Mentha citrata

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Mentha citrata
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 aquatica var. citrata (Ehrh.) Benth.;[1] syn. Mentha odorata Sole, Mentha adspersa Moench) is an 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

  1. Umberto Quattrocchi (1947–). CRC World dictionary of plant names: Common names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Sonyonyms, and Etymology. III M–Q. CRC Press. p. 1659. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Plants for a Future - Mentha x piperita citrata - (Ehrh.) Briq.". Retrieved March 27, 2006. 
  3. 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

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