Long-leaved Mint

Table of contents:

Video: Long-leaved Mint

Video: Long-leaved Mint
Video: 5 Tips How to Grow a Ton of Mint in one Container or Garden Bed 2024, April
Long-leaved Mint
Long-leaved Mint
Anonim
Image
Image

Long-leaved mint (lat. Mentha longifolia) belongs to the category of medicinal plants designed to serve the benefit of human health. It is a perennial herbaceous crop belonging to the genus Mint of the Lamiaceae family. In nature, it lives in European countries, Russia (to a greater extent distributed in Western Siberia), in the North Caucasus, as well as in Africa. Typical habitats are river banks and wet areas.

From the history

It turns out that the plant got its name in honor of the Greek beauty Minta, whom a goddess named Persiphona turned into a plant through witchcraft. Since that time, mint has won recognition among the Greek people, it was used as a room fragrance, but before it was mixed with water and then sprayed into homes. It was believed that the aroma of mint brings positive emotions, and also minimizes and eliminates headaches and dizziness, therefore, wreaths were woven from mint, which were worn on the head when pain occurred.

Characteristics of culture

Long-leaved mint is represented by perennial herbaceous plants, not exceeding 75-80 cm in height. It is characterized by erect, dense, rather branched stems, pubescent with soft hairs and bearing sessile tomentose foliage of gray color. The flowers are small, light lilac, collected in whorls, which, in turn, form cylindrical ears. Long-leaved mint bloom is observed in summer, to be more precise from the second decade of June to August, although this factor largely depends on growing conditions and climate.

The culture in question is famous for its high winter-hardy properties and photophilousness. It is recommended to plant it only in well-lit areas with an optimal moisture level. If the soil is dry, it is better to refuse planting or systematically water it. It is important to note that a lack of light and moisture threatens with a reduced amount of essential oil in plant foliage, and this negative factor can also lead to early shedding of foliage.

In addition to soil moisture, it is important to observe other parameters. The soil should be light, fertile. On poor and heavy soils, the culture feels defective. Long-leaved mint will not tolerate union with waterlogged, saline, strongly acidic and waterlogged soils. Caring for the crop is as simple as two or two, the main thing is to water the plants, apply organic matter and mineral fertilizers, and weed them. Loosening is carried out as necessary, for example, if a dense crust is observed on the surface.

Usage

It should be noted that long-leaved mint contains a huge amount of ascorbic acid (or vitamin C), as well as essential oil. Plus, it has an incredible uplifting scent. It is often used as a spice, and both stem and foliage are used. True, the first one only before the onset of flowering, since later the stems become too hard. The essential oil obtained from the plant is used in cooking, wine and vodka production, confectionery, medicine and even soap making.

However, for medicinal purposes, the culture in question is used most often. It boasts analgesic, anesthetic, choleretic, diaphoretic and sedative properties. In addition, the herbal tinctures increase appetite, relieve stomach pains and improve digestion. Tinctures are also effective against ulcers that form in the mouth, toothaches and diseases of the respiratory system, including bronchitis, because this remedy allows you to quickly eliminate phlegm.

Recommended: