase acidity. It is best not to eat these foods on an empty stomach when heartburn is particularly likely.

Fatty foods

And, unfortunately, not only lard. Nuts and avocados are also high in fat. The problem with these foods is that they take a long time to digest. And in general, they are difficult to process for the stomach. It secretes more bile and gastric juices to deal with them.As a result, gastric juices can enter the esophagus.

Sweet carbonated drinks

Carbonated drinks stretch the stomach, press on its walls, cause bloating. This bloating causes acid from the stomach to flow into the esophagus.

Baking

Butter buns and pies cause increased gas formation. And they work just like soda. Under their pressure, the sphincter passes acidic digestive juices into the esophagus.

Coffee

Coffee not only relaxes the sphincter muscles, but also stimulates the stomach and makes the environment even more acidic.

Chocolate

Milk and white chocolate is especially dangerous. They are much fatter than black.

Mint

Like coffee, mint relaxes the sphincter muscles.

It is clear that if you are prone to heartburn, then you should be especially careful with all of the above products. But eating habits can also cause heartburn:

• overeating.If you ate too much, you could not stop in time, then there is a danger of heartburn. Since the walls of the stomach are stretched, and the sphincter no longer covers the passage so reliably.
• food on the run. Fast snacks can lead to even more stomach problems, not just heartburn. Plus, it’s easy to overeat when you’re in a hurry.
• fast food meals. This is a fatty, heavy, starchy food without any nutrients. But flavored with spicy, fatty sauces.Unsurprisingly, it causes heartburn.

See also:

Peppermint – beneficial properties

What are the benefits of peppermint for our health? This delicious herb has few contraindications, although it does. But the health benefits of peppermint are numerous.

How do you use mint? Do you make peppermint tea to calm your stomach and nerves? Do you add to salads? When I eat, I put chopped mint in gazpacho soup and fried eggplant.And also – I prepare a curd snack with dry mint and fruit cocktails with fresh fragrant leaves.

What do we know about mint?

Peppermint is a perennial shrub developed by humans by crossing two types of shrubs from the Labiate family. Not found in the wild. The homeland of this cultivated plant is England, the time of birth is the 17th century. Since then, being an extremely successful product of human intervention in nature, mint begins its conquest of the pharmacological, medical and culinary market of the world economy.

Peppermint is cultivated today in many countries of the world. It is quite unpretentious (but does not tolerate severe frosts and droughts), multiplies quickly, carries nectar perfectly. Collect it before flowering: mature, it loses its unique aroma and taste.

Leaves, flowers and stems of the plant are used. They have a pronounced smell and a pleasant, “cooling”, “long-lasting” taste.

In cooking, mint is popular both fresh and dry as an aromatic seasoning for meat and vegetable dishes.It is added to soups, salads, baked goods, sauces and tea mixtures are made on its basis. The oil of this plant is used in the confectionery industry.

Try the mint recipes:

Mint sauce Mojito Curd snack with mint

Mint as a part of herbal teas is used as a choleretic, sedative, diaphoretic and gastric remedy. It is often included in bath preparations and in perfumery compositions.

Useful properties of peppermint

Mint and the Nervous System

Mint – sedative .Studies have repeatedly shown its ability to relieve irritable bowel syndrome, including spasm of the stomach, colon, dyspepsia. This is facilitated by menthol, which is part of the plant in large quantities.

Menthol has antispasmodic, analgesic properties, it causes reflex vasodilation of the coronary system and therefore can be effective for pain of a spasmodic nature, with mild manifestations of angina pectoris, neuralgia of various nature, neurasthenia, migraine.Menthol is part of validol, valocardin, Zelenin drops and in ointment for the common cold.

Peppermint and Oncology

Mint – Potential anti-cancer agent . In animal studies, it stopped the growth of cancer cells in the pancreas, colon, skin and lungs. However, no tests have been conducted on humans.

Mint and gastrointestinal tract

Peppermint has antimicrobial effect . More specifically, peppermint oil has this property: it stops the growth of Helicobacter Pylori, Salmonella Enteritidis, E. coli O157: H7, Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and some types of fungi.

Infusions and tinctures of mint leaves are used as a means of improving digestion, increasing appetite, against nausea and vomiting. Leaves in folk medicine are also used as a choleretic agent and against diarrhea (inside), and as an antiseptic and anesthetic for local pain (externally) with neuralgia, inflammation of the periosteum, otitis media, etc.

