Crested Late Summer Mint
Elsholtzia ciliata

   

Crested Late Summer Mint is an annual plant with an upright, hairy and branched stem that reaches 70-80cm in height. The leaves of the plant are oval-elliptical, oppositely arranged, hairy along the edge on fine leaf stalks. Dark green from above, gray from below. The leaves reach a width of 4 cm and a length of 10 cm. The flowers are small, up to 2 mm long, lilac. The flowers are arranged in a thick, cylindrical inflorescence, which is up to 1 cm in diameter and 2-6 cm long. Fruits - oval, dark brown nuts.

The above-ground part of the plant (stems, leaves, inflorescences) is used for medicinal purposes. The plant is harvested during the budding period, July-August. The plant is dried in a well-ventilated place and in the shade. Store the drug in paper bags for no longer than 3 years.

Crested Late Summer Mint essential oil is obtained by steam distillation.

The chemical composition of Crested Late Summer Mint is considered well-studied. Mono- and sesquiterpenoids have been found in the plant, among which limonene, camphor, nerol, beta-pinene and geraniol, tannins, benzene and benzene derivatives, steroids, ursulic acid, caffeic acid and tourmanolate acid, thymol, eugenol, choline, catechin, vitamin C are worth mentioning. , fatty acids, vegetable fats and essential oil.

Medicinal significance

The medicinal properties of Crested Late Summer Mint are related to its diverse chemical composition. Vitamin C has an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and regenerative effect. The tannins have an astringent effect, the essential oil helps digestion and makes the plant a good carminative. Other components of the plant produce diuretic, antibacterial and antifungal effects.

Crested Late Summer Mint has also found application in folk medicine. Concentrations and decoctions are recommended as a temperature-reducing, anti-vomiting and diuretic agent. The means of this plant stimulate digestion, it can be used to treat flatulence, digestive tract spasms, various respiratory diseases, tuberculosis, pneumonia, jaundice, fibroids, uterine erosion, gastritis and ascites. The essential oil is used as a wound healing and antifungal agent.

Not recommended for use

No side effects have been observed for Crested Late Summer Mint , apart from individual intolerance of the plant. Caution should be exercised with this plant during pregnancy and lactation, as well as if it is planned to treat small children with it.