Features of using peppermint tincture: instructions and properties

People are increasingly turning to traditional medicine - natural ingredients have a minimum number of contraindications, have a beneficial effect on the body, and are also universal. For example, peppermint tincture, which you can find in a pharmacy or prepare yourself, will relieve inflammation, pain and nervous excitement. This drug can be used in skin and hair care. The main thing is to know how.

Indications or contraindications

First of all, you need to make sure that such treatment will not be harmful to you. All properties of peppermint are overridden if a person is allergic to this product. In this case, there is no gentle way to use mint tincture. Peppermint medicine can also have a negative effect on those girls who suffer from hypotension. Even external use of the medicinal composition is undesirable for such a pathology: your health may worsen.

If itching or redness occurs on the skin, use of the tincture should be suspended.

In what cases is the healing composition indicated:

• itching of the scalp;
• skin redness is ready;
• flaky spots on the skin;
• severe manifestations of dandruff;
• fragility and dullness of hair;
• growth slowdown;
• hair oiliness increased.

Peppermint has a wonderful property - it normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
This explains its usefulness in “both directions”, both in relation to dry hair and oily hair. Natural cosmetology is, without a doubt, an excellent help. But it does not change the fact that the cause of pathology is inside the body. And that the same slow growth needs to be corrected not only by the use of external care products, but also by nourishing the body from the inside .

Contraindications for use

Mint tincture has both benefits and harms. Therefore, it is important to first pay attention to contraindications in order to minimize possible negative effects from taking the medicine.

Cases when you should avoid using alcoholic peppermint tincture include the following:

• Varicose veins (for both external and internal effects)
• Low pressure.
• Children's age (up to 5 years).
• Period of pregnancy or breastfeeding.

It is not recommended for men to take the drug - mint has an abundance of phytoestrogens, which can reduce the libido of the stronger sex and disrupt the functioning of the reproductive system.

Also, mint tincture is not recommended for people with excessive drowsiness.

You will learn more about what side effects may occur after using mint, as well as possible contraindications, from our article.

May relieve seasonal allergies

Peppermint contains rosmarinic acid, a plant compound found in rosemary and mint plants (28).

Rosmarinic acid is associated with a reduction in symptoms of allergic reactions, such as runny nose, itchy eyes, and wheezing (29, 30).

In one randomized 21-day trial of 29 people with seasonal allergies, those who received an oral supplement containing rosmarinic acid had fewer symptoms of itchy nose, eyes, and other symptoms than those who took a placebo (31).

While it is unknown whether the amount of rosmarinic acid in peppermint is enough to affect allergy symptoms, there is some evidence that peppermint may provide allergy relief.

In a study on rats, peppermint extract reduced allergic symptoms such as sneezing and nasal itching (32).

Summary:

Peppermint contains rosmarinic acid, which has been shown to reduce allergy symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose. However, there is limited data on the effectiveness of peppermint tea on allergy symptoms.

Video

Peppermint tincture is also known to be used as an effective hair growth remedy. Based on the drug, you can prepare a mask for curls, which is described in the video below.

Peppermint tincture can be an important addition to your home medicine cabinet, but the abundance of active substances requires a clear study of the medicinal properties and contraindications in order to eliminate possible harm and get maximum benefit.

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Possible side effects when using the tincture

Side effects are rare for natural remedies. They occur mainly due to excessive use or neglect of contraindications. You may encounter symptoms like this:

• Allergies - itching, redness, rashes on the skin.
• Gastritis, worsening peptic ulcer;
• Emotional agitation, headaches, sleep disturbances.

You should also not allow mint tincture in its pure form to come into contact with mucous membranes - the concentrate will cause burns.

Useful properties of tincture

Peppermint is a herbaceous cultivated plant that was developed by hybridizing several wild species. Today, mint can be found everywhere in gardens and vegetable gardens, and some selected varieties are cultivated on an industrial scale.

Man first began to use mint back in the days of Ancient Rome. At first it was used as a seasoning in cooking, then in perfumery - for example, mint was used to rub tables to make guests feel more comfortable. The medicinal properties of the plant were discovered a little later.

The beneficial properties of mint are due to its unique chemical composition. The leaves of the plant contain:

• amino acids;
• vitamins;
• tannins and resins;
• fixed oils;
• menthol;
• flavonoids;
• essential oils, etc.

Medicines based on mint have antispasmodic, sedative, choleretic, anti-inflammatory and antisemitic effects. It is used to treat gastrointestinal pathologies, colds and in cosmetology.

What does it help with?

