Peppermint. Medicinal plants Peppermint spread
Mint- a perennial medicinal plant of the Lamiaceae family, which has found its wide application in pharmacology, cosmetology, herbal medicine and aromatherapy. All types of mint, of which there are about 25, as well as 10 natural hybrids, have a strong aroma, most of them are high in menthol.
The name of the genus, according to legend, comes from the name of the nymph Minta, the beloved of the god of the underworld Hades. Hades's wife Persephone turned the nymph into a plant - fragrant mint.
Origin
The homeland of different types of mint is Central Asia and the Mediterranean. The most popular peppermint today was bred in the 17th century in England, from where it spread everywhere.
The nutritional value
Mint is valued for its high content of essential oil, the main part of which is menthol. In addition, this plant is rich in acetic and valeric acids, trace elements, phytoncides, tannins, vitamins C and P, as well as provitamin A.
The most common peppermint today contains 2.5% essential oil, as well as esters, felandrene, pinene, jasmon, piperitone, menthofuran, etc.
Use in cooking
The spice is dried or fresh mint leaves. They are added to salads, okroshka, and used as a seasoning for meat and fish dishes. Mint is used to flavor tea, kvass, fruit juices, tinctures, liqueurs, and gingerbread dough. Mint is especially actively used in the production of soft drinks: this plant is very refreshing and creates a feeling of pleasant cooling. Leaves are added to fruit drinks, compotes, jelly, and syrups. They are suitable for fruit salads, go well with meat, and some types of mint will make it softer. Dry ground mint will add freshness and aroma to homemade baked goods. Cabbage, carrots, peas, leeks are stewed with mint, and it is added to marinade sauces for fish and meat.
Peppermint is included in liqueur flavorings.
Its dosage, like many other spices, should be small. Mint is usually not combined with other spices.
Application in medicine and cosmetology
The high menthol content turns mint into a bactericidal plant. It has analgesic as well as vasodilating properties. Peppermint oil is included in many medicinal preparations: mint drops, stomach tablets, various ointments. Peppermint improves digestion, eliminates nausea, has choleretic properties, and is used for asthma and flatulence. Mint decoctions are drunk as a sedative for inflammatory processes in the bronchi, lungs, as well as for cardiovascular and gynecological diseases. Decoctions of mint leaves are used to disinfect the oral cavity during various inflammatory processes. They relieve stomach pain, heart pain, and heartburn.
Peppermint baths are used as a sedative. In folk cosmetics, the leaves and flowers of this plant have long been used to prepare infusions for lotions and rubs in the treatment of inflammation and skin irritations, nervous diseases, and as a refreshing agent.
Mint essence is added to various toothpastes, powders, colognes, and elixirs. It is actively used in perfumery.
Contraindications
Mint is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance. It should not be used by people with low blood pressure, or those who often suffer from heartburn. Mint reduces the tone of venous vessels, so it can provoke an exacerbation of varicose veins.
Mint should not be given to children under three years of age or to women suffering from infertility. This plant also has the property of reducing male libido.
Interesting Facts
The first mention of the use of mint dates back to ancient times: they were found on
cuneiform tablets of the Assyrians, as well as in the tombs of the Egyptian pharaohs. Thus,
People have been using mint varieties for thousands of years. The ancient Romans believed
that mint scent improves mental performance, and was worn
on the head there are wreaths with leaves of this plant.
So-called lemon balm is not actually mint at all.
it belongs to the genus Melissa.
Mint- an fragrant medicinal herbaceous plant with simple stems and bright green leaves reminiscent of nettle leaves (see photo). Mint has been familiar to everyone since childhood. This herb is popularly known as “perekop” and “dragolub”. Most plant species are found in the Mediterranean.
According to ancient legend, mint got its name from the name of the goddess Minta, who fell in love with the god of the earthly kingdom. Having learned about this, Hades' wife turned Minta into a beautiful fragrant plant.
Central Asia and the Mediterranean are considered the birthplace of the aromatic herb. Peppermint was developed in England. Today, this fragrant plant of the Lamiaceae family is cultivated almost everywhere. Unpretentious grass often grows even along with weeds.
There are more than 100 species of mint, the most famous among them are peppermint, Japanese mint, garden mint, water mint, and spearmint.
Medicinal properties
The medicinal properties of mint allow it to be used not only in culinary recipes, but also for medicinal purposes. The above-ground part of the plant contains a large amount of essential oil, the main component of which is menthol. Essential oil gives the herb its characteristic smell and taste. Menthol is effective for radiculitis, varicose veins, and cellulite. The herb contains other equally useful components (flavonoids, tannins), but the plant exhibits bactericidal properties precisely thanks to menthol.
