Pregnant women can drink mint tea. Beneficial properties of peppermint, use in cooking, cosmetology and traditional medicine

Mint is a plant whose aroma can give not only pleasant languor and relaxation, but also a great mood and a boost of energy for the whole day. It has an impressive list of uses in cooking, cosmetology and, of course, in medicine. But, despite all its advantages, like other medicinal herbs, the use of mint during pregnancy has a number of contraindications and can cause unpleasant side effects for the health of the woman and the fetus. Let's figure out how an expectant mother can only benefit from mint.

The oldest medicinal plant

The special chemical composition determines the healing properties of mint. Mint leaves and flowers contain many minerals, flavonoids, vitamins and esters. In medicine, it has long been used for the prevention and treatment of infectious and colds. The Chinese, Japanese, Arabs and ancient Egyptians used mint for medicinal purposes to reduce pain in diseases of the stomach and bronchi, migraines, and nervous disorders. Often rooms in which noisy feasts took place were sprinkled with mint water.

Mint got its name thanks to the beautiful nymph Minta. According to Greek myths, the god Hades himself, the king of the underworld, fell in love with the girl. When his wife Persephone found out about this, she decided to turn her rival into a plant. All Hades could do was give it a nice, fresh scent.

Mint during pregnancy: is it possible or not?

When can a doctor advise a expectant mother to take mint: toxicosis in the early stages and other indications

The main indications for taking mint infusion orally are:

• heartburn;
• increased stomach acidity;
• nervous disorders;
• headaches and migraines;
• stomach pain;
• colds;
• runny nose;
• toxicosis (early).

As a rule, in medical instructions for dried mint, in the “use during pregnancy” column, manufacturers indicate “with caution.” During pregnancy, doctors most often advise women to use mint as follows:

• drink mint tea or chew a mint leaf when you need to relieve nausea or heartburn, as well as eliminate bloating and intestinal colic;
• make a mint infusion as a gargle for a sore throat;
• apply cooling compresses with infusion or a few drops of mint essential oil to the forehead and temples for headaches;
• Use peppermint oil for moderate aromatherapy for stress, insomnia, and nervous system disorders.

Doctors also believe that drinking mint tea can also reduce the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases in pregnant women.

Using mint-based tablets you can cope with flatulence, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, and hiccups.

Video: beneficial properties of mint

Who should not: contraindications and restrictions

Despite its natural origin, mint as a medicine has a number of contraindications for use:

• varicose nodes;
• hypersensitivity to mint.

Some obstetricians and gynecologists do not prescribe mint as a medicine to women diagnosed with increased uterine tone.

Among the side effects from ingesting mint infusion, the following should be noted:

• allergic reactions;
• hypotension - low blood pressure. Mint has the ability to dilate venous vessels, and this can lead to an even greater decrease in pressure;
• nausea and vomiting.

It is believed that in the early stages of pregnancy, mint can also lead to bleeding, which can cause a miscarriage.

Symptoms of an overdose of mint-based products:

• drowsiness;
• dizziness;
• nausea;
• vomit;
• abdominal pain;
• overexcitement;
• slow breathing.

If you experience at least one of these unpleasant signs, you should stop using mint, as well as medications based on it, and consult a doctor.

After using mint for the first time, monitor the fetus’s reaction: if the child begins to kick hard or show other signs of anxiety, then you should not use this medicinal plant.

First and third trimesters - special care is needed

Despite the fact that mint is a good sedative and has the ability to relax muscles, some doctors believe that this plant can also lead to uterine contractions due to the fact that it contains natural analogues of female sex hormones.

Not all doctors agree that mint infusion can cause miscarriage or late premature birth. There is no information in the instructions for mint and mint essential oil warning of such an effect.

However, it is known that mint has a local irritant effect, and if the infusion is drunk in large quantities or on an empty stomach, it can cause vomiting. And the contractile activity of the stomach in this case can provoke contractions of the uterus.

Therefore, if a pregnant woman is diagnosed with “hypertonicity” in the early stages and there is a threat of miscarriage, before drinking mint tea for nausea, you should definitely check with a doctor whom you trust whether there is a risk in your case.