Peppermint Benefits and Asthma

Mint clears the respiratory tract . It contains rosmarinic acid, which is very beneficial for asthma.Firstly, it is an antioxidant, and secondly, rosemary blocks the production of anti-inflammatory chemicals such as leukotrienes. It also helps keep the airways open for easy breathing. Peppermint extract is also indicated for the relief of symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Peppermint is a rich source of nutrients

Mint is a source of a wide range of traditional nutrients : manganese, vitamin C and vitamin A, carotenoids, beta-carotene.It contains a lot of folic acid, magnesium and calcium, vitamin B2, fiber. This plant contains omega-3 fatty acids, potassium and copper.

Peppermint – calories, composition

2 st. l. = 7.6 grams = 5.32 kcal

The main constituent substance is menthol. Essential oil is found in the leaves – from 2 to 3%, in the inflorescences it is even more – 4-6%. Carotene, betaine, hesperidin, flavonoids, ursolic and oleanolic acid are also found in mint leaves.

Does peppermint have contraindications? Yes, there is – kidney disease, as mint contains small amounts of oxalates and purines.Diet for heartburn also does not include the use of peppermint.
90,000 Heartburn: How to Fight It?

Normally the esophageal sphincter is closed and only a small amount of the contents enter, but during pregnancy the muscles of the lower esophagus are more relaxed, which contributes to the aggravation of heartburn.

In addition to the peculiarities of development, heartburn of pregnant women requires special features in treatment – not all drugs and alternative methods of treating heartburn are suitable for expectant mothers.

Medicines for heartburn from the pharmacy

Usually, with persistent heartburn, doctors, in addition to treating the cause of heartburn, prescribe a number of medications to patients to help alleviate its manifestations.First of all, antacids are used. This is a group of drugs that neutralize hydrochloric acid produced in the stomach due to their chemicals.

Usually drugs for heartburn are salts of calcium, aluminum or magnesium, which form neutral and not harmful salts in reaction with hydrochloric acid. Then the contents of the stomach do not irritate the walls of the esophagus. These substances do not treat the causes of heartburn – they only alleviate its symptoms. The disadvantage of such funds is their effect on stool – they often strongly strengthen, and also bind fatty acids and parts of vitamins.It is not recommended to use them constantly.

This group includes Gastal, Rennie, Gaviscon forte.

Antisecretory drugs cause the walls of the stomach to secrete less hydrochloric acid, and this, in turn, leads to a decrease in the aggressiveness of the gastric contents, but negatively affects digestion.

These include Omeprazole or Famotidine, they are used in therapy, for example, peptic ulcer, gastritis, and they affect the cause of heartburn.They cannot be taken on their own, they have a number of side effects and contraindications, are prescribed in severe cases of heartburn, and are prohibited for pregnant and lactating women.

In addition, prokinetics are sometimes used for heartburn, which increase the peristalsis of the digestive tract and increase the tone of the muscles of the digestive system. This allows the contents of the stomach to leave the stomach more quickly and more securely locks the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach.

These include Cerucal and Motilium .

Traditional medicine help

Many popular folk remedies are not as good as they seem at first glance, and have very limited use. For example, a well-known remedy – baking soda for heartburn: this is the most extreme and unsafe remedy. It, of course, neutralizes hydrochloric acid, but by irritating the walls of the stomach with the resulting air bubbles, it stimulates its production even more.

Belching from soda is no less discomfort than heartburn.In addition, the systematic intake of soda leads to alkalization of the blood (the environment changes from neutral to alkaline), which leads to impaired blood clotting, headaches and nausea.

Milk intake is also not a very effective and useful remedy. First, not all adults can tolerate milk, and taking it can cause diarrhea. Then it is not clear which was better – heartburn or diarrhea. Secondly, lactic acid, formed when milk is curdled in the stomach, itself provokes the production of new portions of hydrochloric acid and irritates the esophagus.

Tea for heartburn during pregnancy

Those who do not like mint can safely skip this article and look for something else on our site. Today we want to talk about mint, its beneficial properties and whether pregnant women can add it to tea.

Tea for heartburn during pregnancy

Many women are so accustomed to drinking tea with mint or using it as a flavoring additive that they do not even think that mint, in its essence, is a medicinal plant, which may have contraindications.

Mint during pregnancy contraindications

Some doctors strongly recommend limiting the use of mint during pregnancy, as it contains a large amount of substances that are commonly called phytoestrogens. They are a plant analogue of the hormone estrogen, which is produced in the female body.