Mint is considered a feminine plant: it lowers the level of male hormones and, accordingly, reduces hair growth in unwanted places. Mint infusion is recommended to be used to normalize the menstrual cycle, relieve pain and improve the general condition during menopause.
Peppermint essential oil is widely used in cosmetology and perfumery, and not only in official and folk medicine. Mint toothpastes, chewing gums, and mouth rinses are familiar to everyone. Essential oil, as well as products based on it, is well suited for caring for oily hair. Peppermint oil is also recommended for problem skin.
Use in cooking
In cooking, mint has found use in the form of fragrant tea. This drink is considered a good natural sedative. The tea is prepared very simply: pour a teaspoon of dried mint into a glass of boiling water; for taste, you can add a little honey or a slice of lemon. In the summer, you can make cold mint tea with ice: it will perfectly quench your thirst and relieve nervous tension. Mint goes well with both black and green tea. It is recommended to add mint to soft drinks and dishes in advance so that the essential oil penetrates into the ingredients. It’s hard to imagine the famous Mojito cocktail without mint. The plant gives the drink a fresh taste and aroma.
Mint leaves are widely used to decorate cakes and other desserts. In the preparation of confectionery, as a rule, mint essence or mint oil is used. Mint leaves give sweets a subtle aroma and an appetizing appearance. The famous mint gingerbread is also prepared with this fragrant plant. Mint is used to make well-known candies. The calorie content of fresh grass is about 47 kilocalories per 100 g.
Dried mint is used in cooking as a spicy seasoning. A little dry mint is added to various sauces and marinades. Mint perfectly enhances the taste of meat and vegetable dishes. To prevent the mint leaves from becoming bitter and spoiling the taste of the main dish, it is recommended to add it very little, and shortly before cooking.
Mint is great for flavoring vegetable oil or vinegar. In order to get a minty aroma, just add a sprig of mint to a bottle of oil and leave the product to infuse in a dark place for several weeks.
The benefits of mint and treatment
The benefits of the plant have been known to mankind since ancient times. In Ancient Rome, for example, mint was used almost everywhere. The space at home was treated with mint water; before eating, dining tables were always rubbed with mint leaves to improve mood and digestion. It was believed that the mint aroma activated the brain, so students were recommended to wear wreaths with dried herbs.
Mint can cause some harm to the male body. The plant reduces the amount of testosterone in the blood and reduces excitability in a man, making him calm.
Peppermint tea is contraindicated for people suffering from chronic heartburn.
Pregnant women should use mint infusions with caution: the plant can affect the formation of the fetus, especially if it is a boy. It is also not advisable for children to brew concentrated mint tea.
Refers to ancient cultures. It was used as a spice and medicinal plant by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Mint was brought to Russia in 1895 from England. Cultivated as a medicinal and essential oil plant.L
Latin name Mentha piperita L.
Common names: English mint, cold mint, cold mint, cold mint.
Family Labiatae - Lamiaceae - Lamiaceae
Genus Mentha L. - Mint
The scientific name of the genus is from the Greek Mintha - the name of the nymph Menta, by which the plant was named in ancient times.
Description
Peppermint Perennial herbaceous plant up to 1 m high.
Root- a rhizome consisting of many thin branched, weakly fibrous roots that are located horizontally shallow in the soil.
Central stem and the lateral opposite branches are tetrahedral, ending in a complex spike-shaped inflorescence. Straight or ascending, densely foliated. Covered with sparse appressed hairs. Branching starting from the base of the stem.
Leaves simple dark green without pubescence, ovate-lanceolate or rounded-elliptical in shape of different sizes: on the central stem and first-order branches they are large, on second-order branches they are small. Sharply toothed, short-petioled, dotted with pinpoint glands and sparse hairs, especially below. Both sides are covered with essential oil glands. They are arranged in opposite pairs.
Flowers small, pink or pale purple, collected at the top of the stem and branches in capitate-spike-shaped inflorescences.
Fruit- four-ovate, single-seeded reddish-brown nuts.
Peppermint blooms from late June to September. Ripens in September.
There are two known varieties of peppermint, which are distinguished by the color of the stem and leaves: black peppermint with a red-brown color of the stem and with a brown tint to the leaves, and white peppermint without pigmentation, the stem and leaves are green. White peppermint is more aromatic. There is also curly mint, which is used mainly in medicine.
Spreading
Peppermint known only in culture.
The origin of peppermint has not been precisely established. It is found in a wild or feral state in Asia and Europe. It is cultivated in many countries of the world - England, Bulgaria, Hungary, USA, Yugoslavia, Japan, etc.
