Peppermint Information | Mount Sinai

Mentha x piperita

Peppermint (Mentha piperita), a popular flavoring for gum, toothpaste, and tea, is also used to soothe an upset stomach or to aid digestion. It has a calming and numbing effect, and is often used to treat headaches, skin irritation, nausea, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, flatulence, and anxiety associated with depression. It is also an ingredient in chest rubs used to treat symptoms of the common cold. In test tubes, peppermint kills some types of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, suggesting it may have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Menthol and methyl salicylate, the main ingredients in peppermint, have antispasmodic effects, with calming effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Several studies support the use of peppermint for indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome.

Indigestion

Peppermint calms the muscles of the stomach and improves the flow of bile, which the body uses to digest fats. As a result, food passes through the stomach more quickly. However, if your symptoms of indigestion are related to a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, you should not use peppermint (see “Precautions” section).

Flatulence/Bloating

Peppermint relaxes the muscles that allow painful digestive gas to pass.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Several studies have shown that enteric-coated peppermint capsules can help treat symptoms of IBS, including pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. (Enteric-coated capsules keep peppermint oil from being released in the stomach, which can cause heartburn and indigestion.) However, a few studies have shown no effect. One study examined 57 people with IBS who received either enteric-coated peppermint capsules or placebo twice a day for 4 weeks. Of the people who took peppermint, 75% had a significant reduction of IBS symptoms. Another study comparing enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules to placebo in children with IBS found that after 2 weeks, 75% of those treated had reduced symptoms. Finally, a more recent study conducted in Taiwan found that patients who took an enteric-coated peppermint oil formulation 3 to 4 times daily for 1 month had less abdominal distention, stool frequency, and flatulence than those who took a placebo. Nearly 80% of the patients who took peppermint also had alleviation of abdominal pain.

Itching and Skin Irritation

Peppermint, when applied topically, has a soothing and cooling effect on skin irritation caused by hives, poison ivy, or poison oak.

Tension Headache

One small study suggested that peppermint applied to the forehead and temples helped reduce headache symptoms.

Colds and Flu

Peppermint and its main active agent, menthol, are effective decongestants. Because menthol thins mucus, it is also a good expectorant, meaning it helps loosen phlegm and breaks up coughs. It is soothing and calming for sore throats (pharyngitis) and dry coughs.

Plant Description

Peppermint plants grow to about 2 to 3 feet tall. They bloom from July through August, sprouting tiny purple flowers in whorls and terminal spikes. Dark green, fragrant leaves grow opposite white flowers. Peppermint is native to Europe and Asia, is naturalized to North America, and grows wild in moist, temperate areas. Some varieties are indigenous to South Africa, South America, and Australia.

What’s It Made Of?

The leaves and stems, which contain menthol (a volatile oil), are used medicinally, as a flavoring in food, and in cosmetics (for fragrance).

Available Forms

Peppermint tea is prepared from dried leaves of the plant and is widely available commercially.

Peppermint spirit (tincture) contains 10% peppermint oil and 1% peppermint leaf extract in an alcohol solution. A tincture can be prepared by adding 1 part peppermint oil to 9 parts pure grain alcohol.

Enteric-coated capsules are specially coated to allow the capsule to pass through the stomach and into the intestine (0.2 mL of peppermint oil per capsule).

Creams or ointments (should contain 1% to 16% menthol)

How to Take It

Pediatric

DO NOT give peppermint to an infant or small child. Peppermint oil applied to the face of infants can cause life-threatening breathing problems. In addition, peppermint tea may cause a burning sensation in the mouth. For digestion and upset stomach in older children: 1 to 2 mL peppermint glycerite that is specially formulated for children, per day.