How to minimize possible harmful effects

Safe amount

So, if you have no contraindications, most likely your doctor will allow you to use mint, but in a limited manner. It is permissible to drink up to 3 cups of mint tea per day. The infusion (it is much more concentrated) should be drunk in smaller quantities and only for medical reasons. The regimen for taking mint tablets is also calculated by the doctor, but in any case, you cannot take more than 3 tablets per day.

Remember that all dosages are selected individually, taking into account the circumstances and problems of pregnancy. Follow your doctor's recommendations.

Which mint to choose

You can buy peppermint in almost every pharmacy, since it is the one that is used most often in medicine. This plant is sold in the form of dried leaves and flowers.

An expectant mother should purchase this medicinal plant not in the market, but in pharmacies, since only pharmaceutical raw materials undergo appropriate quality control. Of course, if you go out into nature, you can collect and prepare mint yourself.

Mint leaves and flowers are collected in linen bags and dried in a dry, hot place. Store tightly closed to preserve the subtle flavor.

Depending on the place of growth, mint has its own varieties, which differ from each other in both smell and properties:

Lemon balm is the name often used in Russia for another plant, lemon balm. However, lemon balm has nothing to do with mint - it is a different biological genus, although they belong to the same family.

Photo gallery: the most popular varieties of mint

Catmint got its name due to the fact that it attracts cats. Field mint blooms from June to October. Peppermint contains many biologically active substances, esters, carotenes, sugars and vitamins C and P.

Peppermint and its essential oil are most often used in medicine.. Mint tablets are made from this mint.

Field mint (common) is used to treat coughs, colds, and sore throats. There is an opinion that it is best to use it during pregnancy, since it has a more delicate taste and less pungent odor than other types of this plant.

Catmint is a plant that has a subtle, pleasant aroma. During pregnancy, this plant is used as a soothing aromatic remedy. Dried catnip flowers and leaves are stuffed into small pillows and even plush toys. Studies have proven that it helps not only calm the nerves, but also relieve drowsiness and fatigue. Catnip tea has a relaxing and refreshing effect.

Peppermint and field mint are used in cooking. Peppermint is used to prepare salads, as a seasoning for soups, fish or meat dishes. It is added to various drinks, confectionery, sauces and even baked goods.

How can a pregnant woman get the most out of mint?

Drink freshly brewed tea

You can prepare mint tea in several ways:

1. Pour a few fresh mint leaves (along with sprigs) with hot water and leave for the mixture to infuse. It is better to use water 90 °C.
   

   It is impossible to pour mint leaves with boiling water, since under the influence of high temperatures the beneficial properties are lost!

2. Pour half a teaspoon of dry crushed leaves into 250 ml of hot water and let it brew for 10 minutes.
3. It is best not to brew mint, but simply slowly pour boiling water over it until a light green (less often light brown) color appears.

You should be able to see the bottom of the cup through the liquid. If it becomes cloudy, pour it out and make a new batch of tea.

You can add sugar, cream or milk to tea. Do not under any circumstances add ginger in any form to mint tea! This product has a very strong odor and burning taste, which may cause colic and bloating.

If you don't like tea, you can buy mints, but read the ingredients list. It should not contain any artificial flavors or preservatives. You should not eat more than 50 g of candy per day, as they are very high in calories.

Peppermint tea is an excellent remedy not only for vomiting and nausea, but also for colds. To cure a cold during pregnancy, you need to drink it in small sips throughout the day. And for sore throat, you can add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of mint tea and gargle 7-8 times a day.

Often during pregnancy, women want to drink mint tea with the addition of other plants, for example, valerian, marigold, centaury. Be careful: first of all, ask your doctor to evaluate the safety of the herbal mixture you like, and then do not overdo it with the dosage. All ingredients must be taken in equal parts. You need to fill the collection with hot water and leave for half an hour. Approximate calculation: 1/3 teaspoon of mint, 1/3 teaspoon of marigold per 200 ml of hot water. This infusion perfectly relieves stress and nervous tension, relaxes and improves sleep.

Add green leaves to dishes

Fresh mint leaves can be added as a piquant seasoning to salads and hot dishes, or you can simply chew the leaves or place them under your tongue. This, among other things, will provide you with fresh breath. Try to keep it in moderation: if you do not drink mint tea, you can consume no more than 4 medium-sized mint sprigs per day.