Growing
Peppermint is a hybrid between mint water And mint spearmint. Confirmation of its hybrid origin is the fact that mint flowers are almost sterile. If seeds are produced, they produce plants that are not similar to the mother plant.
The plant is moisture-loving, demanding of light and soil. With long days it develops quickly. Cultivated peat bogs, sandy loam and loamy soils with sufficient humus and moisture content are suitable for cultivation. The best precursors are perennial herbs, root vegetables, legumes and vegetables, as well as potatoes.
The best soils for growing peppermint are loams and sandy loams with clay subsoil. Responds well to fertilizer. Demanding on lighting conditions: in shady places the percentage and quality of essential oil are reduced. Not demanding on heat. Easily tolerates spring frosts down to -8°. During the growing season it requires a lot of moisture, but in the budding and flowering phases (July - August) excess moisture negatively affects the quality of the essential oil.
Before planting mint in the fall, dig up the soil to a depth of 25-30 cm and add manure at the rate of 3-4 kg per 1 m2. In early spring, the area is cultivated to a depth of 8-10 cm, raked into two or three tracks, furrows 6-12 cm deep are cut, watered and the rhizomes are laid on the wet bottom in one continuous line. The row spacing is 45-60 cm. You can also use the square-cluster method (60 x 60 or 45 x 45 cm). In this case, four to five pieces of rhizomes are placed in each nest. 4-5 kg of humus and 1-1.5 g of phosphorus per 1 m2 are added to the rows and nests. The soil is well rolled after planting.
Perennial specimens in our conditions grow in the first or second ten days of April. Budding begins in the first or second decade of July, flowering begins in late July - early August. Blooms until early October. The fruits do not set. The growing season ends in the third ten days of October.
Reproduction
They are propagated mainly vegetatively, less often by seeds.
Planting mint in the ground is carried out in spring or autumn. Placed on fertile, well-cultivated soils. Applying fresh manure is not recommended. Excess nitrogen fertilizers lead to increased plant growth and a decrease in essential oil.
During vegetative propagation, plants are more uniform in morphological characteristics and essential oil content.
Vegetative propagation of mint includes several methods: stem cuttings, cuttings at least 15 cm long, pruning freshly dug roots, dividing rhizomes, propagation by layering (creeping above-ground shoots). Stem cuttings are rooted in sand in the summer in order to obtain good planting material by autumn.
With the seed propagation method, seedlings are first grown. Sow in March in seed boxes in a greenhouse or greenhouse; the seeds are not covered with soil. Seedlings dive into greenhouses or ridges.
Spring planting begins early, when the soil is still saturated with moisture.
The planting method is single-row with row spacing of 50-60 cm, between plants - 20-30 cm. On heavier loamy soils, it is recommended to plant on ridges in a three-line method, the distance between lines is 30 cm.
Planting depth is 8 - 10 cm. Mineral fertilizers are applied per 1 hectare: ammonium nitrate 1.2 - 1.5 c, superphosphate 3 - 4 c, potassium salt 1.2 - 1.5 c. During the growing season, two feedings are given, consisting of 0.5 - 0.8 c of ammonium nitrate, 1.5 c of superphosphate and 0.5 - 0.6 c of potassium salt per 1 ha. Mint can grow in one place for 5 - 6 years.
Cleaning, drying and storage
In the first year of life, plant care consists of loosening the rows and weeding.
Further care of the plants consists of loosening the rows and weeding. A plot of mint that goes over to the next year is dug up in the fall to a depth of 15 cm, humus or ammonium nitrate and superphosphate are added.
Young plants do not tolerate temperature drops to 7...8°C.
Leaf harvesting begins in the second year at the beginning of flowering. In total, 2-3 cuttings are made during the growing season (depending on plant growth).
After cutting, the plants are fed with complete mineral fertilizer at the rate of: ammonium nitrate 0.75-1 c, superphosphate - 1-1.5 c, potassium salt 0.5-0.8 c per 1 ha, followed by loosening the rows. In autumn, it is annually recommended to apply 15 - 20 tons of humus per 1 hectare.
Mint is cultivated in one place for 3-4 years, and in more fertile areas for 4-5 years.
Cut close to the ground. First, it is dried on the site, and then dried under a canopy (in the shade).
Store in paper bags in a dry place at a temperature of 10 - 15°.
Diseases, pests and control measures
The plant is affected by a fungal disease - rust, especially in wet years and with an excess of nitrogen nutrition. Plants are sprayed against leaf rust with a 2% solution of copper sulfate.