Adult

• Tea. Steep 1 tsp. (5 grams) dried peppermint leaves in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes; strain and cool. Peppermint tea appears to be safe, even in large quantities.
• Enteric-coated capsules. 1 to 2 capsules (0.2 ml of peppermint oil), 2 to 3 times per day for IBS.
• Tension headaches. Using a tincture of 10% peppermint oil to 90% ethanol, lightly coat the forehead and allow the tincture to evaporate.
• Itching and skin irritation. Apply menthol, the active ingredient in peppermint, in a cream or ointment form no more than 3 to 4 times per day.

Precautions

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider.

DO NOT take peppermint or drink peppermint tea if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD — a condition where stomach acids back up into the esophagus), or hiatal hernia. Peppermint can relax the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus, allowing stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus. (The sphincter is the muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach.) By relaxing the sphincter, peppermint may actually worsen the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.

The amount of peppermint normally found in food is likely to be safe during pregnancy, but not enough is known about the effects of larger supplemental amounts. Some experts even recommend modest amounts of peppermint tea to help alleviate nausea during pregnancy. Speak with your provider before using peppermint or any other herbal products during pregnancy.

Never apply peppermint oil to the face of an infant or small child, as it may cause spasms that inhibit breathing.

Peppermint may make gallstones worse.

Large doses of peppermint oil can be toxic. Pure menthol is poisonous and should never be taken internally. It is important not to confuse oil and tincture preparations.

Menthol or peppermint oil applied to the skin can cause a rash.

Non enteric-coated capsules and peppermint oil can lead to heartburn.

Possible Interactions

Cyclosporine

This drug, which is usually taken to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ, suppresses the immune system. Peppermint oil may slow down the rate at which the body breaks down cyclosporine, meaning more of it stays in your bloodstream. DO NOT take peppermint oil if you take cyclosporine.

Drugs that reduce stomach acid

If you take peppermint capsules at the same time as drugs that lower the amount of stomach acid, the enteric-coated peppermint capsules may dissolve in the stomach instead of the intestines. This could reduce the effects of peppermint. Take peppermint at least 2 hours before or after an acid-reducing drug. Antacids include:

• Famotidine (Pepcid)
• Cimetidine (Tagamet)
• Ranitidine (Zantac)
• Esomeprazole (Nexium)
• Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
• Omeprazole (Prilosec)

Drugs that treat diabetes

Test tube studies suggest peppermint may lower blood sugar, raising the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Medications changed by the liver

Since peppermint works on the liver, it may affect medications that are metabolized by the liver (of which there are many). Speak with your health care provider.

Antihypertensive drugs (blood pressure medications)

Some animal studies suggest that peppermint may lower blood pressure. If you take medications to lower blood pressure, taking peppermint also might make their effect stronger.

Supporting Research

Agarwal V, Lal P, Pruthi V. Effect of plant oils on Candida albicans. J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2010;43:447-451.

Alam MS, Roy PK, Miah AR, et al. Efficacy of Peppermint oil in diarrhea predominant IBS – a double blind randomized placebo – controlled study. Mymensingh Med J. 2013; 22:27-30.

Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000:297-303.

Cappello G, Spezzaferro M, Grossi L, Manzoli L, Marzio L. Peppermint oil (Mintoil) in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a prospective double blind placebo-controlled randomized trial. Dig Liver Dis. 2007;39:530-536.

Cash BD, Epstein MS, Shah SM. A novel delivery system of peppermint oil is an effective therapy for irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Dig Dis Sci. 2016;61(2):560-571.

Ford AC, Talley NJ, Spiegel BM, et al. Effect of fibre, antispasmodics, and peppermint oil in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. 2008;337:a2313.

Herro E, Jacob SE. Mentha Piperita (peppermint). Dermatitis. 2010;21:327-329.

Imagawa A, Hata H, Nakatsu M, et al. Peppermint oil solution is useful as an antispasmodic drug for esophagogastroduodenoscopy, especially for elderly patients. Dig Dis Sci. 2012;57:2379-2384.

Inamori M, Akiyama T, Akimoto K, et al. Early effects of peppermint oil on gastric emptying: a crossover study using a continuous real-time 13C breath test (BreathID system). J Gastroenterol. 2007;42:539-542.

