Mentha longifolia
Mentha longifolia, commonly known as horse mint, is a species of mint native to Europe, western and central Asia, and parts of Africa. It is a perennial, herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Lamiaceae.
Description[edit | edit source]
Mentha longifolia grows up to 1.2 meters in height. The leaves are 5–9 cm long and 1.5–3 cm broad, green to grayish-green, with a serrated margin. The flowers are pale purple or pink, borne in clusters on a spike.
Distribution and habitat[edit | edit source]
Mentha longifolia is native to a wide region of Europe, western and central Asia, and northern and southern Africa. It is commonly found in wet habitats, such as riverbanks and marshes.
Cultivation and uses[edit | edit source]
Mentha longifolia is cultivated for its aromatic oil, which is used in traditional medicine and as a flavoring in food and drink. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens for its attractive spikes of flowers.
Medicinal uses[edit | edit source]
In traditional medicine, Mentha longifolia is used for a variety of ailments. The leaves are used in herbal teas for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The essential oil is used for its analgesic and antispasmodic effects.
Taxonomy[edit | edit source]
The scientific name Mentha longifolia was first published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. It is a member of the genus Mentha, which includes about 25 species of aromatic herbs.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD