Mint of the field: use and application

Mint of the field is a fragrant plant known to many since childhood. Distributed in the middle belt, it loves moist soils, often grows along river banks. Thanks to the "creeping" roots, it multiplies rapidly. It is enough to plant a small mint bush in the garden, and the next year it will grow into a lush carpet.

Distinctive properties

Mint of the field is one of numerous species of this plant. It can be found everywhere: along water bodies, in fields, mountains, in a damp forest. A distinctive feature is its peculiar menthol odor. Menthol is found in leaves and inflorescences. The greatest concentration is contained in the inflorescences - up to 6%. For this reason, peppermint is widely used as a spicy seasoning in cooking.

For this purpose, the grass is harvested during flowering. Outwardly this is a small branching plant with a tetrahedral stem, the length of the stem varies from 20 to 80 cm, depending on the conditions of growth. Rhizome creeping, located near the surface of the soil. Flowers are small, from pink to lilac, the color of the leaves - from light green to dark or brown. It is hygrophilous perennial, it hibernates well even in conditions of severe climate.

Wild mint field, the photo of which is presented above, is not used in the pharmaceutical industry. For these purposes, a certain type has been derived: peppermint. Nevertheless, the most common green mint is widely used in the recipes of traditional medicine. As it turned out, its leaves, except menthol, contain valuable organic acids, carotene, ascorbic acid, tannins and flavonoids.

Application in folk medicine

As a raw material, leaves, stems and inflorescences are used. In fresh form, the leaves have an analgesic property. The leaf must be rubbed with fingers and rubed into a sore spot. Local anesthesia is achieved due to the fact that menthol, when rubbed, causes a feeling of cold, and the pain subsides a little.

Peppermint in infusion is used for nervous disorders and insomnia. But more often for these purposes, the grass is added to tea; While the taste and aroma of the drink changes. Few know that such tea is an excellent remedy for the prevention of intestinal diseases. Antiseptic properties of this plant affect the flora, accelerating the digestion and bowel movements.

Broths of this herb help with gastritis, spasms of the intestines, diarrhea, bloating, attacks of nausea. A warm broth is recommended to drink on an empty stomach every morning. In addition, mouthwash with fresh decoction is useful. Antimicrobial properties help combat gum disease and inflammation of the mucosa.

It is not recommended to use broths and tinctures with mint to pregnant women and children under 5 years of age.

Application in Cooking

In cooking, mint is used in small doses as a condiment to the first and second courses. Often it is included in recipes for blanks for the winter. Fresh leaves are added when cooking fried fish, meat, salads, soups, compotes.

The plant is sometimes added to fresh milk to prevent a quick souring. Cabbage, salted cucumbers, canned salads will taste better and stay longer if you add dried mint to them.