Mint

MenthapiperitaL.

Mint is named after one of the nymphs of Greek mythology. Mint (Minta, Menta), according to legend, was not only wise, she knew the secrets of life and death, could heal from illnesses and predict the future. The fragrant grass that grew at the site of the death of the beautiful nymph began to be called by her name. In Roman mythology, the goddess Mentha personified the human mind. Therefore, a mandatory attribute of the students of ancient Roman philosophers was a wreath of fresh mint stalks. It was believed that this plant activates the activity of the brain, helps maintain flexibility and tenacity of the mind.

The healing properties of mint began to be used 3000 years ago in Ancient Egypt. Later, this plant began to be cultivated in Japan and China. We find a description of the miraculous power of mint in the writings of Hippocrates. Paracelsus used mint for severe bleeding. Avicenna wrote: “Mint has a warming and astringent property. It is essentially the rarest of edible vegetables; If you throw a few bunches of mint into milk, it will not curdle. Mint with oatmeal serves as a medicinal bandage for ulcers. Mint, especially mixed with barley flour, is used to make medicinal forehead bandages for headaches. If you boil mint in wine, especially fresh mint, and put it into a medicinal bandage, this will destroy black spots on the body and bruises that form under the eyes. The pungency of mint strengthens the gums. Mountain mint stimulates the desire for food, and its decoction is useful for dropsy.” Odo of Mena in his poem “On the Properties of Herbs” wrote:

Mint strengthens the stomach, stops vomiting if taken, and round worms are said to be expelled using the same method. With all kinds of testicular diseases, the herb helps. Mint, if they are warmed with water, where the mint was boiled. If you apply grated milk to your breasts, it will liquefy the thick milk. You will drop it with honey into your ears and you will drive out suffering from there. Rub your tongue often - and it drives out the roughness. Drink it with syrup - labor usually speeds up; Treats dog bites when grated with salt.

Menthol, the main component of essential oil, is included in many medical preparations: validol, Zelenin drops, boromenthol, pectusin, ingacamf, efkamon, corvalol, olemethin, camphomen, equatol, menovazin, carvaldine and many others.

Medicinal properties

1. It has an antiseptic effect for pharyngitis, tracheitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, colds, flu, runny nose, cough.
2. Used for colic in the stomach and intestines, gastroenteritis, flatulence, constipation, nausea and vomiting, lack of appetite, increased stomach acidity.
3. It has antimicrobial activity against almost all types of pathogenic bacteria of the gastrointestinal tract.
4. Relieves migraines associated with digestive disorders.
5. Taken for menstrual irregularities and painful periods.
6. Reduces lactation, prevents breast swelling.
7. It has a vasodilating effect in diseases associated with spasms of cerebral vessels. Improves cerebral circulation.
8. May cause reflex expansion of coronary vessels. Prescribed for attacks of angina pectoris, tachycardia, sinus arrhythmia.
9. Normalizes blood pressure.
10. Prevents the development of neurovascular disorders.
11. It has an analgesic effect for neuralgia, myalgia, arthralgia, rheumatism, lumbago, gout, and inflammation of the sciatic nerve.
12. Relieves skin irritation and inflammation, severe itching due to dermatoses and herpes zoster. Used for fungal skin infections, acne, eczema, erysipelas, scabies, burns.
13. Activates the secretory activity of the endocrine glands.
14. Antishock agent.
15. Increases the body's resistance.
16. It has a mild analgesic and antiseptic effect against stomatitis, caries, inflammation of the oral mucosa, strengthens the gums, and eliminates bad breath.
17. With a weak vestibular apparatus, it helps overcome the gag reflex.
18. Helps restore strength after mental fatigue and heavy physical activity. Stimulates the nervous system, increases concentration. Recommended for use in cases of increased sensitivity to weather changes and insomnia.
19. It has a beneficial effect on oily skin, refreshes well, and cleanses pores. Increases skin elasticity and eliminates puffiness. Causing mild local irritation and stimulating peripheral neuroreceptors of the skin, it enhances capillary blood circulation and helps get rid of the manifested vascular pattern.
20. Repels blood-sucking insects.

Dosage

Externally: 4-5 k. per 10 ml of vegetable oil.

Internally: 1-3 k. per 1 tsp. honey 3 times a day.

Baths: 5-7 k.

Inhalations: 2-3 k.

Rinse: 3-5 k. per 100 g of water.

Applications: 5 k. per 5 ml of vegetable oil.

Compress: 5-7 k. per 10 ml of alcohol.

Enrichment of cosmetics: 3-5 k. per 10 g of base.

Contraindications. Individual intolerance, nursing mothers, 1-4 months of pregnancy, allergic hay runny nose. Children under 7 years of age should not lubricate the mucous membranes of the nose and nasopharynx, as reflex depression and respiratory arrest may occur.

Note. An overdose can cause dizziness, general weakness, low blood pressure, irritation of the gastric mucosa, and sleep disturbances.