But the fact is that during pregnancy, the production of this hormone just stops. It is able to tone the uterus and stimulate miscarriage or premature labor.It is clear that this cannot be allowed during pregnancy.

At the same time, no fewer obstetricians strongly recommend mint as an excellent remedy for nausea with toxicosis. In addition, mint helps relieve pregnancy heartburn, bloating, and other digestive problems in posture women.

Therefore, there is no definite answer to the question of whether pregnant women can use peppermint tea for heartburn. At least for now.

Tea with mint during pregnancy

Can mint tea during pregnancy?

Of course.Mint tea helps pregnant women solve the following problems:

• attacks of nausea with toxicosis;
• dizziness;
• stomach cramps, heartburn;
• intestinal distension, colic;
• swelling;
• increased nervous irritability;
• lack of sexual desire.

Benefits of mint during pregnancy

Infusion of mint leaves and flowers has choleretic and diuretic properties, vasodilating effect, relieves pain and soothes.During pregnancy, it is useful to drink mint for cardiovascular problems – remember the famous validol. After all, in fact, this is nothing more than a mint extract with sugar.

And one more very pleasant quality of mint. An infusion of the leaves of this plant can be used to wipe the skin for various problems: inflammation, irritation, dermatitis.

How to make tea with mint for a pregnant woman?

It is very important to use natural mint for this purpose, not flavored substitutes.For example, cheap mint tea bags will not do you any good and you will only be disappointed.

In order to get real tea with mint and get rid of heartburn, pregnant women need to collect the herb on their own, since it grows almost everywhere. Or buy it at the pharmacy. To make tea with mint for heartburn, just add a few leaves of this wonderful plant to the teapot.

Tea for heartburn with mint can be brewed not only independently, but also combined with many other plants or herbs.This will allow you to add variety to your drinks and, of course, enjoy the final taste. Mint goes well with orange peels, lemongrass, rose hips, blueberries, currants, mountain ash. All these infusions can be made either separately or in combination with any type of tea.

However, remember that before using mint, you should first make sure that you do not have any contraindications to this, for example, the threat of miscarriage or other similar complications of pregnancy.In general, as always – consult your doctor. and then drink mint tea.

Do you know how many types of mint are there?

About 25 pieces. These are mint – apple, orange, curly, Japanese, horse, marsh, peppermint … You cannot list everything at once. And if we add 10 subspecies of mint here, then it immediately becomes clear that we do not always understand what kind of plant we are dealing with at the moment. Although in central Russia, peppermint is most often used, or, as it is also called, peppermint or English.Tea is drunk with mint, it is added as a seasoning in the preparation of some dishes or drinks.

Mint decoction benefits and harms

Peppermint: benefits and harms, application

Mint is known to everyone as a plant used to brew aromatic herbal tea. However, not many people know that it has many medicinal properties and is widely used in medicine. It grows everywhere, in the southern regions of our country it is grown on an industrial scale.

Useful properties of peppermint

The leaves and flowers of this plant contain a large amount of essential oil, due to which mint has a healing effect on the human body.In addition, it contains tannins, rutin, organic acids, vitamins and other useful substances. Menthol is the main component of peppermint oil that acts on the body.

Peppermint leaves can be used fresh, dried or frozen. They are brewed with boiling water, obtaining a useful aromatic herbal infusion, many people use it as a tea. This drink perfectly refreshes in the heat. Due to the content of vitamins and other plant components, it has a tonic effect.Mint tea will help to cope with intoxication and reduce body temperature in case of colds, since it has a weak diuretic and diaphoretic effects.

Tea made from peppermint leaves lacks caffeine, which is quite abundant in black and even green teas, so it can be safely consumed at any time of the day. Thanks to this property, it was appreciated by people who are forced to limit the use of drinks containing caffeine. A cup of warm mint tea with honey, drunk in the evening, will help relieve nervous tension, relax and fall asleep faster, since the substances contained in mint have a calming effect.Peppermint can be seen in the composition of phytopreparations with a sedative effect, such as Persen, Valemidin, as well as agents that normalize sleep in children, Bayu-Bay, Morpheus, etc.

Mint broth is also useful for the digestive system. It has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, astringent, regenerating, choleretic effect, helps to get rid of heartburn and flatulence. Mint tea is indispensable for peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, colitis and other inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.They are advised to replace black tea for biliary dyskinesia, cholecystitis, pancreatitis and hepatitis. Mint drops, tablets and lozenges are used as a remedy for nausea, herbal decoction will help pregnant women cope with the symptoms of toxicosis.

