Mint: Benefits, Uses, and Contraindications

From indigestion to nausea. From its antiseptic qualities to what it can do to quell theyour bottom line, simply by rubbing it on your teeth. Mint, with its 600 varieties, is truly a powerful and natural elixir. It's also pleasant to use. Known since ancient times for its beneficial propertiesMint is a plant that is present in every season of the year and can be easily grown in the garden or in a pot. Among other things, mint essential oil is useful for keep insects away from pantriesIts fresh and scented leaves are rich in an active ingredient, the menthol, with calming and disinfectant properties: it is perfect in case of gastrointestinal disorders and can promote digestionMint also has the advantage of being a perennial plant, with few calories and a good amount of Vitamin A and C and has both a refreshing and analgesic action. The plant reaches a height of 40-50 centimeters, with an ascending, quadrangular stem. The parts that are used for various purposes are the leaves and the flowers. The leaves are available year-round, while the flowers are found in spring and summer.

Index of topics

Benefits

Mint is also a useful adjuvant in the treatment of cough, asthma and is even able to help lower the temperature in case of high fever. It has tonic and antiseptic properties and can be used to treat those infectious diseases that do not require the use of antibiotics. Mint is widely used as a natural antispasmodic that acts on the digestive system, and as a respiratory tract fluidizer. The oil can have a beneficial effect in cases of headache.

Herbal Teas

But that's not all: the mint herbal teas They are a true natural cure-all. For their herbal use, mint flowers and leaves are harvested in the summer, between July and August, and left to dry in the open air. Mint tea is recommended for its digestive and tonic properties. It can help relax intestinal muscles and aid digestion. It is also a good remedy for sore throats by nipping the growth of microbes in the bud. However, avoid consuming it in the evening: its stimulating effect could cause insomnia.

infusion

THEmint infusion It's excellent for decongestant facial washes and for combating oily skin. And that's not all: combined with calcium and sodium bicarbonate, it's also ideal for making highly scented toothpastes. An excellent mint infusion is made with twenty leaves in a liter of boiling water. Let steep for ten minutes, then strain and drink.

Mouthwash

Without forgetting the mint mouthwash You can make it at home by steeping a teaspoon of dried mint leaves in 200 ml of boiling water for about 10 minutes. Strain and let cool, and you'll have your own natural mouthwash with antiseptic properties.

Essential oil

In case of cold you can try the insteadmint essential oilSimply add a few drops to a liter of boiling water and inhale the vapors to instantly feel better. Peppermint essential oil is also widely used in herbal remedies to combat rheumatism. Diluted in vegetable oil, it's perfect for relaxing and anti-stress massages.

Use in the kitchen

In the kitchen, the mint It is instead used to flavour dishes and salads and for the production of confectionery products, beverages e spiritBoth dried and fresh, mint can be used as a spice to flavor dishes. It's also excellent with salads, vegetables, legumes, and grains. With dried leaves combined with lemon juice or zest, you can also make an aromatic summer drink. Finally, rubbing fresh mint leaves on your fingers can help eliminate bad smells caused by garlic or onion.

Recipes with mint

From pizzelle to panna cotta, from meatballs to salsa. There are countless recipes to help you avoid using mint. Here are some of the most delicious.

Pizzelle with mintFlour, brewer's yeast, and a pinch of sugar.
Eggplant meatloafThe scent of mint makes the difference.
Mint saucePerfect for all fish dishes.
Mint panna cotta with chocolate sauceIt cooks in just ten minutes.
Pea soup with basil and mintFresh, authentic, and light dish.

Controindicazioni

There are no particular contraindications Mint is not recommended for use by anyone other than those with thyroid problems or glaucoma. However, mint is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.