Eau de Cologne mint
| Mentha citrata | |
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| Species: | M. citrata
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| Binomial name | |
| Mentha citrata | |
Mentha citrata (Ehrh.) (syn. Mentha × piperita L. var. citrata (Ehrh.) Briq.; syn. Mentha aquatica var. citrata (Ehrh.) Benth.;[1] syn. Mentha odorata Sole, Mentha adspersa Moench) is a herb. It is also known as Bergamot mint, Eau-de-cologne Mint, Horsemint, Lemon Mint, Lime Mint, Orange Mint, Pineapple Mint, Su Nanesi, Water Mint, Wild Water Mint, and in Central America Yerba Buena.[2] Even though it is listed here as a species it is probably better to regard it as a cultivar or cultivar group of Mentha aquatica.
Description
This herb has a characteristic lemon odor when crushed. It is sometimes used to make a tea similar to lemonade.
Medicinal uses
A tea made from the fresh or dried leaves has traditionally been used:[2][3]
- for stomach aches, nausea, parasites and other digestive disorders,
- for nerves and sick stomach, and
- for fevers and headaches.
The leaves and flowering plant have analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cholagogic, diaphoretic, and vasodilator properties.[2] Like other members of the genus Mentha, it is best not used by pregnant women because large doses can cause miscarriage.[2]
References
- ^ Umberto Quattrocchi (1947–). CRC World dictionary of plant names: Common names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Sonyonyms, and Etymology. Vol. III M–Q. CRC Press. p. 1659.
{{cite book}}: Check date values in:|year=(help)CS1 maint: year (link) - ^ a b c d "Plants for a Future - Mentha x piperita citrata - (Ehrh.) Briq". Retrieved March 27, 2006.
- ^ Brook Caughlin. "Selected Plants of Medicinal Value in Costa Rica". University of New Hampshire, IROP Program. Archived from the original on August 2, 2008. Retrieved March 27, 2006.
See also
- Monarda, also called Bergamot
- Bergamot orange