Menthol, contained in peppermint, is useful for diseases of the upper respiratory tract, it helps relieve bronchospasm and helps to thin phlegm. Its decoction is recommended for bronchial asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia. The leaves of the plant are added to inhalation formulations to treat these conditions.Using these properties, some manufacturers add menthol to cigarettes.

Due to the vasodilating action of menthol, peppermint is useful in coronary heart disease and arterial hypertension. On the basis of raw materials obtained from mint, the well-known drugs validol and corvalol are produced. The plant has a diuretic effect, so it will help to cope with edema, including cardiac. The substances included in its composition help to lower blood cholesterol, so mint is useful for atherosclerosis as well.

Peppermint topical application

Decoctions and preparations based on mint are widely used externally. Peppermint oil will help with headaches and migraines – rubbed with it on the temples. With rhinitis, nasal passages are lubricated with menthol drops, they have a local vasoconstrictor effect, soften the mucous membrane and reduce the fragility of blood vessels.

Menthol, which is rich in peppermint oil, when applied externally, has a local analgesic, cooling effect and relieves itching.That is why the essential oil itself, as well as preparations containing menthol (menovazine, bromenthol ointment, etc. ), are used for neuralgia, muscle pain, as well as skin diseases accompanied by itching.

The oil obtained from this plant is included in the preparation “Dental drops”, which is used locally for toothache, it helps to relieve pain before dental care is provided.

Harm of mint

Peppermint and herbal preparations based on it can cause various allergic reactions.Children need to introduce mint tea into their diet, starting with 1 teaspoon.

In addition to individual intolerance, the negative effect of mint on the body in the overwhelming majority of cases is due to the abuse of mint broth. Drinking one glass of this herbal tea a day will only benefit your body.

It is not recommended to abuse this plant in case of severe hypotension, as this can lead to an even greater decrease in blood pressure.

This herbal drink should not be consumed in large quantities for cholelithiasis, since the substances contained in it have antispasmodic and choleretic effects.

There is evidence that mint broth can reduce male potency, but with moderate use (up to 3 glasses of tea a day), no negative effects are observed.

Peppermint oil is contraindicated to lubricate the nasal passages in children. Other preparations containing mint are also often restricted for use in children, so they should not be used without a doctor’s prescription.

Channel One, mint story:

Video on the topic “Peppermint in folk medicine”:

Medicinal properties and contraindications of mint

Mint is a spicy-aromatic herb, the valuable properties of which became known many centuries ago.For the first time, the ancient Greeks began to use the plant for decorative and medicinal purposes. In Russia, decoctions were made from mint, they washed their hands, used grass to clean the floors, so that the air in the house was more fragrant and cleaner. Plant wreaths were worn on the head by noble people, as it was believed that mint helps to refresh the mind and give clarity of thought.

A calming and relaxing herb is native to Asian and Mediterranean countries. Peppermint was first introduced by the British. An odorous medicinal plant with a simple stem and rich green leaves has a beneficial effect on the human body, both fresh and dried.The grass is easy to care for, so it is not difficult to grow it.

A total of about 100 plant species are known. The most popular peppermint is black (ideal for medicinal purposes) and white (widely used in perfumery). Lemon balm has a pleasant lemon aroma. It is used in medicine and cooking. The original type of herb is chocolate, which is popular in confectionery due to its sweetish aroma. For the manufacture of essential oils, a long-leaved plant is used, and the curly look is interesting in that it does not contain menthol.Other known varieties are Japanese, garden, bergamot, spike and water.

Composition and characteristics

The herb with a unique fresh aroma has a disinfecting and relaxing effect. This is due to the content of tannins, manganese, copper, magnesium and vitamin A. It is used to increase appetite, relieve stress, get rid of depression, as well as to normalize the digestive tract and relieve frostbite and wounds. The usefulness of the herb is explained by the presence of valuable components in the composition:

• vitamins of groups D, C, B and A,

• essential oils (ethers + menthol),

• of the whole complex of minerals,

• organic acids (acetic, linoleic, valeric),

• phytosterols;

Essential oils of the product contain more than 50% menthol, thanks to which the herb has its own unique aroma and taste.The substance has antispasmodic and analgesic properties. Ascorbic acid and carotene help to strengthen the immune system, vitamin P relieves puffiness, and betaine improves liver function, providing a choleretic effect. The beneficial plant has a very low glycemic index of 3.

