5 benefits of peppermint and how to make the infusion
Who does not have peppermint at home, especially in the kitchen? The truth is that it is common in the kitchen, thanks to the incredible aromatic power of fresh mint leaves. On the other hand, it is also one of those plants with medicinal benefits that has always been used in natural and popular medicine, as a home remedy for a wide variety of disorders and health problems.
It is a plant named with the scientific name of Mentha Spicata, which belongs to the same species of the genus Mentha. Hence, it commonly tends to be confused with the Mentha Piperita. As it happens with this one, it is an herb with a great aromatic power, reason for which - besides the kitchen - it has also been used for the elaboration of perfumes, for its intensity and freshness.
If we take a look at what are the main benefits of peppermint, we can really realize why it has become one of the most used medicinal plants. In fact, as regards its medicinal action, it provides analgesic, anti-inflammatory, carminative, stimulant, antiseptic and antispasmodic properties.
The benefits of peppermint
1. A great digestive
It is undoubtedly one of the most popular and well-known qualities of mint. It is a plant with interesting benefits and digestive qualities. Hence, its consumption is ideal when it is difficult to digest (for example, before heavy digestion), thanks to the fact that it is able to stimulate both biliary and stomach secretions.
It is also useful when we have colic and gas (flatulence), which in many occasions are so annoying and painful, thanks to its antispasmodic and carminative properties.
2. Relaxing properties
As with other plants with digestive properties (such as chamomile or green anise), the truth is that peppermint is also useful when we are nervous, and we feel anxious or stressed, thanks to its relaxing qualities.
In addition, there is no doubt that taking the hot peppermint infusion, while we rest a little and read or listen to music, will help us in a positive way to recover the calm in a completely natural way.
3. Useful for relieving headache
If you usually suffer from headaches or migraines, you may be a friend of the mint. And is that being a plant with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, helps relieve discomfort and pain.
In addition to taking your infusion, for its soothing and relaxing action, you can buy in herbalists a small bottle of essential oil of mint, and apply it on the temple while you do a relaxing massage.
4. Antiseptic qualities
Thanks to its content in essential oils and polyphenols, peppermint provides antiseptic properties, a virtue that binds very positively with its antiviral and antifungal action.
Therefore, it is useful when there is a dental or oral problem, and even in case of sore throat, for gargling. On the other hand, it also helps in case of skin allergies, and rashes.
5. It alleviates respiratory affections
Did you know that mint, like eucalyptus, acts as a wonderful expectorant? Therefore, its regular consumption is also adequate in case of colds and colds, despite being a not so well known quality, in comparison with its digestive benefits.
Anyway, thanks to this quality is also useful in case of asthma, helping to relieve their symptoms.
How to make the mint infusion
One of the most useful options when it comes to enjoying each and every one of the properties of the mint, is making a wonderful infusion with the fresh leaves of this plant. Discover how to do it easily and in a few minutes.
Ingredients:
- 2 or 3 fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup of water
Steps to make the mint infusion:
- Put in a saucepan the equivalent of a cup of water, and put to the fire until it boils.
- Just before it starts to boil, when it boils, add the mint leaves. Leave boiling 2 minutes.
- After this time turn off the heat, cover and let rest another 3 minutes.
- Finally sneak and drink.
How to take the mint infusion, and when:
You can drink up to 3 cups of this infusion per day. In case of indigestion or gas, it is advisable to take it after meals, within the first half hour.
Images | Forest and Kim Starr / Ruta Kucinskaite / This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor.