Plant pest
Mint leaf beetle. Trap vessels are installed against mint pests.
Control measures. Destruction of plant residues.
Description Peppermint Chemical composition
Mint contains ascorbic acid, carotene, rutin, menthol.
Mint greens contain essential oil, which consists of menthol and esters of isovaleric and acetic acids, copper, manganese and other trace elements, as well as carotene, betaine, flavonoids, hesperidin, tannins and other substances.
The content of essential oil in mint varies: in leaves 2.4 - 2.7%; in inflorescences 4 - 6%; in stems - up to 0.3%. Flowers contain the most essential oil at the beginning of flowering.
Peppermint essential oil is a colorless liquid, has a strong sweetish aroma and a sharp, piquant, pleasant taste, with a specific cooling effect on the oral cavity. The main components of essential oil are menthol and menthone. Different forms and varieties of mint contain 41 - 70% menthol, the amount of menthone is 16 - 18%. Fresh leaves contain up to 12 mg%, and dry leaves up to 7.5 mg% of carotene and vitamin P.
Medicinal raw materials
The aerial part serves as the medicinal raw material. The tops are collected during the budding period. Dry in the shade, under a canopy or in the attic. Store in a closed glass or wooden container for 2 years.
Application
Mint greens are a necessary component of Ukrainian, Georgian, Armenian, Azerbaijani and other national dishes.
Mint leaves prevent milk from souring.
Forest and green mint are often used as spices, as they have a particularly subtle aroma and mild taste.
Of the other types of mints, the most widely used for food purposes is M. curly yam - Mentha crispa L. them Royle's yata - Mentha royleana Benth.
Peppermint essential oil is widely used in the confectionery, food and chemical-pharmaceutical industries. Waste from the processing of mint into essential oil and grass is valuable feed for livestock.
Food
Fresh or dried mint leaves and flowers are used as a seasoning for cheeses, salads, vinaigrettes, soups, vegetable, meat and fish dishes.
It is added to cookies, gingerbreads, buns, compotes, jelly, fruit drinks and kvass. In case of excessive dosage mint products become bitter.
National Caucasian dishes - kharcho soup, Mingrelian chicken, roast with vegetables, Armenian yogurt soup, tava kebab, etc. - cannot do without mint. Mint leaves and essential oil are used to flavor fruit dips, frozen drinks, sauces, jellies, flavor vinegar, and tea mixtures. Bread kvass and confectionery products are flavored with mint. Widely used as a flavoring agent in the alcoholic beverage, tobacco and fishing industries and as a spice for pickling cucumbers.
Mint leaves and flowers are used as a spicy seasoning
Technical
Peppermint essential oil is used in the manufacture of tooth powders and pastes, and as a fragrance for toilet soap.
Melodorous
Peppermint is one of the late-summer honey plants. Nectar is easily accessible to bees. Amber colored honey.
Insecticidal
Repels mosquitoes.
Natural cosmetics
Oily skin
Pour 2 tablespoons of dried mint into 0.5 liters of water, boil for 5-10 minutes over low heat, strain, add 4 teaspoons of boric alcohol, 2 tablespoons of calendula tincture, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Wipe your face with lotion.
Circles under the eyes
Apply fresh crushed peppermint leaves to your eyes.
Pour 1-2 tablespoons of mint leaves into 2 cups of hot water, simmer over low heat for 5-10 minutes. When the temperature of the broth drops to room temperature, it must be strained, soaked in cotton swabs and applied to the eyes for 10 minutes (for swelling). For inflamed eyes, dip the tampons into a warm broth and apply to the eyes for 1-2 minutes, repeating this procedure 3-4 times in a row.
Dry skin
Pour 1-2 tablespoons of mint into 2 glasses of hot water, boil over low heat for 5-10 minutes, then cool and strain through cheesecloth. Wash with the decoction every day.
Medicinal
Mint leaves are used medicinally during flowering. They are used to prepare aromatic tea with a vasodilating and tonic effect, as well as medicinal decoctions and tinctures. The main component of mint essential oil is menthol, which is used as a local anesthetic for neuralgia, as an anti-inflammatory and vasodilator for spasms of coronary vessels, and as a sedative in combination with other agents.
Essential oil is obtained from mint, the main component of which is menthol, which is widely used in medicine as an analgesic for neuralgic diseases, as an antiseptic for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, menthol causes dilation of the coronary vessels of the heart. A decoction of the leaves is recommended for baths for nervous agitation, and the infusion is used as a mouth rinse for gum inflammation.