There is a recipe for headaches: crush mint leaves a little in your hands and apply them to your forehead.

It is better to first grind fresh mint in a blender, and only then add it to snacks, drinks or cold dishes: this way it will release more useful elements and better reveal its aroma.

With your doctor's permission, you can combine mint with other biologically active products, for example, vitamin C-rich lemon or young grape leaves. Lemon can be added to the salad, and with grape leaves you can prepare both salad and dolma. Grape leaves are very rich in vitamins A and K, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, calcium, and iron. This will reduce the risk of miscarriage, miscarriage or premature birth and strengthen the immune system.

Prepare an infusion, but not a decoction

Mint infusion is prepared as follows:

1. One tablespoon of dried leaves is poured with 200 ml of hot water (in an enamel bowl).
2. The container is placed in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.
3. The resulting infusion is cooled for 45 minutes and filtered. The remaining mint leaves are squeezed well.
4. Add boiled water so that the total volume is 200 ml.

You need to take the infusion 2-3 times a day, half a glass or 1/3 glass; the doctor who prescribed the treatment will tell you the specific regimen: it depends on the nature of the disease. This remedy helps not only with vomiting and nausea, but also with a runny nose, and is also used for cooling compresses and for gargling with a sore throat.

Mint decoction, mentioned in folk medicine, is a liquid boiled for several minutes; its composition and properties differ significantly from the properties of the infusion. Please note that the medical instructions for the use of mint provide only infusion recipes.

The infusion is also used for cosmetic purposes. If during pregnancy you have a skin rash or acne associated with allergies or hormonal changes in the body, then you can wipe your skin with mint infusion 2-3 times a day.

Peppermint essential oil

Peppermint essential oil is sold in any pharmacy. When taken orally, it is an antiemetic and antispasmodic. However, essential oils cannot be used internally by expectant mothers; they are used only externally (for massage, compresses, enrichment of cosmetics) and for aromatherapy.

Pregnant women should use esters with caution, remembering to conduct a skin sensitivity test and reducing the number of drops in recipes by two or even three times.

During pregnancy, this oil will help with:

• nausea,
• drowsiness,
• irritability and excitability,
• motion sickness in a car,
• dizziness.

This oil is used to flavor all kinds of toothpastes, fabric and hair conditioners, and much more.

Add 1 drop of mint oil per 10 square meters to the water for the aroma lamp. meters of room. The session lasts no more than 20–25 minutes. Aromatherapy is recommended to be carried out no more often than once every 2-3 days. After completing the course of procedures prescribed by the doctor, you need to take a break of at least 5–7 days.

Drop oil into the container of a ceramic aroma lamp, add 2 tablespoons of water, light a tea candle and place it inside. In half a minute you will feel a subtle and delicate aroma that will help you relax, gain strength and forget about the little things that used to irritate you. You can also use an electric aroma lamp: after you “prime” the device according to the instructions and plug it into an outlet, your home will smell pleasantly of mint.

Other uses for peppermint oil:

1. For massage, 3-5 drops of essential oil are mixed with 10 ml of any base - peach, olive, almond oil or any cream.
2. For headaches, add 5-6 drops of oil to 100 ml of cool water (10-15 °C) and wet a cotton cloth with this water. Place the compress on your forehead and secure it with a dry cloth for 20 minutes.
   

   Also, for migraines and motion sickness in transport, they use externally prepared mint tincture with alcohol, it is sold in pharmacies. You need to rub 3-5 drops into each temple. This method will help get rid of dull and throbbing pain in the temples, which often radiates to the frontal part.

3. Peppermint esters are used for bathing. They have a positive effect not only on the psycho-emotional state of a pregnant woman, but also soften the skin and cleanse the pores of the skin. Add 2 drops of essential oil to the water, after mixing it with an emulsifier (sea salt, honey). You need to take a bath for 10–30 minutes.
   

   Pregnant women need to be very careful and make sure that the water in the bath is not too hot: this risks miscarriage.

The use of medications during pregnancy can pose a danger to the health of the expectant mother and baby - all women know this. But the use of medicinal herbs is also not always harmless. Many of them have contraindications during pregnancy. Although there are no such strict restrictions for mint, it should also be used with caution, keeping in mind some of the features of this plant.

