Mentha citrata
| Mentha citrata | |
|---|---|
_flower.JPG) |
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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 | |
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Mentha citrata Ehrh. |
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Mentha citrata (Ehrh.) (syn. Mentha × piperita L. var. citrata (Ehrh.) Briq.; syn. Mentha aquatica var. citrata (Ehrh.) Benth.; 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. 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.
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. Kiran, a high-yielding variety, produces 150kg 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.
A tea made from the fresh or dried leaves has traditionally been used:
The leaves and flowering plant have analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cholagogic, diaphoretic, and vasodilator properties. Like other members of the genus Mentha, it is best not used by pregnant women because large doses can cause miscarriage.
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Wikipedia