The use of herbs can be a healthy, economical and effective option when it comes to health and well-being. A good example is the mintrasto. Also known as red beetles, this plant offers important benefits for the body, being punctual in the treatment of arthritis and arthrosis, relieving menstrual cramps and fighting depression.
As it is abundant in regions with a tropical climate, menthrastus can be found with some ease in the country, whether in open markets, natural food stores or even on alternative medicine websites. It is also possible to plant the seedling of this herb and cultivate it at home, since its development does not require great preparation.
With the extract of minthrastus, tea, poultice and essential oil are made for external use. However, its use must be guided and monitored by a specialist physician. In excess, the plant causes liver complications. Here’s how to consume responsibly and learn more about this elixir of natural medicine.
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Top 4 Benefits of Billy Goat Weed
The therapeutic use of Billy Goat Weed is made with topical application against arthritis, arthrosis and rheumatism, or consuming the herb tea to relieve colic, since it has an antispasmodic action, that is, it reduces muscle contractions in organs such as the stomach, intestine, uterus or bladder. Effective for both menstrual and intestinal cramps.
1- Treats arthrosis and arthritis
In Brazilian folk medicine, Billy Goat Weed tea is used as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, infallible for the treatment of joint pain such as those found in arthritis and arthrosis. But how does this happen?
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joint that causes stiffness and pain, whereas arthrosis is the degeneration of a joint. Both illnesses are very common with advancing age. A study carried out by the Federal University of Ceará, in 2006, demonstrated the effectiveness of Billy Goat Weed for these problems.
The object of the study was the analgesic action of tea on chronic bone and muscle pain in people with arthrosis. The results showed that the drink was effective, starting to be indicated as an alternative option in the treatment of pain .
Another study on the anti-inflammatory effects of menthrastus indicated the ideal form of use for this purpose. According to the research, it is to drink from two to three cups of the infusion of the minthrastus leaves per day.
The essential oil of the plant can also be used topically to massage needed areas and the herb poultice placed over injured joints.
2- Relieves menstrual cramps
The menstrual cramps can be controlled or even eliminated by making use of Billy Goat Weed tea. This is what a survey carried out at the University Center of Faculdades Integradas de Ourinhos, in São Paulo, guarantees.
The plant has a high anti-inflammatory action. The decoction of Billy Goat Weed leaves reacted against ovarian inflammation and dysmenorrhea (pelvic cramps and pain that occur before or during menstruation, with common causes such as heavy flow, passage of clots, uterine fibroids or endometriosis).
The herb’s antispasmodic property also works in favor of the elimination of cramps as it slows down the muscle contractions of the uterus.
3- Eliminates urinary infection
Urinary tract infections can also be controlled and treated with the use of mint tea. This is because this plant is rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids, powerful antioxidants capable of preventing, delaying or preventing oxidation mediated by free radicals.
Students at the State University of Feira de Santana, in Bahia, analyzed the plant’s antioxidant capacity and found that by preventing the formation of free radicals through the consumption of mint tea, it is possible to rid the body of inflammation, such as cystitis (bladder inflammation) and pyelonephritis (kidney inflammation), the main causes of urinary tract infection.
4- Combat depression
Billy Goat Weed has antidepressant and anxiolytic properties , capable of controlling anxiety. In low doses, the plant extract acts as an antidepressant, providing a stimulating effect and improving mood and sadness.
How to make mint tea?
The parts used to make the tea are the whole plant, except for the flowers, and preferably fresh.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of the plant
- 1 cup of water.
Preparation mode
Boil the water, turn off the heat and add the plant. Cover and let stand 15 minutes. Take twice a day.
Contraindication and side effects
The use of menthrastus is contraindicated for hypertensive patients, patients using anticoagulants, for those who have liver diseases , pregnant women and nursing mothers. ( 6 )
Its prolonged use can trigger specific problems. The branches of this plant contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, substances that are extremely toxic to the liver.
However, for internal use, it is necessary to respect the maximum daily dose of tea of 30 to 50 g of fresh leaves per day. It is not indicated to exceed the treatment for more than 3 weeks. Medical follow-up is essential.
Characteristics
Scientifically called Ageratum conyzoides L., the minthrastus is a tropical plant. In Brazil, it is easily found in the Northeastern areas, especially in mountain ranges.
It is also popularly known as pepperminth, baron catinga, goat catinga, celestina, curia, St. Lucia’s wort, St. John’s wort, mint, mint, and beggartick. purple.
The herb can reach 70 centimeters in height and has a peculiar odor, very similar to that of a goat.
The stem and leaves are covered with white hair and its flowers are lilac or white.
It is considered a weed as it multiplies quickly. According to the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), mint infests crops such as vegetable gardens and vacant land. A single plant can produce 40,000 seeds, which are propagated by wind or water.
My name is Ellie Lauderdale, MD and I am USA based professional Nutritionist .
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and board certified specialist in sports dietetics who is trained in integrative medicine. I have worked with hundreds of clients, from those suffering with chronic disease to professional and olympian athletes. My goal is to help optimize you from the inside so that you can feel, perform, and look your best on the outside.