Composition and healing properties

Mint is familiar to many for its refreshing smell and taste. It is widely used in the food industry, pharmacology and cosmetology. In cooking, aerial parts of the herb collected during the flowering period are used to prepare meat and vegetable dishes, sauces, marinades and drinks. Different varieties are suitable for this.

When talking about a plant, they most often mean peppermint, although there are about 20 varieties of it: field mint, catmint, lemon mint (lemon balm), longleaf mint, fragrant mint, water mint, swamp mint and others. Many of them grow in natural conditions, but there are also those that are cultivated on an industrial scale. Varieties differ from each other in external characteristics and place of growth.

There are also artificially bred varieties of mint: chocolate, orange, strawberry, pineapple, vanilla and other types that differ mainly in their aroma.

Mint is rich in substances beneficial to the body, which, once they enter the digestive tract, are absorbed into the blood and take an active part in metabolism. It includes:

• menthol is the main component of the essential oil of most types of mint;
• organic compounds limonene, alpha-pinene, dipentene, cineole, pulegone, beta-phellandrene, arginine;
• vitamins C, P, A;
• calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese, strontium;
• valeric, acetic, gallic, chlorogenic, caffeic, ursolic, linoleic and oleic acids;
• glucose, rhamnose, flavonoids, in particular hesperidin, tannins, saponins, betaine, phenolic and other compounds.

The composition and quantity of individual components for each type of mint is not the same. For example, the organic compound pulegone predominates in marsh water, and citral in lemon water. This explains the fact that the smell and properties of plant varieties can vary greatly.

Mint as a medicinal plant

The versatile effect of mint on the body is explained by its numerous properties:

• antispasmodic;
• choleretic;
• antiseptic;
• calming;
• anti-inflammatory;
• light pain reliever.

The antiseptic properties of mint apply to all pathogenic microorganisms that live in the human intestines.

Benefits for the body

The pronounced medicinal properties of the plant determine the situations when mint leaves (peppermint is most often used) are prescribed as a medicine:

• enhances intestinal motility and has an antiseptic effect, which has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract (prevents the processes of rotting and fermentation, promotes increased secretion of the digestive glands and gall bladder);
• helps with;
• relieves spasms of smooth muscles;
• dilates the vessels of the brain, heart and lungs, helps strengthen their walls and permeability, improves the condition of capillaries, accelerates blood flow;
• reduces blood pressure and prevents bleeding;
• copes with sore throat, which often accompanies acute respiratory diseases.

Mint is used to care for hair, face and body skin, prolonging youth.

Mint during pregnancy in early and late stages

The refreshing smell and taste of the plant calms nausea, so mint can be recommended as a remedy for early toxicosis. Its sedative effect helps fight stress, insomnia, increased excitability, and overexertion, which are characteristic of women before childbirth. In folk medicine, it is also used to treat and prevent diarrhea, which often appears in the second half of pregnancy.

Contraindications and precautions when using peppermint

Despite the beneficial properties of peppermint, in some situations it should be used with caution:

• low blood pressure (since the plant has a hypotonic effect);
• increased uterine tone (a large amount of phytoestrogens, similar in action to the female hormones estrogens, can provoke early miscarriage or late premature birth);
• increased sensitivity to mint, which, like any other plant, can cause allergic reactions.

If you have increased uterine tone, you should stop using mint.

But even if the expectant mother does not have these contraindications, you need to add mint to tea and other dishes little by little, since any product in large quantities can harm the body.

Plant varieties have different effects on the body. Lemon balm is effective for increased emotional excitability, irritability, sleep disturbances, and marsh balm has a pronounced abortifacient effect, therefore it is strictly prohibited during pregnancy.

Safe ways to consume

An expectant mother can use mint in different ways:

• add to tea;
• put in dishes when cooking as a spice;
• make an infusion out of it.

In addition to the leaves of the plant, mint essential oil is very popular. During pregnancy, its oral use is contraindicated due to its high menthol content.

Spice and tea additive

There are different recipes for preparing a warming drink using the leaves of the plant. Most often, mint is added as an aromatic and flavoring additive, but it can also be brewed separately. To do this, use 2–3 sprigs of a fresh plant or 0.5–1 teaspoon of dried raw materials per serving. Experts recommend drinking no more than 2 cups of this drink per day.