Useful properties and applications

Thanks to the content of vitamins, minerals, menthol and other valuable substances, the plant promotes health and general well-being.Of the positive effects with regular use, the following are noted:

• Strengthening the nervous system;

• relieving pain and spasms;

• normalization of the heart, increasing the elasticity of blood vessels;

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• enhancement of intellectual activity;
• Improving digestion;
• accelerate metabolism.

The herb is useful for the fair sex, as it reduces menstrual pain, normalizes hormonal levels, relieves discomfort during menopause, relieves excruciating nausea during pregnancy.The positive effect on the man’s body consists in relieving stress, increasing stamina and tone, increasing potency.

Cooking

Due to its unique taste and rich composition, the product is widely used in the culinary arts of many nations of the world. With aromatic grass, unusually tasty drinks, desserts, snacks, main courses and sauces are obtained. The leaves of the plant are added to ice cream, baked goods, cakes, cocktails and mousses. For culinary purposes, peppermint, chocolate, curly, and apple mint are used.These varieties have a pleasant taste and no bitterness when heated. Fresh leaves are also good for decorating various dishes.

Dried mint is most often used as an ingredient in decoctions, infusions and teas. Crushed mint powder is an excellent seasoning for fish and meat. It is best to add the herb 5 or 10 minutes before the meal is done. The optimal dosage is half a teaspoon of dry product and no more than 5 g of fresh.

Popular mint teas, which help to get rid of many health problems, as well as tinctures sold in any pharmacy.By mixing such a product with motherwort or peony tincture, you can achieve a stronger effect from the intake. Mint jam is distinguished by its incredible taste and benefits, which can be used for baking, desserts or eaten with tea. The shredded herb is boiled with sugar, apple cider vinegar and water, after which liquid pectin is added to the mixture. Many housewives additionally use food coloring to get a richer green color of the product.

In traditional medicine

Healing herb with a fresh aroma and taste helps to get rid of insomnia, drowsiness, irritability and depression.If you mix herbal tea with valerian root, the effect of drinking will increase several times. Mint tincture with the addition of alcohol is an excellent medicine for headaches in the back of the head or temples. A decoction of 5 tablespoons of herbs and 1 liter of boiling water helps with heart pathologies.

To relieve nausea or migraines, you can make a tincture by mixing 100 ml of alcohol (75%) and 20 g of dried mint. Within 14 days, you need to insist on the drink, and then take 20 drops several times a day, diluted in a glass of water.The same tincture, added to hot water, is good for relieving breathing in case of colds, inflammation of the nasopharynx or bronchitis. Mint inhalations reduce burning and pain, relieve inflammation.

In cosmetology

On the basis of mint, you can find many cosmetic products for the face and body. The plant is added to shampoos, masks, lotions, creams and tonics. The herb helps fight excessive sweating, swelling and tired feet. Regular mint foot baths are an excellent prevention of fungal diseases.In addition, the plant is good for hair, it smoothes them, accelerates growth, and gives a natural shine. Effectively rinse your head after using the shampoo with herbal decoction (1L). The product does not require rinsing.

Benefits of mint for the face are to even out the tone, eliminate fine wrinkles, tighten the skin, fight acne and acne. From the herbal decoction, you can prepare lotions for washing, cosmetic ice for rubbing the skin, as well as masks with the addition of other ingredients that enhance the effect of mint. Tinctures, essential oils and decoctions are effective when exposed to high temperatures on the skin, therefore, when going to a sauna or bath, a mint mixture should be applied to the skin. The plant cleans well the skin, makes them fresh and renewed, removes all toxins.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding

Essential oil, tinctures and decoctions, which require internal use, are prohibited during pregnancy. The ban is related to the ability of mint to tone the uterus, which can provoke premature birth or miscarriage due to the contained estrogen.However, a few cups of herbal refreshing tea will only benefit the body, relieving bloating, heartburn and nausea.

During lactation, it is undesirable to consume a flavored drink, as this can cause a significant decrease in the amount of milk. In any case, a pregnant and lactating woman should consult with a specialist about the possibility of taking and dosages. Pediatricians are allowed to give mint tea to children from 3 years old, but provided that the baby is active enough and does not have allergies.Herbal bathing baths are useful for children of any age. Herbal decoction “mint-calendula-oregano” is good for baby’s skin, soothes well before bedtime and relaxes.

