Kingdom Plantae Family Lamiaceae Species M. citrata | Order Lamiales Genus Mentha | |
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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.
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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:
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.