When used fresh as a spice, mint adds piquancy to your favorite dishes. It is added to vegetable salads, sauces and cocktails as a source of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial substances.

Iced green tea with mint - video

Infusion and decoction

According to the instructions for mint leaves purchased at the pharmacy, you can prepare an infusion from them. To do this, pour a tablespoon of raw material into a glass of boiling water and leave it in a water bath for 15 minutes, after which it is allowed to cool and filter. The resulting medicinal solution is brought to a volume of 200 ml, diluting it with boiled water. In this form, mint is used for inhalation, gargling for colds, and added to the bath for cosmetic and medicinal purposes.

You can take the infusion orally only after consulting a doctor, since the concentration of active components in it is higher compared to tea. This means that the risk of negative consequences is higher.

A decoction of mint is not prepared, because boiling the soft parts of medicinal plants (leaves, flowers) leads to the destruction of beneficial substances.

Essential oil

If there are no contraindications, some experts allow the use of mint essential oil from mid-pregnancy, but at half the dosage:

• when added to cosmetics in small quantities, it has a positive effect on oily and acne-prone skin, refreshes it and narrows capillaries;
• local application has a calming effect after insect bites (the oil must be applied in this way diluted to avoid burns);
• using mint for aromatherapy, you can get a calming and antiseptic effect;
• a compress with essential oil helps to cope with this (to do this, add 2-3 drops of oil to a glass of water, dip a cotton cloth into the mixture, wring it out and place it on your forehead for 5-10 minutes).

It is safest to purchase raw materials at a pharmacy to be sure of its quality and the contents of the packaging.

Waiting for a baby to appear is always associated with numerous restrictions; you should also take mint tea during pregnancy with caution. Abuse of this drink can lead to a number of problems that an expectant mother should not experience. Pregnant women should drink mint tea in measured quantities and provided there are no contraindications.

Many expectant mothers are interested in the question: can pregnant women drink mint tea? If a woman expecting a small miracle does not have certain contraindications, then she can drink this herbal tea in moderate quantities (1-2 cups per day).

Mint tea during pregnancy is valuable because:

1. It helps eliminate constipation and bloating, prevents heartburn or alleviates its symptoms, and normalizes the digestive process. This is an important property of herbal tea, because Pregnant women often encounter digestive problems and stool disorders.
2. It calms and improves sleep. Throughout pregnancy, a woman often experiences nervous tension. She worries about the condition of the child, the birth process, and is simply irritable. The emotional sensations of the expectant mother are transmitted to the baby. Therefore, it is very important for her to remain calm and get good sleep during pregnancy. Peppermint tea is a great way to cope with these problems.
3. It strengthens the immune system, fights colds, and helps with sore throat. During the period of bearing a child, tea with mint acquires special significance, because... Most medications are prohibited for expectant mothers. Taking a mint drink can be a good prevention of colds.
4. It normalizes blood pressure in hypertension. Peppermint tea dilates blood vessels, bringing high blood pressure back to normal. This is an important property for expectant mothers suffering from hypertension.

Mint and tea made from it are valuable products for the body, so they are loved not only by pregnant women, but also by other categories of people. About the beneficial properties of mint in the following video:

Possible harm and contraindications for pregnant women

1. Hypotension. Women with low blood pressure will have to stop drinking this drink. Peppermint tea reduces blood pressure.
2. Risk of miscarriage, uterine hypertonicity.
3. Phlebeurysm.
4. Diseases of the kidneys, gall bladder (presence of stones). Mint tea has diuretic and choleretic effects. If there are stones in the organs, herbal tea can lead to their displacement. This process is very painful, sometimes it requires surgical intervention, which is extremely undesirable and dangerous for women, within whom a new life is developing.
5. Allergy to mint. If the expectant mother is prone to allergic reactions, the mint drink must be used very carefully or you will have to abandon it altogether.

Peppermint tea in the 1st trimester

Can pregnant women drink mint tea in the early stages? This is a question that does not have a clear answer. Some experts say that it is better to avoid herbal tea in the first weeks of pregnancy, while others claim that it is safe for expectant mothers.

If you are expecting a baby and cannot imagine your life without drinking mint tea every day, consult your doctor about the possibility of drinking this drink.