Kline RM, Kline JJ, Di Palma J, Barbero GJ. Enteric-coated, pH-dependent peppermint oil capsules for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in children. J Pediatr. 2001;138:125-128.

Korterink JJ, Rutten JM, Venmans L, Benninga MA, Tabbers MM. Pharacolgic treatment in pediatric functional abdominal pain disorders: a systematic review. J Pediatr. 2015;166(2):424-431.e6.

Lane B, Cannella K, Bowen C, et al. Examination of the effectiveness of peppermint aromatherapy on nausea in women post C-section. J Holist Nurs. 2012;30:90-104.

Madisch A, Holtmann G, Mayr G, Vinson B, Hotz J. Treatment of functional dyspepsia with a herbal preparation. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Digestion. 2004;69:45-52.

Magge S, Lembo A. Complementary and alternative medicine for the irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2011;40(1):245-253.

McKay DL, Blumberg JB. A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L). Phytother Res. 2006;20:619-633. Review.

Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA. Elsevier Saunders; 2012.

Shen YH, Nahas R. Complementary and alternative medicine for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Can Fam Physician. 2009;55:143-148.

Yamamoto N, Nakai Y, Sasahira N, et al. Efficacy of peppermint oil as an antispasmodic during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2006;21:1394-1398.

Will Peppermint Really Soothe Your Upset Stomach?

Research shows that peppermint can help tame some digestive woes. However, it may worsen other digestive issues like heartburn.

By Wyatt MyersMedically Reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH

Reviewed: January 20, 2015

Medically Reviewed

Getty Images

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.

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how it is useful and how to use it correctly

Find out how mint can be useful in proper nutrition. It helps improve digestion, freshens breath, and contains vitamins and minerals. Prepare delicious and healthy meals by adding mint to your diet.

Mint is one of the most popular herbs used in cooking. Its unique spicy flavor and aroma add brightness and freshness to many dishes. In addition, mint has many beneficial properties for the human body.

In this article we will talk about what vitamins and trace elements mint contains, what benefits it provides for health and how to use it in cooking and medicine.

We will also look at the different ways to prepare and use mint in food and drink, and give recommendations on how to use it, depending on the goals that you are pursuing.

Benefits of eating mint

Improves digestion

Mint helps improve digestion and reduce symptoms such as bloating, nausea and heartburn. It contains menthol, which can help relax the smooth muscles of the stomach and intestines, speed up digestion, and reduce the amount of gas.

Improves eyesight

Peppermint contains vitamin A, which is essential for eye health and normal vision. In addition, mint contains antioxidants that protect the eyes from the harmful effects of free radicals.

Helps fight colds

Peppermint has antimicrobial properties that can help fight upper respiratory infections such as colds and flu. Mint also has a diuretic effect, which helps cleanse the body of toxins and bacteria.

• Mint can be added to:
  • salads
  • drinks
  • desserts
• It can also be used:
  • as a flavor for ice cream and sweet pastries
  • for making tea
  • as a cooking spice dishes

However, it is worth remembering that too much mint can lead to heartburn and allergic reactions. It is also worth avoiding the use of mint for children under 6 years old and pregnant women.

Healing properties of mint

Mint is a unique plant that has a beneficial effect on the human body. Its healing properties are widely known and used in folk and official medicine.

• Aids in digestion. Peppermint stimulates the production of gastric juice, activates the gastrointestinal tract, and speeds up digestion.
• Reduces pain. Peppermint has analgesic properties, thanks to which it relieves pain symptoms in case of headache, muscle pain, arthritis and other diseases.
• Improves skin condition. Peppermint’s essential oils and antioxidants have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, making it useful in the treatment of various skin conditions.
• Relieves stress and fatigue. The aroma of mint has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, reduces stress, increases efficiency and energy.

Mint can be used as a tea, added to salads, frozen in drink cubes, used in beauty masks and face and body lotions.

