Mint tea is a favorite drink for many people in both winter and summer - hot or cold. Mint is also used as a spice in cooking and as an addition to various cocktails and desserts. Do we know what the benefits and harms of mint are?
Perhaps one of the main beneficial properties of mint can be called its sedative effect. This aromatic herb is often prescribed for those who suffer from insomnia, as well as for people with high levels of anxiety.
Studies on the healing properties of mint show that this plant is also able to improve blood circulation. This is due to the dilation of blood vessels in the brain after consuming mint. It will bring relief from hypertension, headaches and pain of various kinds.
Mint tea is extremely useful for the mucous membranes. Mint leaves have a softening effect on the mucous membranes of the respiratory system. Therefore, mint extracts are often prescribed for bronchitis, tracheitis and other diseases.
Experts recommend the inclusion of mint in the diet of patients with colds. Tea with mint and lemon gives strength, relieves sore throat and also helps lower the body temperature.
How can mint tea be harmful?
Sometimes our body itself shows the excessive amount of mint consumed. You need to learn to listen to it, so that you can recognize the signals of overdose. In case of overdose a person has various allergic reactions, which manifest themselves in: bronchospasm, respiratory failure; nausea; headache; redness of the skin; rash and itching.
Mint tea should not be consumed in the following cases:
- If you have varicose veins, since the plant reduces vascular tonicity;
- It should be avoided by people with low blood pressure (hypotension);
- It should be avoided by people who often have heartburn, since mint can cause more of that;
- Mint reduces the reaction and causes drowsiness, so it should not be used before driving or performing dangerous activities;
- Due to the ability of tea to reduce the content of male hormones and reduce potency, men should avoid it;
- It is not recommended to consume mint in infertility, as this can only complicate the existing problem;
- Great attention should be paid to the use of mint tea by pregnant women: in small quantities it helps to eliminate nausea and overcome toxicosis, but because mint has a large amount of estrogen, it causes an increase in the tonicity of the uterus, which can lead to miscarriage;
- It is forbidden to give mint to children under 3 years of age and for children under 12 years, it should be given in small quantities with special care!
Here is a simple recipe for hot mint tea:
You will need 5-10 fresh mint leaves or 1 tablespoon of dried mint. Boil 2 cups of water, preferably in an enamel or glass container. Add the mint and boil for 5 minutes. You can strain immediately after cooling, or if you prefer stronger tea, leave it to cool and then strain it. It can be consumed in its pure form or flavored with honey and lemon.
Recipe for cold mint extract:
Pour 7 cups of cold clean water in a pot with a lid and a handful of washed and chopped mint sprigs. Cover the pot and leave them to soak for 8 to 24 hours. Then strain the mixture and add as much honey, sugar and lemon juice as you like.
Refresh yourself with a mint tea and stay healthy, but always consume it carefully!
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