Mentha citrata | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
(unranked): | Angiosperms |
(unranked): | Eudicots |
(unranked): | Asterids |
Order: | Lamiales |
Family: | Lamiaceae |
Genus: | Mentha |
Species: | M. citrata |
Binomial name | |
Mentha citrata Ehrh. |
Mentha citrata (Ehrh.) (syn. Mentha × piperita L. var. citrata (Ehrh.) Briq.; syn. Mentha x aquatica var. citrata (Ehrh.) Benth.[1]; syn. Mentha odorata) 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 Capitate Mint, Water Mint, Watermunt, Wild Water Mint, and in Central America Yerba Buena.[2]
Contents |
The whole plant is smooth, dotted with yellow glands and is of a dark green color, generally tinged with purple, especially the margins of the leaves, which are finely toothed. There are very conspicuous lines of yellow glands on the purple calyx.[3]
This herb has a characteristic lemon odor when crushed. It is sometimes used to make a tasteful tea similar to lemonade, with medicinal value.
A tea made from the fresh or dried leaves has traditionally been used:[4][2]
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]