Mint vitamins and minerals

Mint is not only an aromatic and tasty addition to food and drink, but also a valuable source of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Consider what substances are contained in mint:

• Vitamin C. Mint contains a large amount of this vitamin, which not only supports the immune system, but also promotes healthy skin, bones and teeth.
• Vitamin A. This vitamin is important for vision, normal bone growth and skin protection from the harmful effects of sunlight.
• Potassium. Peppermint contains a significant amount of potassium, which plays an important role in maintaining the health of the heart and blood vessels, as well as in the normal functioning of the nervous system and muscles.
• Iron. This mineral is essential for the formation of blood and the maintenance of healthy skin, nails and hair.
• Folic acid. This substance is necessary for the normal development of the fetus during pregnancy, as well as for the maintenance of a healthy heart and nervous system.

It should be noted that the content of vitamins and minerals in mint may vary depending on the variety and growing conditions of the plant. However, this does not change the fact that mint is a useful source of nutrients in any case.

How to properly store mint

Store mint in a dry, cool place away from moisture and direct sunlight.

Glass jars with tight-fitting lids or foil bags can be used for storage. They will help preserve the flavor and freshness of the mint.

It is not recommended to store mint next to other spices or foods as it can trap their smells and flavors.

For long-term storage, it is best to dry the mint before packaging, as fresh mint quickly loses its medicinal properties.

Keep mint separate from other herbs and spices so you can quickly find the right product when you need to add it to a dish or drink.

You can also use frozen mint, which will retain its aroma and freshness for a long time. To do this, mint must be peeled, crushed and frozen into ice cubes.

By following simple storage rules, you can preserve the aroma and healing properties of mint for a long time.

How to use mint in cooking

1. In cocktails and drinks: Mint is an ideal ingredient for creating fresh cocktails and drinks. You can add mint leaves to water, lemonade, mojitos, or in tea. Mint not only gives freshness, but also helps to improve digestion.

2. Salads: Mint is a great addition to salads. It adds flavor and freshness to green salads, Caesar salad, Greek salad, and more.

3. Sauces: Mint is a natural representative of many cuisines around the world and goes well with curries, tandoori, garlic and ginger. You can make mint sauce and serve with chicken, meat and fish dishes.

4. Desserts: Many desserts such as chocolate mousse, panna cotta, tiramisu and ice cream can be flavored with mint. You can use crushed mint or add mint syrup for extra freshness and flavor.

5. Marinades: Mint can be used as an ingredient in meat, poultry and fish marinades. It adds flavor and freshness to the dish and helps to further tenderize the meat.

• The use of mint in cooking, in addition to taste, has a number of advantages:
• It is great for improving digestion and reducing breath
• It contains many vitamins and antioxidants, which strengthens the immune system and improves body health

Mint recipes

Chicken and mint salad

Ingredients:

• 300 g chicken fillet
• 200 g green lettuce
• 1 bunch fresh mint
• 1 cucumber
• 2 tomatoes
• 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Boil the chicken breast until tender and cut into small pieces.
2. Peel the cucumber and cut it into thin slices.
3. Cut the tomatoes into thin slices.
4. Arrange lettuce on a plate, then top with chicken pieces.
5. Add chopped cucumber and tomatoes.
6. Place a few fresh mint leaves on each serving.
7. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil.
8. Salt and pepper to taste.

Mint Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 1.5 kg potatoes
• 150 ml milk
• 50 g butter
• 1/2 bunch fresh mint
• Salt, pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into large pieces .
2. Boil potatoes in salted water for about 20 minutes until tender.
3. Drain the water and mash potatoes with butter and milk.
4. Add chopped fresh mint greens to mashed potatoes.
5. Salt and pepper to taste. 1 banana 0034
6. 1 apple
7. 1 orange
8. 2 tablespoons honey

Preparation :

1. Mix yogurt and chopped fresh mint greens in a bowl.
2. Peel the fruit and cut into pieces.
3. Place fruit in the bottom of a glass or cup.
4. Pour mint yoghurt on top.
5. Add some honey for sweetness and enjoy a tasty and healthy snack.

Mint in drinks: features of use

Mint is one of the most popular beverage ingredients in the world. It gives drinks a fresh aroma and a pleasant taste, and can also have a positive effect on health.

One of the most popular mint flavored drinks is mint tea. It has many beneficial properties, such as calming the nervous system, boosting immunity, and improving digestion.

In addition, mint can be added to coffee, both hot and cold, to give the drink a fresh taste. For cold coffee drinks such as frappe or iced latte, mint leaves can simply be added to a blender along with coffee beans and milk.

Another popular mint flavored drink is the mojito cocktail. It is made with fresh mint, lime, sugar syrup, soda and white rum. Mojito is not only a delicious drink, but also a great way to cool off in hot weather.

• Some tips for using mint in drinks:
• It is best to use fresh mint. If it is not available, you can use dried, but in this case you need to remember that its taste will not be so bright.
• Don’t overdo it with mint – too much can outweigh the taste of the drink and make it unpleasant.

Mint is a versatile ingredient to bring freshness and brightness to a variety of beverages. When using mint in drinks, you need to remember about its beneficial properties and dose it correctly.

Mint drink recipes

Mint lemonade

1. 1 lemon
2. 1 pitcher of water
3. 2 tbsp. spoons of sugar
4. several sprigs of mint

Juice was squeezed out of a lemon and added to a jug of water. Next, sugar was added to the jug and stirred until the sugar dissolved. Added a few sprigs of mint. The drink is ready!

Ginger mint tea

• 1 ginger root
• 1 lemon
• 5 st. spoons of honey
• 4 cups of water
• several sprigs of mint

We cut the ginger into pieces and put them in a saucepan. Then add water and put the pan on the stove and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring constantly. Next, add lemon juice, honey and mint leaves. The drink is ready!