Contraindications and possible harm

Mint tea or tea can only cause serious harm if consumed uncontrolled. Of the negative phenomena, pain in the head, heaviness in the region of the heart, heartburn, and sleep disturbances are noted. To avoid this, it is recommended that you drink no more than 4 cups of tea a day. Contraindications for admission are:

• disruption of the kidneys and liver;
• allergic reaction;
• low blood pressure and stomach acidity;
• children under 3 years old.

When to harvest and how to dry mint

The plant does not require careful care and special growing conditions, so many housewives grow grass in a flower pot. In this case, it is necessary to cut off the leaves during the ripening period several times a month.

Home-grown mint must be properly dried. There are several proven methods:

• Using an oven or dehydrator. The method is effective, but the product loses most of its useful properties.
• Hanging herb bundles in a well-ventilated dark place.
• Drying washed stems and leaves on natural fabric, away from sunlight.

Fresh leaves can be stored in the refrigerator by freezing them in ice cubes. You can defrost the ice at any time and add the herb to your cocktail or tea. Another way to store it is to put the plant in a pot or vase of water. The herb will fill the room with a wonderful aroma. However, with this option, mint will not lose its properties and taste only for a week.In addition, it is imperative to change the water.

The benefits and harms of mint tea for women and men

Peppermint is a plant that contains essential oils, flavonoids, tannins. It is used for cleansing blood vessels, weight loss, and digestive problems. Mint has a pronounced diuretic and choleretic effects, therefore it helps with intoxication of the body and infectious diseases. The plant also has side effects – it is not recommended to give a herbal drink to children, to drink tea during pregnancy.

Useful properties of mint in tea

The plant gives a refreshing aroma and taste to the usual drink. Peppermint contains carotene, vitamins C and P, magnesium, iron, oleanolic acid. These substances are beneficial for women’s health – they help to cope with pain during menstruation, promote active weight loss. Mint tea makes you feel full. It is often used to combat colds.

Reduces stress and anxiety

The drink soothes the nervous system and is considered one of the most effective herbal remedies for relieving stress and strain.Menthol, which is part of the plant, acts as a muscle relaxant – a drug for lowering the tone of skeletal muscles. This effect of mint on the body helps a person to relax even during a stressful situation.

Effective for insomnia

If a person does not sleep well at night, experts recommend drinking several cups of peppermint tea a day. Just before going to bed, you can add a few lemon balm or lavender leaves to the drink. This tea does not contain caffeine and promotes restful and sound sleep.

Helps to reduce weight

Since mint tea speeds up metabolism, satiates and deprives of hunger for a long period, a person eats as much as he really needs.

Soothes the stomach

The drink helps to stop the symptoms of gastritis and other gastrointestinal diseases – pain and cramps in the abdomen, bloating, diarrhea. Menthol, which the plant is rich in, has an antibacterial and antiseptic effect on the body.But you should not abuse the drink for people with digestive problems, as it can cause diarrhea and heartburn.

For heartburn, drink a cup after meals. Peppermint oil is effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome.

Stimulates the immune system

Mint has an antibacterial effect. Tea with it helps to cope with pathogenic microorganisms. It strengthens the immune system as it contains B vitamins, potassium and antioxidants.

Fights Bad Breath

Many toothpastes and mouth fresheners contain peppermint. Essential oil – menthol – freshens breath, helps to eliminate plaque from tooth enamel and bacteria that accumulate on the tongue and provoke an unpleasant odor from the mouth.

Harm and side effects

In some people, mint drink can cause allergic reactions, diarrhea and heartburn. If you abuse herbal tea, a decrease in the frequency of heart contractions, convulsions are possible.It is unsafe to drink the drink for stomach ulcers, diabetes mellitus. It is not recommended to drink tea for people with an insufficiency of the lower esophageal sphincter, since mint causes relaxation of the muscle organ.

May cause heartburn and diarrhea

A possible reaction of the body to peppermint tea is a digestive disorder. Some people report the development of diarrhea and heartburn. Such symptoms are observed with excessive passion for the drink.

Causes allergic reactions

In case of individual intolerance, the patient may experience external manifestations in the form of irritation, blisters and ulcers on the legs and arms, in the oral cavity.Internal reactions of the body include headaches, respiratory failure, heaviness in the chest and nasal congestion.

Allergy often occurs on fresh leaves of a plant – due to the essential oil in their composition, but it can also develop when used in dried or fermented form. People with weak immunity, the presence of chronic diseases and disruption of the digestive system are prone to the development of undesirable effects.

