ΚΑΛΑΜΙΝΘΗ
Mentha longifolia
(Horsemint)
Botanical info:
Horsemint is a fast-growing, perennial herb that creeps along an underground rootstock that grows to 0.5-1 m tall, is strongly aromatic, with opposite leaves in pairs along the square-shaped stem. It grows naturally in marshes and along streams. It is native to Europe and north Africa. Flowering from April to September.
Hippocratic legacy:
a. In Regimen 2:
a. Horsemint is thermal and laxative.
b. In Diseases of Women 1:
a. Against dysentery.
c. In Diseases of Women 2:
a. Against uterus bleeding.
b. Against closing of uterus orifice.
Other uses:
The dry herb yields about 1 per cent of essential oil, having carminative and stimulant properties. It is good for colic in the stomach. The warm juice is good for shore throat. The decoction or distilled water helps a stinking breath, and snuffed up the nose, purges the head. It helps the scurf or dandruff of the head used with vinegar.