Mint is among the most well-known medicinal plants: it is familiar not only to fans fitomeditsiny, but each person who regularly cares for teeth - Menthol is a part of almost all toothpastes. Mint and its useful properties are famous all over the world since ancient times, this plant is used in cooking, medicine and perfumery.

From ancient times to the present day

There is a beautiful legend about the nymph Minto that a jealous goddess Persephone turned into a fragrant plant because Myint became mistress of Hades, the lord of the realm of the dead. Another legendary mint Hippocrates used to treat patients by calling the plant the most effective diuretic. It was believed that the mint flavor makes it clear consciousness: the leaves of this plant are used to flavor the premises, they adorned her head, added them in bunches to enhance concentration.

All varieties have a strong mint flavor and contains a large amount of menthol. Most have a strong aroma of peppermint. It peppermint is most widely used in the pharmaceutical and herbal medicine Phytotherapy and menopause - without the side effects . For the manufacture of cosmetic products is also the Japanese mint, and is used in aromatherapy and even swamp and water mint. Today mint used for prevention and treatment of many diseases.

Chemical composition

The beneficial properties of mint are largely determined by the high content of this plant menthol. In Europe, first isolated from menthol mint essential oil in 1771. According to some reports, in Japan this substance was known much earlier, but the evidence for this is not yet.

Menthol is used as a weak local anesthetic: it reduces the sensitivity and, acting on the cold receptors of the skin and mucous membranes, refreshes, causes a feeling of coolness. Thanks to the cooling effect of menthol is used to reduce the itching sensation in the skin irritation. Menthol also is a mild antiseptic. Its properties are widely used in the food industry and pharmacology. Menthol is frequently added to cigarette is believed that this material reduces the irritant properties of tobacco smoke.

In addition to menthol mint also contains carotene, and menthol derivatives - pinene, piperitone, mentofuran, as well as flavonoids, bitter, acid, tannins, and other useful items. The greatest value are the stems of mint and its blossoms, which is collected before flowering plants, because in this period the content of useful substances in the mint is particularly high.

Beneficial features

Peppermint - versatile plant. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, dorasshiryayuschim actions. The use of peppermint helps to improve the work of the gastrointestinal tract: increased appetite, reduces flatulence, nausea and heartburn are. It helps mint and diarrhea. Also, the plant is used to treat liver: due to the choleretic effect Mint helps get rid of gallstones and liver cleanse.

Use mint and inflammatory diseases that are accompanied by fever. Cooling and diaphoretic properties of mint is used to treat angina, pharyngitis and rhinitis and bronchitis Bronchitis - protection if the body has malfunctioned   and other inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system. Also mint used to treat inflammations of the urogenital system.

Mint is very useful for cardiovascular system, not by chance that the menthol is a key component of many medicines, for example, he is a member of valokordin. Peppermint helps in alleviating symptoms of tachycardia, reduces headaches caused by spasms of blood vessels, lowers blood pressure and helps with migraines.

Finally, peppermint widely used in dentistry as an antiseptic and refreshing agents. What makes the mint breath fresher, known since ancient times, and today almost all toothpastes and elixirs is flavored with mint.

Application

Mint is a part of most of the soothing herbal, some tablets from heartburn and ointments to reduce skin irritation. Menthol is a part of the majority of funds for oral care, as well as many other colognes and perfumes refreshing.

Widely used in cooking mint industry. It improves the absorption of fat meat, so the mint often prepared, such as sauces for lamb. Peppermint improves the taste, and many dessert dishes, giving them the original flavor. Mint leaves are traditionally used for decorating desserts and some drinks.

Contraindications

There is a common misconception that herbal remedies have a very mild effect to harm health. This is not so. Like many other plants, mint has a number of contraindications.

For example, mint is not recommended for use for children under three years. You can not use this plant, and if you are hypersensitive or that the substance contained in the mint. Because peppermint helps to reduce blood pressure, it is not recommended for use with hypotension. Peppermint essential oil is absolutely contraindicated for pregnant women.

When varicose veins Varicose veins - the operation is inevitable?   mint can be used only in small quantities. There is evidence that this plant contributes to the development of this unpleasant disease.

Mint reduces sexual desire, especially in men. Therefore, you should not include a mint cocktail, say, or mint ice cream on the menu romantic dinner: these dishes can be too cool passions. In general, men are not recommended to abuse mint.

Maria Bykov

  Rosemary, resembles a small Christmas tree with a wonderful aroma and astringent taste, is used as a seasoning for dishes of chicken, lamb, pork, salmon, tuna, it is added into all sorts of sauces.

Rosemary - This evergreen plant whose leaves are dark green above and silvery below, like the needles of a coniferous tree. He has a wonderful smell, but it is appreciated not only for it.

Health Benefits

Substances that are contained in rosemary, stimulate the immune system The immune system - how it works? Improve blood circulation and digestion. Rosemary has anti-inflammatory properties; it facilitates the asthma attacks. Furthermore, it increases blood flow to the brain, increasing concentration.

Story

Although Rosemary is originally from the Mediterranean, it is now growing in many cooler regions of Europe and America. Its thousands of years used in cooking and traditional medicine. Part of this popularity is due to widespread belief in its ability to stimulate and strengthen memory. In ancient Greece, students preparing for exams, plaited sprouts rosemary in her hair; rosemary thrown into the graves of the dead - a sign of memory.

In England, rosemary improves memory, transformed into a symbol of loyalty - it was used in wedding dresses, decorations and gifts.

In the 14th century, it was first produced essential oil Essential oils and conception: can help the roses?   rosemary - it quickly became a popular cosmetic product. In the 16th and 17th centuries in many drugstores rosemary oil sold as a remedy for various disorders of the digestive system.

How to choose rosemary

When possible, buy fresh rosemary, but not dried. It can be grown at home - for them does not require complex care. Young shoots of plants should be dark green, not yellow or dark spots. Dried rosemary is recommended to buy in stores that sell organic products.

Cut the sprouts fresh rosemary should be kept in the refrigerator in its original packaging or in a piece of damp cloth. Dried rosemary in a tightly closed container in a cool, dark and dry place.

In fresh rosemary for about 25% of magnesium, and 40% less calcium and iron than dried. Rosemary is also a rich source of dietary fiber.

Typically, rosemary does not cause an allergic reaction Allergic reactions: how to understand why you tickle in the throat . However, if after its use you show signs of allergies, consult your doctor.