In the 1st trimester, the body of a pregnant woman undergoes a complete restructuring. The ongoing processes are associated with embryonic consolidation and the creation of conditions for the successful development of the baby. Very often such a restructuring is accompanied by severe toxicosis. Peppermint tea can cope with signs of nausea and dizziness. To relieve the symptoms of toxicosis, you can brew weak green tea with mint. If the pregnant woman is not allergic to citrus fruits, you can also add a slice of lemon. This drink should be taken in small quantities.

Mint is characterized by its content of phytoestrogens. Because of this, if a pregnant woman experiences uterine hypertonicity, a miscarriage is possible in the 1st trimester. Therefore, in this case, it is better for the expectant mother not to take risks and refuse to take the mint drink.

Peppermint tea in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters

It is believed that the safest period for drinking mint tea during pregnancy is the 2nd trimester. Therefore, in the absence of the above contraindications, a pregnant woman who is 14-27 weeks old can safely enjoy 1-2 cups of mint tea per day.

Note! The best option is to take mint tea for 3-4 days with a further break of 1-2 days.

Things may be different when taking mint in the 3rd trimester. Abuse of mint tea in the later stages can lead to premature birth. There is also an opinion that regularly taking peppermint infusions about a month before giving birth can cause future problems with lactation. Therefore, in the 3rd trimester, it is better for a pregnant woman to minimize the consumption of this herbal tea.

Which mint should you prefer when brewing tea?

The most popular are 2 types of mint: peppermint and spearmint. The latter contains less menthol, but is rich in carvone, a substance with lactic properties. Both types of mint can be used to make tea during pregnancy. However, at a later date it is better to prepare an aromatic drink based on mint.

Mint tea recipes

Expectant mothers can enjoy freshly brewed mint tea, to which you can also add various foods that are not prohibited for pregnant women.

Classic recipe

This is the easiest way to prepare herbal tea. You need to take:

• 1 sprig of mint (or a couple of fresh leaves);
• 1 tbsp. water.

The mint is placed in a mug and filled with hot water, the temperature of which is approximately 90 degrees. The drink is infused for 10 minutes. Consumed warm.

With honey

You will need:

• ½ tsp. chopped dried mint (you can purchase the finished product at the pharmacy);
• 1 tbsp. water;
• 1 tsp honey

The mint is poured with hot water and infused for about 5 minutes. Then the drink should be strained (an important step during pregnancy, necessary to ensure that the tea does not turn out to be overly strong). Add a spoonful of honey to the slightly cooled drink.

With added chamomile and lemon balm

Have to take:

• 1/3 tsp. chamomile flowers;
• 1/3 tsp. dried chopped mint;
• 1/3 tsp. lemon balm (also in dry form);
• 1 tbsp. water.

The plant material is mixed, poured with hot water and infused for several minutes. This herbal tea is a good helper for discomfort and problems in the digestive system.

For nausea

Mint is often added to herbal mixtures, on the basis of which you can brew a drink aimed at combating the manifestations of toxicosis. When preparing tea for nausea, the expectant mother will need:

• mint leaves, valerian roots, yarrow, marigolds (flowers) - 2 tsp each;
• 2 tbsp. water.

The mixture of herbs is poured with water brought to a boil and infused for 30 minutes. Then the drink is filtered. You need to consume this infusion 6 times a day, no more than 50 ml.

For a cold

When the first symptoms of a cold appear, a pregnant woman can brew herself tea, which will require linden blossom and mint. Plant materials are mixed in a 1:1 ratio. Then it is filled with hot water and infused. After straining, the drink should be taken hot, 1 glass at a time before bed.

Tea with mint during pregnancy can be an excellent helper for a woman in the fight against toxicosis, colds, bad mood, irritability and insomnia. It should be taken in doses and preferably after consultation with a gynecologist. In the absence of contraindications, you should not deprive yourself of the opportunity to enjoy delicious tea.

Humanity has been using herbs for a long time. Tea with chamomile, soothing compresses with motherwort, cosmetics with honey or nettle - for many they have become indispensable in everyday life.

Most of them have medicinal properties and have proven themselves as analogues to medications. One of the most popular plants is mint, which acts as an excellent sedative and analgesic, effectively relieves stomach cramps, dilates blood vessels, treats diarrhea and constipation, is used in dentistry to give freshness to breath, in dermatology to relieve itching or treat inflamed skin.

