Field mint is a fragrant plant known to many since childhood. Distributed in the middle lane, loves moist soils, often grows along river banks. Thanks to the "creeping" roots, it multiplies rapidly. It is enough to plant a small bush of mint in the garden, and next year it will grow into a lush carpet.
Distinctive properties
Field mint is one of the many species of this plant. It can be found everywhere: along ponds, in fields, mountains, in a humid forest. A distinctive feature is its peculiar menthol smell. Menthol is found in leaves and inflorescences. The greatest concentration is found in inflorescences - up to 6%. For this reason, field mint is widely used as a spicy seasoning in cooking.
For these purposes, grass is harvested during flowering. Outwardly, it is a small branching plant with a tetrahedral stem, the length of the stem varies from 20 to 80 cm, depending on the growing conditions. Rhizome creeping, located near the surface of the soil. The flowers are small, from pink to lilac, the color of leaves is from light green to dark or brown. It is a moisture-loving perennial; it winters well even in harsh climates.
Wild mint field, photo of which is presented above, is not used in the pharmaceutical industry. For these purposes, a specific species was developed - peppermint. Nevertheless, the most common green mint is widely used in traditional medicine recipes. As it turned out, in addition to menthol, its leaves contain valuable organic acids, carotene, ascorbic acid, tannins and flavonoids.
Application in traditional medicine
As raw materials use leaves, stems and inflorescences. Fresh leaves have a painkiller. The leaf needs to be rubbed with your fingers and rubbed 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.
Field mint in infusion is used for nervous disorders and insomnia. But more often for these purposes, grass is added to tea; this changes the taste and aroma of the drink. Few people know that such tea is an excellent tool for the prevention of intestinal diseases. The antiseptic properties of this plant affect the flora, accelerating the processes of digestion and bowel movement.
Decoctions of this herb help with gastritis, intestinal cramps, diarrhea, bloating, bouts of nausea. A warm broth is recommended to drink on an empty stomach every morning. In addition, mouthwashes with fresh broth are useful. Antimicrobial properties help fight gum disease and mucosal inflammation.
It is not recommended to use decoctions and tinctures with mint for pregnant women and children under the age of 5 years.
Cooking Application
In cooking, mint is used in small doses as a seasoning for the first and second courses. Often it is included in recipes for winter preparations. Fresh leaves are added in the preparation of fried fish, meat, salads, soups, compotes.
The plant is sometimes added to fresh milk to prevent quick souring. Pickled cabbage, pickles, canned salads will be tastier and will last longer if dried mint is added to them.