Mint tea

Ingredients Quantity

Black tea

1 cup 9Boiling tea ke and let it brew. Add a few sprigs of mint and sugar to taste. Ready! Mint oil and its uses Peppermint oil is a valuable natural product obtained from mint leaves. It has a wide range of applications both in cooking and in cosmetology and medicine. In cooking peppermint oil is used in the preparation of confectionery, drinks, tea, cocktails. It gives dishes a fresh aroma and a unique taste. In cosmetics mint oil is used as an antiseptic and skin refresher. It is also added to shampoos, conditioners and hair masks, as it soothes the scalp and eliminates dandruff. In medicine mint oil is used as a medicine. It helps to cope with a runny nose, cough, headache, eliminates muscle pain and spasms. Peppermint oil also helps with indigestion and improves appetite. It is important to remember that peppermint oil should not be used in its pure form, it should be diluted with other oils or added to dishes in small quantities. Never use peppermint oil as a medicine without consulting a doctor. Only use peppermint oil from trusted and trusted sources. Store peppermint oil in a cool, dark place in a sealed container. The use of peppermint oil in various areas enriches our regular diet and helps to maintain health. Cosmetic use of mint Skin repair: Mint is an excellent ingredient for beauty products as it has a cooling and relaxing effect on the skin. This makes it popular for treating problem skin and restoring tired skin. Mint face masks moisturize and soothe the skin. Antioxidant: Peppermint is a strong antioxidant, which means it can prevent free radical damage to the skin and prevent premature skin aging. Under-eye dark circles: mint masks help relieve puffiness and reduce the appearance of dark circles on the skin. And also mint extract is added to care products for the eye area and lip contour. Normalization of hair loss: mint extract is used in cosmetics to strengthen the hair roots and stimulate their growth. In addition, mint has the property of reducing excessive oiliness of the scalp and relieves itching. Cooling effect: mint is used in cosmetics to cool the skin and reduce redness. It also helps to lower skin temperature, which can reduce moisture loss from the skin. Soothing aftershave: Peppermint extract, added to aftershave products, has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent irritation and redness on the skin after shaving, as well as soothe and moisturize the skin. Peppermint is often used in cosmetics in: Face and body skin care products Face and hair masks Eye and lip care products Shaving products Mint mask recipes for face and hair Peppermint is a green all-rounder that can be used to make face and hair masks. A mint mask is an excellent remedy for making skin and hair healthier and more beautiful. Here are some recipes for mint face masks: Mint-egg mask To prepare this mask, beat one egg and add two tablespoons of fresh mint to it. Apply to face and leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Honey Mint Mask Mix two tablespoons of mint leaves with two tablespoons of honey and apply on face for 20 minutes. Wash off with cool water. Cucumber Mint Mask Mix two tablespoons of mint with one finely chopped cucumber. Apply to face for 15 minutes, then rinse with cool water. Here are some recipes for mint hair masks: Mint hair growth mask Mix two tablespoons of mint leaf with two tablespoons of olive oil and apply to hair and scalp for 30 minutes. Wash off with warm water and shampoo. Mint Hair Shine Mask Mix two tablespoons of honey with two tablespoons of mint leaf and apply to hair for 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water and shampoo. Use mint face and hair masks to enjoy fresh and healthy hair and skin. Peppermint oil for aromatherapy and relaxation Peppermint oil is one of the most common aromatherapy oils. It has a refreshing and calming effect that makes it ideal for use during relaxation and meditation. Peppermint oil can help reduce stress and anxiety, especially when used in combination with other aromatherapy oils. In addition, its aroma can help relieve headaches and improve mood. To use peppermint oil in aromatherapy, you can add it to warm water in a diffuser or use it as an ingredient in massage oils. You can also add a few drops of oil to your bath for an aromatic relaxing experience. It is important to note that peppermint oil should be used with caution as its strong aroma can cause dizziness and nausea in some people. It is also not recommended to use peppermint oil during pregnancy or lactation. In general, peppermint oil is a great choice for those who are looking for ways to promote relaxation and reduce stress in their lives. However, as with any aromatherapy oil, care must be taken and used wisely. How to choose and buy quality mint products? When buying mint products, you need to pay attention to their appearance. Leaves should be fresh, green and undamaged. Also, you need to pay attention to the smell – mint products should smell fresh and mint, and not have an unpleasant smell or signs of decay. In addition, it is worth choosing mint leaves without spots and yellow patches. Also, the leaves should be soft and not brittle, this indicates their high quality. If you are buying dried mints, you need to pay attention to the color and smell. The color should be dark green, and the smell should be bright and rich. Also, when buying mint products, you need to consider its purpose. For tea, whole leaves or fees