Interesting

Very often during pregnancy, doctors recommend stopping taking medications and recommend using herbs as an analogue. Every pregnant woman who cares about her health is interested in: what herbs can harm her and her baby? Is mint indicated for use during pregnancy? It contains many useful and necessary substances for the human body: mineral salts, phytoncides (active substances that kill microbes), sugar, essential oils, fats. Most often, mint is recommended for pregnant women to eliminate unwanted nausea and frequent heartburn. How is mint useful or dangerous during pregnancy?

Side effects

It is impossible to come across unambiguous research conclusions on the level of benefit brought or the degree of harm caused by the use of this plant. Many people use mint tea not only for colds, coughs or laryngitis, but also consider it a useful remedy for relieving heart pain. Mint will help cope with insomnia, stress, and nervous tension, but only in small doses. Excessive consumption of this herb can achieve the opposite effect. Most modern doctors believe that mint is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy. It contains a large amount of estrogens, which can cause premature birth and provoke a decrease in blood pressure. It should be noted that mint during pregnancy can cause dizziness and even increased irritability. In addition, itching and rashes may appear.

Benefit

Many women drink mint tea during pregnancy and notice that it acts as a cosmetic product: the skin becomes elastic and soft. You should give preference to high-quality tea, purchased at a pharmacy. This is the only way to protect yourself from the addition of impurities and additives that may be present in a low-quality product.

Conclusion

Any cosmetics and medicines that contain only herbs are useful because they do not contain harmful components. However, do not forget that any use of herbs should be approached consciously and only after consultation with a doctor. We hope you have now found the answer to the question: “Can pregnant women eat mint?”

In total, approximately 25 species and 10 subspecies of mint are known: horsemint, swamp mint, peppermint, mountain mint, curly mint, Japanese mint, orange mint, water mint... This is not a complete list. The most commonly used mint is peppermint, sometimes called chilli mint, chilli mint, pepper mint, English mint, cold mint.

However, expectant mothers are often concerned with the question: is it possible to take mint? Which doses are beneficial and which are harmful?

Mint is prescribed to pregnant women as a sedative in small quantities, helping to sleep, reducing nausea, itching, and bloating.

However, in large quantities it can provoke uterine hypertonicity and premature birth. The reason is the excess estrogen content in the plant. You should also be careful when using peppermint essential oil.

That is why the issue of using mint should be resolved individually with your doctor.

In any case, the extreme dose is no more than four cups per day.

Harm of mint during pregnancy

The dangers of using mint during pregnancy are as follows:

• Mint is contraindicated because it has the property of lowering blood pressure;
• For the same reason, you should not use mint at the final stage of pregnancy with varicose veins;
• Since it contains a significant amount of estrogens (female hormones), taking in large quantities can lead to uterine contractions, i.e. provoke

Useful properties of mint

Often expectant mothers are concerned about pigmentation on the face, or they would like to avoid it in the future. As a preventive and therapeutic agent for this purpose, you can wipe the skin of the face and body with mint infusion from the leaves.

Mint has diuretic, antiseptic, choleretic, antispasmodic, vasodilating, antiemetic, analgesic and sedative properties. This plant helps remove stones from the kidneys, normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract: helps relieve colic, eliminate stomach cramps; treats diarrhea, constipation.

It is also indispensable in dermatology (relieves skin inflammation), dentistry (removes unpleasant odors, has an antibacterial effect)

Its usefulness has been proven for muscle and heart pain, varicose veins, and laryngitis.

It will be useful for pregnant women with stress, insomnia, nervous tension, physical or mental strain. However, you should be careful with the dosage to prevent the opposite result.

What mint products can be consumed during pregnancy?

Not only peppermint (as tea, tinctures), but also some derivative products from it can be consumed during pregnancy.

Essential oil
Despite the fact that the oil is very useful in the fight against inflammation, to improve appetite, is used to stimulate mental activity, is effective in the treatment of colds, to improve intestinal motility, Pregnant women are strictly prohibited from using it both externally and internally. The fact is that mint oil contains menthol (up to 70%), which is prohibited during pregnancy, and large amounts of estrogens, the harmfulness of which for expectant mothers has already been mentioned above.

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