Content
- 1 Composition and value of peppermint alcohol tincture
- 2 Medicinal properties of peppermint tincture
- 3 How to make peppermint tincture at home
- 4 What does peppermint tincture help with?
- 5 The use of peppermint tincture in traditional and folk medicine
- 6 The use of peppermint tincture in cosmetology
- 7 How to use peppermint infusion in combination with other tinctures
- 8 Other uses for peppermint alcohol tincture
- 9 Contraindications to the use of peppermint tincture
- 10 Conclusion
Peppermint tincture is a valuable medicinal product with numerous beneficial properties. In order for the tincture to have a beneficial effect, it is necessary to study the features of its action and recipes for use.
Composition and value of peppermint alcohol tincture
Peppermint is considered a medicinal plant due to its rich composition. Its leaves contain the following components:
- ether compounds;
- menthol;
- resins and tanning components;
- saponins and fatty acids;
- organic acids;
- arginine and betaine;
- vitamin A;
- ascorbic acid;
- vitamins PP and B;
- potassium and zinc;
- iron, phosphorus and calcium;
- copper, sodium and manganese;
- magnesium.
The beneficial substances in mint dissolve especially well in an alcohol base. This makes mint tincture a healing agent, the properties of which are beneficial for many diseases.
Medicinal properties of peppermint tincture
In small dosages, mint infusion can bring great benefits to the body. In particular, the remedy:
- has a calming effect and relieves tension, fatigue and stress;
- has an analgesic and antispasmodic effect;
- works as a natural choleretic agent;
- has an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect;
- improves metabolism and helps get rid of chronic constipation and intestinal disorders;
- strengthens blood vessels and normalizes heart rate, and also equalizes blood pressure;
- disinfects the oral cavity and is of great benefit for dental diseases;
- has a beneficial effect on brain function and increases attention and concentration.
Very often, the properties of peppermint tincture are used for colds. Peppermint not only effectively warms, but also helps fight viruses, relieves fever and facilitates expectoration.
How to make peppermint tincture at home
You don't have to go to the pharmacy to buy mint tincture.You can prepare the medicine at home; all you need is dried peppermint leaves and strong alcohol or vodka. There are several versions of the preparation of the medicinal drug - in each of them, the infusion has a beneficial effect on the body when used correctly.
Tincture of fresh mint with vodka
The most basic way to prepare an infusion is to use regular vodka and fresh mint. The recipe looks like this:
- mint leaves are crushed in the amount of 2 large spoons;
- the powder is poured into a glass vessel and poured with 2 glasses of high-quality vodka;
- The vessel is closed with a lid or stopper and put away in a dark place for 2 weeks.
The product must be shaken daily so that the valuable substances are better distributed in the alcohol base. After the expiration date, the tincture is filtered through folded gauze and poured into an opaque glass container for permanent storage.
Dried mint tincture
Another option for preparing a medicinal drug suggests taking alcohol and not fresh, dried mint. Prepare the tincture according to the following recipe:
- 10 g of dried leaves are soaked in hot water or in a steam bath;
- after 20 minutes, the raw materials are placed in a glass jar;
- pour 1 liter of vodka or moonshine, and then put it in a dark place for 2 weeks;
An infusion of fresh leaves is considered more beneficial, however, dried mint is also beneficial. You can use it for cooking in the cold season, when juicy young leaves are simply not at hand.
What does peppermint tincture help with?
The properties of peppermint in the form of an infusion have a medicinal effect on a wide range of ailments. It is used for:
- chronic fatigue and increased irritability;
- overexcitement and sleep problems;
- tachycardia and angina pectoris;
- migraines and headaches arising from muscle tension;
- runny nose, cough and sore throat;
- dental inflammations;
- stones in the gall bladder and ducts;
- flatulence and food poisoning;
- hypertension.
Taking peppermint tincture is recommended for nausea and vomiting. Also, its properties have a good effect on hangover syndrome, as they help relieve most of the unpleasant sensations.
The use of peppermint tincture in traditional and folk medicine
The medicinal properties of strong mint tincture are officially recognized by medicine. The product is recommended for use in small dosages to get rid of nervous disorders and inflammation. Traditional medicine also offers several recipes for using healing infusions.
For migraines
The properties of the drug help to quickly relieve tension in the facial and neck muscles, and also contribute to the dilation of blood vessels in the head. For severe migraines, it is recommended to apply a few drops of the product three times a day to the forehead, temples and back of the head, and then rub the head with light massage movements for several minutes.
The properties of mint tincture have a cooling and analgesic effect, help to relax and distract from unpleasant sensations, so headaches quickly go away.
