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 Ehrhart

Mentha citrata (Ehrhart) (syn. Mentha x piperita L. var. citrata (J.F. Ehrh.) Briq.; syn. Mentha x aquatica var. citrata (J.F. Ehrh.) Benth.^[1]; syn. Mentha odorata) 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 Capitate Mint, Water Mint, Watermunt, Wild Water Mint, and in Central America Yerba Buena.^[2]

The whole plant is smooth, dotted with yellow glands and is of a dark green colour, 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 (see below).

[edit] Medicinal uses

A tea made from the fresh or dried leaves has traditionally been used:^[3][4]

• For stomach aches, nausea, parasites and other digestive disorders^{[citation needed]}
• For nerves and sick stomach^{[citation needed]}
• For fevers and headaches^{[citation needed]}

The leaves and flowering plant have analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cholagogic, diaphoretic, and vasodilator properties.^{[citation needed]} Like other members of the genus, it is best not used by pregnant women because large doses can cause a miscarriage.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] References

1. ^ Quattrocchi, Umberto (1947-). CRC World dictionary of plant names: Common names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Sonyonyms, and Etymology. III M-Q. CRC Press. pp. 1659. 
2. ^ "Plants For A Future: Database - Mentha x piperita citrata". http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Mentha+x+piperita+citrata. Retrieved on 2006-03-27. 
3. ^ ^{a b} "Medicinal Herbs - v72.org". http://www.v72.org/medicinal_mints.htm. Retrieved on 2006-03-27. 
4. ^ "Plantas for a Future - Mentha x piperita citrata / Eau De Cologne Mint". http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Mentha+x+piperita+citrata. Retrieved on 2006-03-27. 

[edit] See also

• Bergamot

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