Mentha citrata

Mentha citrata
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Plantae
Clade:Angiosperms
Clade:Eudicots
Clade:Asterids
Order:Lamiales
Family:Lamiaceae
Genus:Mentha
Species: M. citrata
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

Mentha citrata Ehrh has a strong lavender odor due to the two chemical constituents, linalyl acetate (45%) and linalool (45-50%), which makes up around 90% of the oil.[3] Kiran, a high-yielding variety, produces 150 kg of oil/ha while keeping 45% of linalool. Grown mainly in subtropical, fertile land such as northern India. Bergamot mint oil or lemon mint oil is mainly used in the perfumery industry.[4]

Medicinal uses

A tea made from the fresh or dried leaves has traditionally been used:[2][5]

  • 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. Check date values in: |year= (help)
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Plants for a Future - Mentha x piperita citrata - (Ehrh.) Briq". Retrieved March 27, 2006.
  3. ↑ Murray, M. J., & Lincoln, D. E. (1970). The Genetic Basis of Acyclic Oil Constituents in MENTHA CITRATA Ehrh. Genetics, 65(3), 457–471.
  4. ↑ Niir, B. (2004). Cultivation of tropical, subtropical vegetables, spices, medicinal, and aromatic plants. Nat Inst of Indust Res, New Delhi, 209-215.
  5. ↑ 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.
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