When tired
The calming properties of peppermint allow you to quickly get rid of nervous tension, restore good spirits and vigor. For chronic fatigue, it is recommended to add 20 drops of tincture to a glass of water and drink on an empty stomach or shortly after lunch or dinner.
You can also drip the infusion into evening tea and use the product shortly before bed, in which case peppermint will relieve insomnia and bad dreams.
For nausea
The properties of peppermint are good for relieving nausea and stomach cramps. If unpleasant symptoms occur, you need to dilute 20 drops of the medicine in 150 ml of water, and then drink it on an empty stomach and sit or lie quietly for a while. Peppermint will have a beneficial effect within a quarter of an hour, nausea will subside and good health will return.
For a hangover
Alcohol tincture of peppermint has a positive effect on hangovers. Its properties relieve nausea, eliminate headaches and muscle tremors, and help quickly remove toxins from the body.
You should take the infusion for a hangover in an amount of no more than 20 drops - they must first be dissolved in a glass of water. It is better to use the product on an empty stomach; in this case, within half an hour after using the mint tincture, your health will improve enough to give you the strength to have breakfast.
For joint diseases
Peppermint tincture has a good effect on arthritis, rheumatism and arthrosis. The remedy is most often used externally - soak a cotton pad in the infusion and rub the sore joint for several minutes. You can also apply a compress with mint infusion for half an hour.
Peppermint has a complex effect on joints.The alcohol cools the tissues and relieves pain and inflammation, helps restore joint mobility and eliminates mild swelling.
For diseases of the oral cavity
The anti-inflammatory properties of the tincture are of great benefit for gum disease, stomatitis and caries. It is enough to dilute about 20 drops of the product in a glass of warm liquid, and then rinse your mouth three times a day.
For a cold
The properties of mint infusion relieve fever and help to quickly cope with viral diseases. For ARVI and influenza, it is recommended to take the product twice a day in the standard dosage - 20 drops per 200 ml of water.
You can also add the infusion to your evening tea and go to bed immediately after that, then the next morning your condition will be much better.
The use of peppermint tincture in cosmetology
Mint tincture is an effective cosmetic product. At home, it is used to care for skin and hair, to cleanse the epidermis and to fight acne.
How to use peppermint tincture for hair
Reviews of peppermint tincture for hair claim that the beneficial properties of the product have a strengthening effect on hair and prevent hair loss. In addition, the tincture has a beneficial effect on the scalp - it regulates the secretion of subcutaneous fat and helps get rid of dandruff.
For hair growth
For weakened, brittle hair and dandruff, it is recommended to regularly use mint infusion after washing your hair or in between hygiene procedures. Use the product this way:
- dilute peppermint tincture for hair with water in equal proportions to dilute the concentration, otherwise the product will severely burn the skin;
- the solution is distributed over the hair, paying special attention to the roots and scalp;
- For half an hour, put a plastic cap on your head or wrap your hair in cling film.
After the expiration date, do not wash off the peppermint tincture for hair growth, but simply allow the strands to dry. Peppermint does not pollute the curls, but cleanses them and pleasantly refreshes the skin.
For hair loss
Reviews of peppermint for hair claim that when hair strands fall out, the properties of the tincture also have a quick beneficial effect. For example, you can use the following compound tool:
- add 10 g of cinnamon powder to 20 ml of liquid honey;
- add a few drops of mint tincture to the ingredients;
- distribute the mixture over the hair, especially carefully treating the area near the roots.
Honey, cinnamon and peppermint tincture will speed up blood circulation under the scalp and strengthen the hair follicles.
Peppermint Hair Masks
To restore natural shine and silkiness to your hair, you can use proven homemade masks with peppermint. For example, this mask nourishes and moisturizes well:
- a small spoon of lemon juice is mixed with the same amount of high-quality cognac;
- add 2 small spoons of coconut and jojoba oils;
- add only half a spoon of mint tincture;
- Apply the mask to the hair roots, cover with cling film and leave for at least 1.5 hours.
You need to wash off the product with shampoo, and make a mask no more than twice a week.
The properties of another mask effectively restore damaged hair and soften the scalp. They do it like this:
- mix burdock, peach and grape oil, 1 small spoon each;
- add half a spoonful of peppermint infusion;
- distribute the mask over the hair and leave under the film for half an hour.
The mixture is also washed off with shampoo, and the procedure must be repeated three times a week.