are better, and for cooking, you can use chopped mint products in a package. Related videos: Q&A: How does mint affect digestion? Peppermint improves digestion, speeds up the process of food breakdown and eliminates stomach acids. Can I drink mint tea before bed? Peppermint tea is not recommended before bed as mint can wake you up and make it difficult to fall asleep. How to use mint for cooking? Mint is suitable for adding to salads, meat and fish dishes, ideally combined with vegetables and fruits. It can be used as a spice and an additional component, giving dishes freshness and aroma. Can mint be used to treat a cold? Yes, mint can help treat colds. It promotes relaxation of the respiratory tract, reduces the feeling of tightness in the chest and improves overall well-being. What are the benefits of using peppermint massage oil? Peppermint oil helps relieve fatigue and muscle tension, improves blood circulation and reduces pain, can be used for head massage for headaches. Can fresh mint be substituted for dried mint when cooking? Yes, fresh mint can be substituted for dried mint in cooking, but fresh mint has a stronger aroma and flavor. How to store fresh mint? Fresh mint is best stored in a plastic bag or glass jar in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen to extend its shelf life. Features of the use of mint for medicinal purposes Peppermint tea is one of the most popular folk remedies used for various purposes. It can be used to relieve headaches, reduce stress and anxiety, relieve inflammation, treat gastrointestinal disorders, and many other ailments. Peppermint essential oil also has healing properties. It can help with stomach pain, nausea, decreased appetite, flu, runny nose, cough, headache, and even fatigue. However, before ingestion, it is necessary to pay attention to the dosage and contraindications. Peppermint massage oil helps to relax muscles and relieve joint pain. It can also be used for headaches and runny noses when applied to the temples or nasal passages, respectively. When using mint for medicinal purposes, one should take into account the characteristics of the body and not abuse its use. It is also necessary to make sure that there are no contraindications before using mint for medicinal purposes. Contraindications to the use of mint Despite the many benefits that mint can bring to our body, there are certain contraindications to its use: mint is not recommended as it may aggravate the symptoms. Pregnancy maintenance: large amounts of mint can cause uterine cramps and lead to preterm labor, so it is not recommended for pregnant women. Allergies: is a rare but possible allergic reaction to mint leaves and its aromatic oils, which can lead to skin problems, breathing problems, and even anaphylactic shock. Also, when using peppermint essential oils internally, one must be especially careful and consult a specialist so as not to exceed the dosage and not disrupt the normal functioning of the body. Mint: benefits and harms, nutritional value, how to store Updated March 16, 2023, 2:19 pm Shutterstock Everyone is familiar with the refreshing effect of mint, but it can offer much more for health. What exactly – asked the doctors. Mint is a popular herb used in cooking, cosmetics, hygiene products and just as an ornamental plant. She has almost no contraindications, it is easy to store and prepare. Raw or dried mint is a good source of vitamin A and antioxidants, and its derivative, menthol, helps with skin care. We understand what the main benefits of mint are, why it is added to cosmetics and in what cases it is worth being careful with this fragrant herb. Contents Nutritional value For health For cosmetology For cooking How to choose and store Contraindications 900 34 Mint nutritional value Shutterstock Mint is over a dozen herbaceous plants that belong to the genus Mentha. The most common varieties are peppermint and spearmint. Their leaves are used both fresh and dried. Essential oil is obtained from them, which is processed into menthol. The latter, due to its strong and refreshing aroma, is used not only in cooking, but also in cosmetology. Even a small serving of mint contains enough nutrients. For example, two tablespoons of fresh leaves account for [1]: 2 kcal; 0. 03 g fat; 0.48 g carbohydrate; 0.12 g proteins. Victoria Eliseevadietologist, endocrinologist of the Semeynaya clinic network “It also contains small amounts of vitamins A and C, iron and calcium. On an industrial scale, mint is grown not only as a seasoning or flavoring agent, but also as a raw material for medicines. In pharmacology, stems, leaves and inflorescences are used. Peppermint essential oil contains limonene, dipentene and menthon, it is also rich in organic acids: malic, citric and succinic. Decoctions and tinctures are prepared from mint, and menthol is an excellent antiseptic and a well-proven anti-inflammatory agent. Often in nutrition, mint is used as a natural “burner” of fat. If you want to eat a cake, then it’s enough to drink a cup of mint tea, even if you break loose in the end, eat less than you planned.” Mint health benefits Peppermint has been used in folk medicine for many years to treat diseases and relieve various symptoms. Today, some of the beneficial properties of mint have been scientifically confirmed. Here are the main ones. Improves digestion . Peppermint is used as part of the collection for the treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as for antispasmodic and choleretic effects. There