Family: Lamiaceae
Synonym: Calamintha arvensis (L.) Garsault, Mentha
arvensis var. legitima
Becker
Vernacular name: Puthina, Pudina
Habit: Herb
Habitat: Cultivated, Marshes, borders of
lakes, grassy areas, waste areas
Distribution: India, Europe, China, America
Flowering and Fruiting: July- October
Key identification features: It is a herbaceous perennial plant. It features creeping rootstock from which erect or semi-sprawling squarish stems emerge. The opposite pairs of leaves are simple and hairy. The pale purple
flowers, sometimes white or pink, appear in whorls on the stem at the bases of the leaves. The fruit of wild
mint consists of a two-chambered carpel.
Uses: The leaves have been made into tea
to treat colds or aid digestion. Menthol is used in dental care, as a mouthwash
potentially inhibiting streptococci and lactobacilli bacteria.
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