Using peppermint tincture for facial care
Reviews of peppermint tincture recommend using it not only for hair, but also for facial skin. Peppermint has a strong refreshing effect, regulates skin oiliness and tightens pores, helping to prevent early wrinkles. With regular use of the tincture, complexion improves and blood circulation accelerates.
For acne and blackheads
The tincture is especially often used to get rid of acne - the antiseptic properties of peppermint quickly relieve inflammation. The product is used very simply, twice a day you need to wipe your face with a cotton swab, moistening it in peppermint tincture, slightly diluted with water.
After wiping, it is recommended to wash your face with cool water and treat your face with a light cream so as not to dry out the skin. If you use peppermint tincture several times a week, pimples and blackheads will disappear, and your skin will become much cleaner and smoother.
How to use peppermint infusion in combination with other tinctures
The properties of mint tincture are used not only in its pure form, but also in combination with other alcohol tinctures. The beneficial effect of this is enhanced, since the drugs enrich and complement each other’s properties.
In particular, the following combinations are popular:
- Peppermint with valerian tincture.Taking the mixture is useful for stress and nervous disorders, as well as sleep disorders. The tinctures are mixed together in equal proportions, and then 25-30 drops of the combined product are dissolved in a glass of water or applied to a piece of refined sugar. It is advisable to take the product at night.
- Peppermint with eucalyptus. A mixture of two tinctures helps well with colds and bronchopulmonary diseases. You also need to mix mint and eucalyptus in equal proportions; add 30 drops of the combined tincture to a glass of warm water and drink three times a day on an empty stomach. You can gargle with the solution - its properties will be beneficial for sore throat and pharyngitis.
- Peppermint with peony. The tandem of two tinctures is another good remedy for anxiety disorders and depression. Peony and peppermint tinctures are mixed in a ratio of 4 to 1, respectively, and then 30 drops of the resulting product are diluted in water and drunk on an empty stomach shortly before bedtime. The product not only equalizes the emotional background, but also regulates blood pressure.
- Peppermint with hawthorn. The properties of hawthorn and peppermint tinctures have a good effect on the nervous system and the heart. You need to mix the 2 products in a ratio of 1 to 4, with hawthorn taking up the majority of the tandem. Take 15-30 drops of hawthorn and peppermint tincture shortly before bedtime; it is especially beneficial for tachycardia, hypertension, neuroses and insomnia.
Other uses for peppermint alcohol tincture
In addition to home medicine and cosmetology, the benefits and harms of peppermint tincture are used in some other areas. In small dosages, its properties can be in demand when preparing food, and the product can also be beneficial in everyday life.
In cooking
Peppermint tincture is used mainly to flavor dishes and give them unusual flavor notes. The product is most often added to alcoholic cocktails and soft drinks. The tincture is also used in the preparation of desserts, spicy sauces, biscuits and other baked goods; the product is added to candies and ice cream.
At home
The rich mint aroma is pleasant to humans, but repels insects and rodents. Peppermint tincture can be a good and affordable remedy for getting rid of pests in an apartment or country house.
To repel mosquitoes, cockroaches, flies, as well as rats and mice, it is enough to place cotton pads soaked in the infusion in several places, or place small open containers with the product. The smell of peppermint will have the desired effect in just a few days, there will be fewer insects, and rodents will begin to avoid the apartment or house.
In beekeeping
The properties of peppermint tincture are used in apiaries when there is a need to unite bee families in one hive.
In the evening, after the end of the bees' flight, the beekeeper installs a temporary frame filled with sugar syrup with the addition of mint infusion instead of a plug-in board in the hive.
The frame of the second bee colony is moved close to the frame with syrup, after which the bee colonies are left overnight.
By morning, the bees unite into a single family, spreading mint syrup throughout the hive, and there is no fight between them.
Also, using the properties of mint infusion, a swarm is relocated to a new hive. In this case, a few drops of the product are dripped onto the bottom of the new bee home and the bees are released inside. After this, the swarm no longer tries to leave the hive and quickly gets used to it.
Contraindications to the use of peppermint tincture
The instructions for using peppermint tincture note that not everyone can use this useful product. It is recommended to use it with caution or completely avoid:
- for hypotension and varicose veins;
- for chronic kidney and liver diseases;
- if you are intolerant to alcohol or allergic to mint;
- with exacerbation of gastric ailments;
- for serious diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Taking an alcoholic infusion of peppermint is strictly prohibited during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The product should not be offered to children under 14 years of age, even in small dosages, as it will be harmful.
Conclusion
Peppermint tincture is a valuable medicine that is beneficial for inflammation, neuroses and high blood pressure. You can make a tincture with your own hands, but you must use it very carefully, not exceeding the minimum dosage.
