MINT
(Mentha longifolia ssp cyprica)
Appearance
An erect perennial with musty or pungent odour. Stems
tetragonal, flowers in an elongated terminal spike, lilac or white in
colour appearing from June to November.
Habitat
This is an endemic to Cyprus growing on moist ground by streams and
springs from 200 ft to 5,400 ft, but generally above 2,000 ft.
Uses and Properties
Mint is rich in olio menthae and is widely employed in
medicine. It is used externally for massage for migraine and as an
antiseptic for the nose and pharynx. Headaches, dizziness or gastric
aches can be treated using infusions from fresh or dried leaves or the
essential oil. Mint tea has traditionally been used as a cure for
sleeplessness. Gargling with the tea can be effective in treating
tonsillitis and bronchitis can be cured by inhaling the steam from boiled
fresh leaves. It is also widely used in cookery and is a good honey
yielding plant.
