Calamintha officinalis
Other Names : Basil Thyme, Mountain Mint, Calamint, Bergsteentijm
Calamint belongs to a genus closely related to both the Thymes and to Catnep and Ground Ivy. It is an erect, bushy plant with square stems, rarely more than a foot high, bearing pairs of opposite leaves, which, like the stems, are downy with soft hairs. The flowers bloom in July and August, and are somewhat inconspicuous, drooping gracefully before expansion: the corollas are of a light purple colour. The plant grows by waysides and in hedges, and is not uncommon, especially in dry places. It may be cultivated as a hardy perennial, propagated by seeds sown outdoors in April, by cuttings of side shoots in cold frames in spring, or by division of roots in October and April.
See also : Calamintha nepeta
Special Precautions of Lesser Calamint
- This herb should not be used by pregnant women as it increases the chances of occurrence of miscarriage.
- It may hinder the process of conception in women as well.
Health Benefits and Uses of Calamintha officinalis
Diaphoretic, expectorant, aromatic. The whole herb has a sweet, aromatic odour and an infusion of the dried leaves, collected about July, when in their best condition and dried in the same way as Catmint tops, makes a pleasant cordial tea
- Tea was formerly much taken for weaknesses of the stomach and flatulent colic.
- It is useful in hysterical complaints, and a conserve made of the young fresh tops has been used, for this purpose.
- Leaves and flowers make a pleasant tea to treat colic wind and indigestion.
- Can be given to babies.