Tinctures and decoctions based on mint have local irritant, sedative, choleretic, antispasmodic, antiemetic and analgesic effects. So what does mint help with? Mint tincture is used for the following diseases:

• digestive disorders;
• flatulence;
• heartburn - in some cases the opposite effect occurs, increasing the symptom;
• nausea;
• neuralgia;
• stress and insomnia;
• angina pectoris;
• hypertension;
• for renal and intestinal colic;
• headache and toothache;
• respiratory tract diseases.

Mint is also used as a sedative during menopause or as a local anesthetic and antiseptic for the treatment of purulent wounds and burns. Promotes rapid tissue regeneration.

The tincture can be used to stimulate hair growth, and also as a mouth rinse to prevent diseases of the teeth and gums.

Possible adverse reactions

Mint has many valuable properties. But any medicine, even if it is made from natural ingredients, can cause harm if used uncontrolled and excessively. There are a number of side effects that may occur when using peppermint products:

• allergic reactions in the form of redness, itching, runny nose, rash, swelling, contact dermatitis;
• heartburn, especially with frequent use of the infusion;
• addiction, as a result of which the body does not perceive the healing properties of the plant;
• urinary incontinence;
• deterioration of potency in men;
• infertility in women.

Mint, of course, has a lot of advantages. Decoctions and tinctures made from it regulate the hormonal levels of the female body, soothe pain during the premenstrual period, improve the general condition with the onset of menopause, help get rid of nausea during toxicosis of pregnant women, increase the tone of the body, etc. However, it is always worth remembering that everything is good in moderation . Taking any medications in unreasonable doses can cause harm to the body instead of the expected benefit.

Pharmacological authorities

Pharmacodynamics.

Peppermint oil (contains up to 70% menthol and esters) and other biologically active compounds found in peppermint leaves (ketone-menthone, oleanolic and ursolic acids, flavonoid acids) cosides), stimulating sensitive receptors of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity That slipper, with a reflexive way, change the feeling of boredom and stop vomiting, and also perform a peaceful antispasmodic, calming and burning action.

Pharmacokinetics.

I didn’t screw around.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Tincture of peppermint leaves includes essential oil (containing 50% menthol and its esters, limonene , 3-pinene, dipentene , cineole , pulegone and other terpenoids ), oleanoic and ursulic acids, flavonoids , hesperedin, carotenoids , tannins , betaine , trace elements (Mn, Cu2+, Sr).

This medicinal product is of plant origin and, due to the effects of the above substances, is characterized by sedative , antiemetic , antispasmodic, choleretic , as well as locally irritating and moderately analgesic (in relation to the mucous membranes) effect, which manifests itself due to stimulation of receptor complexes located on the surface of the oral and gastric mucosa.

Medicinal properties of mint

The plant is used for a number of diseases. A huge contribution to the study of the properties of mint was once made by the British, who, through a series of experiments, discovered the effect of menthol on the human body. Upon contact with skin or mucous membranes, menthol causes irritation of cold receptors, stimulates the narrowing of superficially located vessels and the reflex dilation of blood vessels that nourish internal organs. It is this effect and a mild local anesthetic effect that is used in the relief of angina attacks (the well-known drug validol).

Mint preparations have the following therapeutic effects:

• soothing;
• vasodilator;
• sedative;
• painkiller;
• antiemetic;
• antiseptic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• improves digestion and appetite;
• antispasmodic;
• carminative;
• diuretic;
• choleretic;
• anticancer.

The scope of mint is wide - it is used to treat diseases:

For preventive purposes, the anti-carcinogenic effect of mint is actively used, especially pronounced in the prevention of cancer of the skin, colon, pancreas, liver, lungs, breast and prostate gland.

Plant preparations are used to improve the functioning of the immune system. Mint increases the resistance of body cells to long-term exposure to small doses of radiation, so it can be used in parallel with the course of treatment for cancer, as well as in cases of living in unfavorable radiological conditions.

Mint in cooking

Of course, such an aromatic plant could not help but find its use in the food industry. And in addition to numerous mint chewing gums, candies, lemonades and alcoholic drinks with its addition, we can see recipes with mint for ordinary housewives.

Dried crushed mint goes very well with vegetables (especially tomatoes, zucchini, cabbage, carrots) and legumes. All over the world it is added to various sauces, homemade lemonades, compotes, fruit drinks, syrups and jelly. And of course, mint and flour can be considered the most delicious combination. Peppermint can give almost any baked goods (be it buns, pies, cakes or cookies) a special, sophisticated flavor.

Most importantly, we must not forget that you need to add very little mint (no more than five milligrams per serving). The usual rule for all spices also applies here: add the spice to the dish 5-10 minutes before it is fully cooked.