are studies on the benefits of peppermint oil in relieving the symptoms of indigestion, relieving abdominal pain and nausea [2]. “Peppermint goes well with lemon and helps increase metabolism, saturates with vitamins, and removes fluid that has stagnated in the body,” says Dr. Eliseeva. Helps in brain function. One study found that mint extracts may help treat symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, although more research is needed. The smell of peppermint may improve memory and increase alertness, although it is not known if ingestion has similar effects [3]. According to experts, mint aromatherapy is a great way to relieve stress and irritation. Relieves colds. Many over-the-counter cold and flu medicines contain menthol, the main ingredient in peppermint oil. It is believed that this is an effective remedy for relieving nasal congestion, although this property of this substance has not yet been fully studied. However, there are studies in which people noted a subjective positive effect in the fight against the common cold with menthol [4]. Supports oral hygiene. Toothpaste and floss, mouthwash, chewing gums and other products that help quickly get rid of bad breath contain menthol. However, mint not only masks the smell, but also reduces the bacteria that cause it. One study found that drinking mint tea and chewing the fresh leaves of the plant had an antibacterial effect, reducing harmful bacteria in the mouth [5]. Helps with weight loss. Inhaling peppermint essential oil vapor reduces appetite and suppresses hunger, which helps to maintain a low-calorie diet, says nutritionist Viktoria Eliseeva. Since the properties of peppermint include stress relief, the level of cortisol in the body decreases, which means that the rate of metabolic processes increases, which contributes to weight loss. “Peppermint goes well with lemon and increases metabolism, saturates the body with vitamins and removes stagnant fluid in the body,” the nutritionist summarizes. Mint in cosmetics Shutterstock Due to its cooling properties and aroma, menthol is most often added to cosmetic skin care products. This natural ingredient relieves pain and improves the smell and taste of the product. Most often, it can be found in various cleansing gels and mousses for washing, lipsticks, creams, as well as preparations for the treatment of acne and other skin diseases. According to the dermatologist, this is due to the ability of menthol to create a sensation of cooling. Margarita Gekhtvrach-dermatologist, expert of the Children-Butterflies Foundation “Instead of lowering skin temperature, menthol has a cooling effect. This is a complex process, the essence of which boils down to the fact that in the end an impulse is formed, which is either blocked or dulled in the dermis and then the epidermis, which are responsible for determining the temperature. Nerve endings send a message to the brain that the skin is cooling. Menthol also increases the effectiveness of some drugs applied topically to the skin by dilating the blood vessels. In cosmetology, this feature made it possible to release a whole line of products, including for the temporary effect of increasing the volume of the lips. These include balms and glosses that color the lips while creating a well-defined “pout” lip. Do not apply menthol directly to the skin without dilution. Any cosmetic products with it should be used as directed. OTC products tend to have low levels of menthol and are well tolerated by most people.” Mint in cooking Unsplash Mint is widely used in cooking to add flavor to food and drink. It goes equally well with both sweet desserts and hot dishes, including meat dishes. It gives a fresh taste to chocolate ice cream, alcoholic mojitos, soups, vegetable salads and lamb dishes. Cooks advise adding raw mint leaves to food, and only at the end of cooking. Here are some ideas for cooking with mint. Mint Lemonade. Combine lime juice, sugar and crushed mint leaves in a glass or decanter. Pour the mixture with non-carbonated water, let it brew. Additionally, the drink can be cooled with ice cubes. Fruit salad. Cut fruits and berries to taste – apples, pears, peaches… Season the dish with one spoon of honey and mint leaves. The salad can be served cold or baked. Mint tea. Pour boiling water over several bunches of fresh or dried mint, previously placed in a teapot. Let it brew for 3-5 minutes. Mint pastry . Add a few chopped mint leaves to your cookie, pie, muffin, or muffin batter. Mint aroma is especially well combined with chocolate and citrus fruits. How to choose and store mint Shutterstock When buying mint, look for bright, even and dense leaves. Store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to one week. Mint can be frozen if desired. To do this, use both whole bunches of grass, and pre-finely chopped plant. Mint is relatively easy to grow at home, but in a summer cottage without proper control, it can quickly “seize” the space like a weed. To whom mint is contraindicated Shutterstock Peppermint is safe for most people and does not usually cause side effects, and allergies to it are rare. However, according to the advice of the endocrinologist Eliseeva, mint should be carefully introduced into the diet for low blood pressure, it can also aggravate varicose veins. In addition, mint oil is contraindicated in children under two years of age, as menthol can cause respiratory arrest (apnea). Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Comment * Name * Email * Website