Lowers blood sugar

A decoction of mint reduces the concentration of glucose in the blood.The drink may interact with diabetes medications. For patients who suffer from this disease, it is permissible to drink tea only after consulting a doctor.

Affects uterine blood flow

Peppermint stimulates blood flow in the uterus, can lead to detachment of the mucous membrane of the organ, cause it to contract, putting pregnancy at risk. In order not to provoke problems, it is better for pregnant women to refuse to use the plant in any form.

As a result, even a baby’s cardiac arrest may occur. Doctors forbid nursing women from drinking mint tea. But the plant also has medicinal properties for women. In gynecological practice, it is used for irregular menstrual cycles, severe pain during menstruation.

Enhances the effect of drugs

The drink interacts with medications that are taken for gastritis, high or low blood pressure and diabetes.Combining these medicines with peppermint tea leads to side effects. They manifest as dizziness, increased drowsiness and weakness, nausea and diarrhea.

Causes drowsiness

Prolonged intake or overdose of a drink leads to severe lethargy and increased drowsiness even during the daytime. Tea is not recommended for those who are driving or working with complex mechanisms.

Dangerous for stomach ulcers

Menthol can cause aggravation of ulcerative defects in the mucous membrane of the digestive organ.Doctors forbid the use of mint in case of exacerbation of the disease.

How to brew mint correctly

For the preparation of a fragrant drink, it is better to use fresh leaves of the plant, since they retain the entire set of essential oils. Tea brewing rules:

1. Take 5 fresh mint leaves.
2. Add 250 ml hot water.
3. Leave covered for 15 minutes. Stronger tea can be brewed in a water bath.
4. Strain the tea and drink it hot immediately after preparation.

There are many recipes for mint tea. You can add sugar, lemon, honey, and other herbs to the broth, turning the intake of a medicinal drink into a pleasure. Lavender will enhance the plant’s calming effect on the body.

For problems with digestion, ginger root, grated on a fine grater, is added to the tea. It enhances the healing properties of mint, helps accelerate metabolism, removes toxins and toxins from the body, normalizes the functioning of the digestive system, cleanses the liver and prevents the formation of gases in the intestines.

Mint – benefits and harms

Mint is a perennial herb with oblong pointed leaves and small flowers. People learned to make tea from it several hundred years ago. The plant helps to fight many ailments, and its pleasant menthol scent refreshes and tones up. Let’s take a closer look at what effects mint produces on the body, the benefits and harms of which have long been the objects of study by scientists and doctors.

The composition of peppermint and its effect on the body

Peppermint, which is one of more than three hundred species of this herb, has found wide application in cooking and medicine.It was bred in England, crossing water and spike mint.

For medicinal purposes, the plant is harvested during the flowering period – in July and August. Its leaves give the maximum health benefits – they contain the most active substances:

• vitamins (C, B group, PP),
• menthol-rich essential oil,
• routines,
• fellandren,
• tannins,
• organic acids,
• flavonoids,
• cineole,
• trace elements (copper, manganese, strontium, etc.).

The totality of the components that make up a plant determines the effects it produces on the body. Allocate:

• sedative effect of mint, the benefits and harms of which depend on the initial state of the patient;
• anti-inflammatory and disinfectant;
• choleretic and antispasmodic;
• diuretic;
• pain reliever;
• vasodilator;
• antiemetic action.

Uses of mint: health benefits and harms

For a long time, people have been using peppermint in cooking, cosmetology and pharmacology.The tonic smell allows the plant to be used in aromatherapy, and the unique chemical composition makes it possible to produce drugs from the herb for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, colds, migraines, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and biliary tract. Meanwhile, mint also has contraindications, which are important to consider in order to avoid harm to health.

The beneficial effects of the herb on health

A wide variety of recipes have been developed to benefit from the menthol-scented plant.From generation to generation, the rules governing how to prepare a decoction, lotion or brew mint tea are passed on. Our great-grandmothers also knew what a beneficial effect a drink made from it produces on well-being. They made tea with this fragrant herb when they wanted to calm down, relax, get rid of anxiety. And to make it even more enjoyable, they added homemade jam or honey to it.

There are several ways to use the plant, each of which has its own characteristics, indications and contraindications.

Tincture of mint

To prepare the tincture, you will need a glass of boiling water and two teaspoons of dried leaves. Fill the raw materials with water and insist for an hour. Use a healing agent in a warm form. If desired, add lemon to the drink.