Peppermint oil, as a refreshing and antiseptic agent, is included in rinses, tooth powders and pastes, and is an integral part of the drug Corvalol.
Peppermint tablets contain peppermint oil and sugar. 1 - 2 tablets are placed under the tongue for nausea, vomiting and spasms of the smooth muscles of the internal organs.
Peppermint drops consist of an alcohol tincture of the leaves with the addition of an equal amount of peppermint oil. Take them 10-15 drops for nausea, vomiting and as a painkiller.
For cooking decoction peppermint 2 tablespoons of chopped herb, pour 1 glass of hot water, boil over low heat for 15 minutes, cool at room temperature for 45 minutes and filter. Take 1/3-1/h glass 2-3 times a day 15 minutes before meals, warm.
Mint is used for neuroses, insomnia, increased excitability and angina pectoris (angina pectoris). It is recommended for inflammation of the gallbladder, cholelithiasis, inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract, to improve digestion, reduce nausea and vomiting.
mint water used for rinsing the mouth for inflammatory processes, toothache and eliminating bad breath.
Tea with mint is indicated for increased stomach acidity and convulsive colitis, heavy and scanty menstruation. Peppermint oil has a good effect on painful hemorrhoids. Apply a fresh paste of mint leaves to skin affected by fungal diseases.
Mint infusion has an antitoxic effect. To prepare it, pour 2 tablespoons of crushed leaves into 1 glass of boiling water, leave for 2 hours and filter. Take 1 tablespoon 2-3 times a day with meals.
Industrial drugs
Mint preparations have a calming, analgesic, choleretic and antiseptic effect. They relax the smooth muscles of the internal organs and increase the secretion of the digestive glands. These effects are due to menthol, which is capable of reflexively dilating the blood vessels of the heart, brain and lungs. When applied topically, menthol constricts peripheral blood vessels and reduces sensitivity (including pain) of nerve endings.
The industry produces menthol in the form of powder, oil, alcohol solution and pencil. For migraines, rub the skin in the temple area with a pencil. An alcohol solution of menthol is used as a sedative for angina pectoris. Prescribe it 2-3 drops on a piece of sugar or bread. For faster and more complete action, the drug is kept under the tongue. Menthol is included in Zelenin drops. They are prescribed for heart neuroses accompanied by a rare pulse.
Validol(a clear oily liquid representing a solution of menthol in isovaleric acid ester) has a calming effect on the nervous system and moderately dilates blood vessels. It is prescribed for mild attacks of angina pectoris, neuroses, as well as for sea and air sickness as an antiemetic. When using a liquid preparation, 4-5 drops are applied to a piece of sugar. Validol is also produced in the form of capsules and tablets (1 tablet corresponds to 3 drops of liquid validol). They are kept under the tongue until completely absorbed.
Boromenthol, containing menthol, boric acid and petroleum jelly, is used as an antiseptic and analgesic for itchy skin and neuralgia. It is used to lubricate the nasal mucosa for rhinitis.
Eucathol drops contain menthol, eucalyptus tincture and alcohol. Use them 5-10 drops per 1 glass of water for rinsing for inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
Menovazin- transparent liquid. It contains menthol, anesthesin, novocaine and alcohol. It is prescribed externally as a local anesthetic for neuralgia, pain in muscles, joints and as an antipruritic agent. Painful areas of the skin are rubbed with the drug 2-3 times a day. With prolonged use, dizziness and general weakness may occur, and blood pressure may decrease.
Contraindications
In large quantities, it impairs sleep.
Recipes for various diseases
Arrhythmia
Pour 1 teaspoon of dry crushed mint leaves with 1 glass of boiling water, leave, covered, for 20 minutes, strain. Drink the infusion every day for a year.
Arthritis
Dry the mint herb collected during flowering. Pour mint with water in a bucket in a ratio of 1:3, boil for 15 minutes. Leave the resulting broth for 30 minutes and pour into a bath of hot water.
Insomnia
Inhale with mint essential oil.
Gastritis
Pour 10 g of mint herb into 1/2 cup of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes. Take 1 tablespoon of infusion 3 times a day.
Take 4 parts of peppermint leaves, 1 part of centaury herb. Prepare an infusion of 2 teaspoons of the mixture in 1 glass of water. Take 1 glass half an hour before meals for gastritis with complaints of pain in the liver.
Pour 1 tablespoon of peppermint leaves into 1 glass of boiling water, heat for 10 minutes, cool, strain through cheesecloth and drink 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day.
Depression
Pour 1 tablespoon of mint leaves into 1 cup of boiling water and simmer for 10 minutes. Take 1/2 cup of decoction in the morning and evening.
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