How does mint affect the human body

Mint is a spice known from ancient times with a pleasant aroma and cooling taste. Spearmint spread throughout the world went from ancient Greece. Its application is very wide. The herb is used for medicinal or cosmetic purposes, as well as in everyday life. Peppermint belongs to the clary grass family and has about twenty species.

The composition of the plant

Peppermint is known to relax and disinfect. These properties give it the presence of copper, manganese, magnesium, as well as a high concentration of vitamin A. Peppermint is also known for containing a number of beneficial minerals, essential oils, betadine and carotene. It is the essential oils, which contain a large concentration of menthol, and create such a unique taste and aroma that is often described as "pleasant cold".

Useful properties of peppermint

1. Peppermint can have a positive effect on appetite as well as help treat depressive disorders.
2. Regular consumption of peppermint tea enhances the endurance of the nervous system, speeds up the metabolism and improves digestion.
3. Another noted benefit for the blood vessels, increasing their elasticity.
4. In addition to its physiological effects, peppermint can also affect cognitive abilities.
5. Folk medicine, as always, uses herbs to treat and prevent a variety of diseases. Mint is really able to help in different life situations. Bothering for a long time insomnia will go away if you mix mint with valerian root. And mint tincture with alcohol can really help relieve headaches.
6. For women, the benefit of the herb is noted in reducing pain during the menstrual cycle and menopause.
7. Also useful mint will prove to be during pregnancy - it relieves nausea and helps to maintain hormonal levels in the normal range.
8. With the help of peppermint pulp you can treat stagnant milk in the breast of a young mother.

Peppermint in cooking

1. Peppermint finds the widest application in cooking: it is added to salads, appetizers, desserts and drinks, including liquor products.
2. Peppermint oil is used in the creation of many confectionery products.
3. Also used in cooking is not only fresh grass, but also dried, from which are made flour products and baked goods.

Contraindications and harms of mint

First, it is an individual intolerance, which applies to a huge number of products. Mint is a strong allergen. The main harm that mint can bring is a decrease in blood pressure.

Also the use of this plant in very large quantities for men can be fraught with a decrease in male libido, although this issue is very controversial. Is controversial and dependence of infertility from the use of mint in large quantities.

Consumption of mint is contraindicated for children under three years of age and women who are breastfeeding children. If a woman has difficulty conceiving a child, that is, infertility, then the excessive use of the plant will not affect positively, but on the contrary - only aggravate the situation. It is also important not to overindulge in peppermint for those who have a difficult pregnancy. Sometimes mint leads to impaired lactation and decreased milk in the breasts during lactation.

Either way, the amount of benefit received from mint outweighs the harm, and harm is known to be possible only with thoughtless and nonstop use.