The tincture is prepared not only with water, but also with alcohol. For this purpose, you need 100 g of dried raw materials and 0.5 l of an alcohol solution (75%). We put the leaves of the plant in a jar, fill it with alcohol. The tool must be insisted (2 weeks).For treatment, 25 drops dissolved in a small amount of water are enough.

The resulting medicine with a pleasant smell enables food to be digested faster, relieves the patient of stomach and intestinal cramps, eliminates heartburn and flatulence. The tincture will also be beneficial for gastritis, liver pain, colitis and diarrhea.

Melissa or mint is what is needed in cases when a woman wants to reduce the level of testosterone in the body and increase the level of progesterone. The gift of nature also helps from nausea during pregnancy, however, while waiting for a child, peppermint should be used with caution, making sure that there is no contraindication to the remedy.In addition, it is recommended to brew the plant regularly for a woman who is experiencing discomfort during menstruation.

Mint tincture has proven itself well in case of nervous exhaustion and chronic fatigue. The tool neutralizes the harm caused to the psyche by conditions such as apathy, stress, depression.

For acute respiratory infections, flu and sore throat, infused herbal tea will bring maximum benefit if you drink it with raspberry jam. The same medicine will help with coughs. If you insist the remedy by adding a slice of lemon to it, then the fortifying properties of the drink will be enhanced.

Inhalations based on lemon balm tincture eliminate the symptoms of colds, bronchitis and tonsillitis. Their benefits are great and, if necessary, relieve the spasm associated with bronchial asthma.

Alcoholic peppermint tincture can be rubbed into certain areas of the skin to eliminate pain symptoms. This way you can get rid of headaches, sprains and bruises.

Mint decoction

To prepare a decoction, you need to take 50 g of dry or fresh raw materials and boil it for 15 minutes in 1 liter of water.Then the agent must be insisted – the process will take half an hour.

This product is distinguished by a high concentration of active substances, therefore it is mainly used externally. The brewed mint will not harm if taken internally, provided that there is no contraindication to the active substances contained in it.

For dermatoses, the broth is added to the water in the bath. Shown is a bath with mint and for insomnia and nervous tension. It will also be useful when you want to regain a good mood and improve overall well-being.

The herb should be brewed also in the presence of rosacea. Daily washing with a remedy will not only get rid of the problem, but also return a healthy complexion.

Ice cubes are made from the broth, with which they rub the cheeks, nose, forehead and neck in the morning. This procedure tones the skin, tightens pores, and gives the face a pleasant glow.

Regular use of the infused broth as a rinse will benefit the hair, making it healthy and silky. It is not required to rinse off the product after use.

Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil can be bought at the pharmacy, but there is also a home recipe for this remedy. We take the washed and dried leaves of the plant and put them in a plastic bag, which is then hermetically sealed with tape. We beat off the greens with a wooden mallet. We unpack the raw materials, put it in a glass jar, fill it with olive or coconut oil, shake the jar, and then infuse the product for 24 hours. We filter the mixture. We repeat the procedure several times, using fresh leaves all the time, pouring over them with infused oil.

The remedy is used for insomnia. To get rid of the harm that lack of sleep entails, it is enough to put a dozen drops of oil on a cotton pad and place it at the head of the bed.

For headaches, compresses with lemon balm oil can be an alternative to brewed lemon balm tea. This method of treatment is able to cope even with a severe migraine.

Harm of peppermint

The undeniable benefits of the plant do not exclude the likelihood of harm that it can cause health:

• An absolute contraindication to the use of any remedies with mint is individual intolerance.A plant with a menthol scent can cause serious harm to the body, causing a strong allergic reaction.
• Peppermint is contraindicated in children under three years of age.
• The significant benefits that mint brings to the well-being of the expectant mother during pregnancy does not mean at all that while waiting for the baby, a drink with this plant can be drunk in any quantity. In order not to harm the fetus, the intake of tea with mint should be reduced to 1 time a day and 3 times a week. In this case, you need to brew the product no more than 2-3 minutes.
• Another contraindication to the use of mint is a tendency to low blood pressure.
• The ability of a fragrant herb to reduce testosterone levels in the body can harm a man’s potency. However, this negative effect is observed only in those cases when a man makes tea with lemon balm for more than five minutes and drinks it very often.
• Many doctors say that varicose veins are a contraindication to the use of herbal remedies.The fact is that peppermint worsens the vascular tone, causing an exacerbation of this disease.