Characteristics of peppermint
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) belongs to the mint family. The area of England is considered to be the birthplace of the plant. It is currently cultivated all over the world. It prefers warm, sunny places, moist, permeable and calcium-rich soils. This plant is extremely easy to grow: it reproduces vegetatively by dividing the rhizome. Very easily drowns out neighboring vegetation.
What does peppermint look like? Peppermint is a small herbaceous plant, reaching a height of up to 1 meter. The tetrahedral stem is densely branched and covered with fine hairs. During the winter, the stem dies off, and in the spring the plant is reborn from the root. The leaves are 3 to 9 cm long, oval in shape, with serrated edges. Small, pink-red mint flowers are located in the axils of the leaves, forming pseudo-spikelets.
Mint blossom
The flowering period of the plant is in July and August. The raw material used in herbal medicine is mint leaves. Harvesting occurs before the flowering of the plant – from June to July. Then the collected raw materials are dried.
The chemical composition of mint
A characteristic feature of this plant is its refreshing aroma. It has cosmetic and health properties. The most important medicinal substances contained in mint leaves are: menthol, flavonoids, organic acids, mineral salts, bitterness and tannins. The essential oil in peppermint contains up to 2%.
Useful properties of peppermint
Peppermint is a herbal raw material that has been used in folk medicine for centuries. It is one of the most commonly grown mint varieties for medicinal purposes.
Mint properties:
- supports digestion;
- relaxing;
- choleretic;
- carminative.
Peppermint is high in antioxidants that help fight free radicals, compounds that cause damage at the cellular level and lead to many health problems and aging.
Additional Information! Ways of using this herb: mint tea, mint tincture, peppermint oil, which is used in the treatment of many health problems, is a component of numerous preparations.
Peppermint tea is a popular remedy for digestive ailments for pain and indigestion. Dried grass or fresh mint is poured with boiling water and covered with a lid, brewed for about 5 minutes.
Indications for the use of peppermint are also infections of the upper respiratory tract, colds, runny nose, pain in the joints and muscles, sleep disturbances, increased nervous tension.
Essential oil is used mainly for respiratory diseases, most often in the form of inhalations or various types of ointments. It has antibacterial properties and facilitates expectoration of residual secretions.
Peppermint essential oil
You can use alcohol infusions inside for digestive disorders, diseases of the liver and biliary tract, it is also useful for cholelithiasis, viral hepatitis and motion sickness.
As an external application, peppermint oil is diluted with water for gargling with sore throats and for washing with inflammation of the skin. In addition, mint extract reduces headaches. The oil dissolved in the base oil is used for rheumatic ailments, for rubbing the temples with headaches and for lubricating places after insect bites.
Peppermint relieves feelings of tension, while adding 10 drops to a bath has a relaxing and soothing effect.
Mint in cosmetics
Helps to refresh the complexion, brightens it and regulates the sebaceous glands, is good for oily skin with acne, and is mainly used in cleansing cosmetics.
[
Helps to refresh complexion
Ideal for dry skin and skin with imperfections, it is a very popular ingredient in many formulations. The products contained in it brighten the complexion and help control sebum secretion.
Note! Mint leaves contain essential oils that slow down the aging process. Flavonoids, phenolic acids, calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium and vitamin A have a positive effect on skin condition. Leaf decoctions are recommended for the care of damaged and dry skin.
Peppermint oil can be used to treat chapped lips or added a few drops to a mask for an antibacterial effect.
To get rid of acne, use a steam bath with dried mint leaves. A handful of herbs is poured with boiling water and the face is held over the steam, tightly covered with a towel. The menthol-rich steam will unclog clogged pores and soothe irritated skin.
Peppermint oil will soften and smooth the skin of dry lips. Homemade lip balm recipe:
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil;
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa butter;
- contents of 1 capsule with vitamin E;
- 10 drops of peppermint oil.
Heat all ingredients over low heat until smooth. Then placed in a container, and homemade lip balm is ready!
Body care
Peppermint oil is especially valued in body care cosmetics. It gives a feeling of freshness. The menthol contained in it causes a pleasant feeling of coolness.
Menthol, when applied externally, has an analgesic, astringent and firming effect, therefore it is part of firming and anti-cellulite products, as well as express face masks. Constricts blood vessels, thereby reducing redness.
Hair care
Mint can be used for hair care. It is included in many shampoos, conditioners and scrubs that care for the scalp and hair.
Hair care
In addition to the obvious cooling properties, it also has an anti-dandruff effect.
Additional Information! Mint’s anti-dandruff effect makes it a popular ingredient in shampoos. Moreover, it also brings other benefits – reduces the oiliness of the scalp.
It is an effective ingredient in preparations for scalp and hair care, cleansing and preventing excess oiliness. Just add a few drops of oil to your favorite shampoo or conditioner. With regular use, it will bring positive results.
Peppermint oil helps to tame unruly and frizzy hair. It is enough to rub a drop into them so that they become obedient and shiny.
Mint hair rinse:
A handful of fresh mint leaves or 3 tablespoons dried pour boiling water. After cooling, strain and rinse washed hair.
The conditioner moisturizes, nourishes and smoothes the hair. It is not recommended to use this rinse for girls with a light shade of hair, as they may have slightly greenish reflections.
Other Uses for Peppermint
The active ingredients contained in mint are used in the cosmetics industry to produce perfumes. The raw material of the plant is also used in toothpastes, rinses, creams and bath additives.
The food industry uses mint to produce candies, liqueurs, chewing gum, and tea. Mint has also been used in the kitchen as an additive to food and drink.
Peppermint Side Effects
An overdose of preparations containing peppermint extract causes abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Peppermint oil applied to the skin can cause irritation. Contraindications to the use of peppermint are: severe liver damage, blockage of the biliary tract and cholecystitis.