Methods of using mint tincture

According to the classic instructions for using peppermint tincture, there are the following ways to use the product:

• Inside. 10-15 drops 1-2 times a day.
• For local use. In 1 tbsp. add 5-10 drops of mint concentrate to water, rinse the mouth and throat. In its pure form - for impregnating compresses, lotions, and treating wounds.
• In the composition of cosmetics - lotions, facial tonics, hair masks.

A combination of mint with various herbal extracts will be useful. But to get a positive effect, it is important to know how to use such products. Below is a table using the main recipes.

You should also try mint-based cosmetics:

• Lotion. 3 tbsp. l. dry raw materials, pour 250 ml of boiling water. Leave until cool. Strain. Wipe your face in the mornings and evenings. Most suitable for oily and combination skin, but can also be used for dry skin - the lotion will remove irritation and redness.
• A remedy for soothing inflammation. Use a cotton swab to apply peppermint oil to fresh pimples, preferably at night.

Before use, it is important to do an allergic reaction test.

Before you proceed, we also recommend reading an article about how mint affects the body of people who have problems with blood pressure. This will help avoid unwanted side effects.

Use in cosmetology

Many cosmetologists often recommend mint infusions due to their ability to stimulate hair follicles, activate blood circulation and eliminate dandruff. Thanks to the use of a rinse with the addition of mint infusion, curls acquire a healthy shine . Moreover, this remedy is recommended to be rubbed into the scalp during the initial stages of baldness, which helps stop hair loss and further regrowth.

The results of using this medicine for hair have very positive reviews, since for many this product has allowed them to get rid of a number of problems at minimal financial cost, because it is very cheap.

I read somewhere that mint tincture can speed up hair growth, and I decided to try it on myself. I diluted the product with water and applied it to damp hair after bathing. To be honest, my hair has not become thicker, but the fat content has decreased significantly. And the aroma remains very pleasant. Marina

I decided to try this tincture one day because my hair had lost its former beauty. I simply rinsed my hair after washing with a product diluted with water. As a result, a gorgeous shine and new hairs began to grow. I recommend it to everyone.

Svetlana

I take very good care of my hair, so I often make various masks. I recently tried peppermint. I applied the extract diluted one-to-one with water at night, and after five days I noticed that my hair immediately grew half a centimeter! There was no such result even when using pepper infusion. So I will continue to do similar procedures. Lena

Many people who have used peppermint tincture leave positive reviews, because in addition to its beneficial effect on hair, it has a tonic and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin of the face. For example, to prepare a lotion for treating combination or oily skin, you need to pour three tablespoons of dried leaves of the plant with a glass of boiling water. After the infusion has cooled, it is filtered, and the prepared lotion is wiped on the face every day in the morning and before bed.

How to make tincture at home

You need to collect mint leaves at the time of flowering of this plant. The leaves need to be washed and dried well. There are several ways to prepare mint infusions:

1. A common tincture is mint infused with water. Take 5 grams of dried leaves and pour a glass of boiling water. Place a container with liquid and mint leaves on the hob and boil for 15 minutes. Then the liquid is cooled, filtered and squeezed out. Mint infused with water is good when it is harmful for a person to take a tincture containing alcohol, and the plant is indicated for the treatment of a disease.
2. Alcohol tincture. Take dried leaves weighing 75-100 grams and add alcohol to them in an amount of 500 ml (75%), you can use well-infused homemade moonshine (strength more than 60%). The medicinal substance must be infused for 2 weeks. Place the container with the liquid in a warm place, away from sunlight. This product is good for rubbing; it can be taken orally in the amount of 25-30 drops.
3. Mint tincture made with alcohol and added sugar. To prepare the tincture, use 100 grams of dried mint leaves, to which you need to add 500 ml of boiling water. Leave the contents for 2 hours. Then add 5 tablespoons of sugar, pour in 750 ml of vodka and leave for at least 2 weeks.
4. Traditional mint decoction. Take 50 grams of mint leaves and pour one liter of boiled water. The liquid is brought to a boil, boiled for 15 minutes, then the liquid must be infused for forty minutes. The decoction is ready for use.

To preserve the properties of the plant when brewing, follow the rules:

1. Brew the leaves in a glass or porcelain container, do not use plastic.
2. The teapot must be rinsed with boiled water before brewing the herb.
3. It is strictly prohibited to pour boiling water over the herb immediately after the kettle has boiled; it will lose its wonderful properties.
4. After pouring boiling water over the herb, the infusion should stand for 15 minutes.
5. If the herb is brewed for use as tea, take 1 teaspoon of fresh leaves or 0.5 dry leaves per 1 glass of the finished drink.
6. The proportions of the herb increase by 2 times if the plant is used as a medicinal product.
7. Peppermint tea is drunk freshly brewed, no sugar is added to it, you can add honey, and a delicious healing drink will be ready.