Peppermint is one of many species of mint. Its scientific name is Mentha spicata and it is also known as spearmint or “garden mint”. Has gastronomic, cosmetic and pharmaceutical uses.
As described by the Green Ecology website, its fresh scent It is due to its essential oil which contains menthol, as well as menthone, phyllandrene and limonene.
He menthol It is the substance that makes peppermint a plant good for health: it is antispasmodic, carminative, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, stimulant, antidysmenorrheic and diuretic.
This means that it acts against the headache or menstrual pain, calms digestive problems such as irritable colon and intestinal gas, stimulates the production of bile and reduces liver inflammation, help in case of cold, constipation and nervous tension. Furthermore, it is used in oral hygiene and hair treatments.
What is peppermint tea used for?
Peppermint can be used in three ways: inhalation, topical and oral.
If you prepare an infusion of peppermint and moisten a compress, it can be apply to the skin to soothe muscle pain and inflammation.
Also, when mixed with olive oil, it is a great home remedy for rubbing the skin and relieve discomfort in case of burns or cramps. The vapor from a boiling peppermint infusion can be inhaled as a nebulization in case of constipation or cold.
But also mint tea you can drink and its properties are very beneficial for the body.
Peppermint tea on an empty stomach
Peppermint tea can be drunk on an empty stomach before breakfast. It is the time of day because, on an empty stomach, the substances will be assimilated better.
But it is also ingested as a digestive, after lunchand equally relaxing before sleep. Specialists recommend consuming 2 or 3 cups a day.
To prepare the tea you can use ready-made mint sachets to prepare the infusion, or buy mint leaves found in shops. herbalist’s shops and natural food shops.
It is prepared as follows: Boil 250 ml of water and remove from the heat. Add 5 grams of mint leaves (a handful) and leave to rest for 5 to 10 minutes, with the container covered. Strain into a cup and consume. Sweeten to taste (or not).
The advantages of this infusion
Better with Health, the site specializing in home remedies, lists the following benefits of peppermint tea:
- In the digestive system. Relaxes the stomach and intestinal muscles. Calms abdominal bloating and flatulence.
- Antimicrobial power in the oral cavity. Up to 700 species of microorganisms can be found in the mouth. The properties of peppermint protect against periodontitis and tooth decay.
- As an antioxidant. Prevents cell damage caused by free radicals (residual agents from diet, radiation and tobacco), which can cause cancer and premature aging.
- It is effective against arthrosis. Reduces knee pain.
- Glucose and cholesterol. Collaborate to maintain adequate levels.
- Acts as an antiandrogen. It finds application in treatments against excessive hairiness in women, as it exerts a brief reduction in testosterone.
- Protects the brain from oxidative stress. It is beneficial for memory and learning.
- It has an anti-stress effect. Peppermint extracts reduce anxiety and sleep problems. They relieve mental fatigue.
Contraindications: Avoid consumption in case of pregnancy, gallstones, breastfeeding, urinary irritation, nausea, vomiting, severe liver damage and allergic reactions.
Source: Clarin
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