Pennyroyal is known to improve digestion, but it has many other health benefits.
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15 properties and benefits of pennyroyal mint
Pennyroyal mint is a medicinal plant that has been used since ancient times . It is located in the southern area that separates Europe and Asia, although its place of origin is unknown. Be that as it may, many ancient civilizations already discovered this plant thousands of years ago.
Pennyroyal mint has many properties and benefits that have been used by mankind over the centuries. Below are the most notable advantages that ingesting this plant or its infusions entails for the body.
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1. Improves digestion
This is the best known property of pennyroyal . This plant represents a great natural remedy to improve digestive processes. This is due to the different phytochemical substances it contains and the fact that it improves the segregation of bile substances, which improve digestion.
2. Promotes intestinal transit
Pennyroyal mint has the property of benefiting the work of the intestine . This plant promotes peristaltic movements, that is, the slight movements of the intestine to pass matter through it. In addition, this plant is antispasmodic, which prevents contractions and sudden movements of the smooth muscles.
3. Reduce gas
This plant also helps fight gases . Drinking mint pennyroyal is a good way to avoid the aches and pains caused by flatulence, so taking an infusion a day can help.
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4. Fight anxiety
Pennyroyal also helps to relax . It allows lowering tensions generated throughout the day, which is why many people resort to this infused plant. Taking it before going to sleep allows you to fall asleep and rest better.
5. Avoid infections
An infusion of this plant also serves to fight infections . Its essential oils contain phytochemical compounds that fight against bacteria, but also fungi and parasites. It serves to prevent infections in different parts of the body, from the skin to the bronchi.
6. Improves respiratory problems
This plant also has properties and benefits against different respiratory problems . Both taking an infusion and making vapors improve the conditions of the respiratory tract. It is also expectorant, that is, it promotes the expulsion of mucus.
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7. Promotes circulation
The improvement of blood circulation is one of its properties and benefits . Mint has anticoagulant properties, which allows the blood to flow better by diluting certain substances present in it. This helps fight different cardiovascular diseases.
8. It works well for headaches
The fact that it improves circulation is also related to headaches . Taking infusions of plants such as pennyroyal on a regular basis can help fight migraines, so it is interesting to prevent their appearance and to avoid the use of drugs.
9. Remineralize
Pennyroyal contains good amounts of certain minerals . Its content of potassium, phosphorus or iron represents an aid for those who need extra help to remineralize their body and benefit organs such as bones.
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10. Contains vitamins
Its vitamin content is remarkable . Taking an infusion may be enough to have B vitamins and vitamins A and C. Covering the minimum levels of these vitamins helps the body to function correctly, as they participate in different vital functions.
11. Stimulates the appetite
Appetite stimulation may be necessary in some people . When someone suffers from some mood disorders such as depression, it may be that they tend to eat less. Taking an infusion of mint pennyroyal may be enough to recover the desire to eat.
12. It has positive effects on menstruation
This plant can be recommended for women with difficult menstruation . The fact that pennyroyal has antispasmodic properties benefits the correct evacuation of the menstrual flow. Sometimes alterations occur that can lead to pain associated with the menstrual cycle.
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13. Freshens breath
Chewing a little pennyroyal is enough to improve breath . There are people who suffer from halitosis, and although in most cases it can be solved through simple tips, taking a little pennyroyal may be the temporary solution.
14. It has culinary properties
Pennyroyal mint also stands out for its culinary properties . It is a plant whose leaf is used especially to flavor different recipes that consist of soups, cooked vegetables, legumes or salads. Its appreciated flavor and aroma manage to give a refreshing touch to many preparations.
15. Encourage breastfeeding
Some studies show that pennyroyal infusion promotes breastfeeding . This is specifically due to the fact that the infusion of this plant can help reduce nipple cracks and pain associated with breastfeeding. It is a problem that affects many women who find it difficult to choose to breastfeed.
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Bibliographic references
- Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments. DK Pub.
- Dehghani, N., Afsharmanesh, M., Salarmoini, M. y Ebrahimnejad. H. (2018). Characterization of pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) essential oil as an herbal, antibacterial, and antioxidant substance. Comparative Clinical Pathology, 27 (6), 1575–1581.
- Sayyah-Melli, M., Rashidi, M.R., Delazar, A., Madarek, E., Kargar-Maher, M.H., Ghasemzadeh, A., Sadaghat, K. y Tahmasebi, Z. (2007). Effect of peppermint water on prevention of nipple cracks in lactating primiparous women: a randomized controlled trial. International Breastfeeding Journal, 2 (7), 1-17.
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