Introduction to Mentha suaveolens: History and Common Names
mentha suaveolens, known in Spanish as marjoram, mentor o apple mint, is an aromatic and medicinal plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae. It is widely distributed in temperate regions of Europe and the Mediterranean, where it has been used for generations both in traditional medicine as in the gastronomy and cosmetologyIt is a plant that stands out for its pleasant aroma of its leaves, with nuances reminiscent of mint and apple.
There are numerous vernacular names for this species, reflecting its roots in diverse cultures: donkey grass, donkey mint, sapera grass, Attapulgas, spicy mint o sapera mint in Spanish; nerd, astamenda, Kukuxobelarra in Basque; mentor in Catalan; apple mint o woolly mint in English; and mint suau in Catalan. These names are usually linked to their applications or morphological characteristics.
Etymologically, the term "Mentha" derives from Greek mythology, where Mintha was a nymph loved by Pluto and transformed into a plant by Proserpina, which also gives rise to the name of the genus. The epithet "suaveolens" comes from the Latin "suavis" (soft), alluding to the delicate and characteristic perfume of the species.
Botanical description and morphological characteristics
La mentha suaveolens it's a plant evergreen, rustic and fast-growing. It can reach heights between 30 cm and 100 cm, depending on the growing conditions and environment. Its stems are erect, quadrangular, woody at the base and covered with variable hairiness. The leaves, opposite and with short petioles, have a oval or orbicular, are thick, rough, and have serrated edges. The upper part of the leaf is deep green, while the lower part is whitish due to the presence of cottony hairs.
During the flowering season, which spans from the spring to autumn, dense spikes of small leaves emerge white, pink or violet flowers. These are grouped in terminal inflorescences called verticillastersThe fruits are small, dark brown nuts, which allow their dispersal mainly through local means or through human interaction.
The aroma of the plant, reminiscent of apple and mint, is one of its most appreciated features and explains its use in perfumery, aromatherapy y gastronomy.
Habitat, distribution and ecology
Mentha suaveolens lives in a wide variety of humid environments: riverbanks, swampy areas, floodplains, ditches, roadsides, and fields rich in organic matter and nitrogen. It can thrive in acidic or alkaline soils, provided they retain a certain amount of moisture and are well-drained.
Its distribution includes much of southern and western Europe, North Africa, and parts of western Asia, and it is also found on Mediterranean islands and in the Atlantic. It grows from sea level to altitudes of approximately 1700 m and is resistant to both cold and light frost, although it prefers temperate climates.
- Solar exposition: Direct sun or semi-shade.
- Water requirements: It prefers moist soils, tolerating even periods of temporary flooding.
- Ecological compatibility: Indicator of fresh and rich soils, little tolerant to salinity and highly fertilized soils.
Chemical composition and active ingredients
The medicinal properties of mentha suaveolens They derive from a complex composition that includes essential oils (rich in menthol, carvone and limonene), Flavonoids, tannins, saponins and phenolic compounds that give it aromatizing, disinfectant effects and therapeutic. Its leaves also contain essential minerals such as iron, potassium, calcium and vitamins A and C, which contributes to its value nutritional and medicinal.
The essential oil of the plant, extracted mainly from leaves and flowering tops, is used in the aromatherapy , as a ingredient in medicinal preparations. To learn more about other plants with similar properties, you can consult Other medicinal uses of plants such as Calamintha nepeta.
Traditional and current medicinal uses
- Carminative: Relieves digestive disorders such as flatulence, abdominal bloating, colic, and dyspepsia. Infusions of dried or fresh leaves are a traditional remedy for slow digestion and intestinal spasms.
- Antiseptic and disinfectant: Used for prevent mild infections in case of superficial wounds, thanks to its content of essential oils with antimicrobial action.
- Expectorant and antiasthmatic: Help to relieve the symptoms of colds, asthma, coughs, or flu, facilitating the expulsion of mucus and clearing the airways.
- Febrifuge: Collaborates in the fever reduction through sweating and relief from general discomfort associated with flu.
- Soothing and analgesic: Recommended for headaches, muscle pain, bone pain and to relieve the itching and inflammation caused by insect bites, nettle bites, or other stinging plant bites.
- Regulator of the menstrual cycle: Traditionally it has been used for promote menstruation when there are delays, through infusions of leaves and stems.
- Astringent: Help in cases of mild diarrhea and as a complement in the treatment of intestinal infections.
- Anemia: Thanks to your contribution in iron, can be part of the dietary treatment for people with deficiencies of this mineral.
- Dermatological use: Essential oil and infusions are used to treat acne, superficial wounds, accelerate healing and as a remedy against dandruff to lice when added to shampoo.
- Weight control: Its use may promote the elimination of fats and accelerate metabolism, being useful in weight control programs.
- Anti-cancer propertiesSome studies and traditional medicine attribute preventive properties against certain types of cancer, although this property is still under study and should be administered with caution.
- Aromatherapy: The essential oil is used to reduce stress, induce relaxation and improve mood.
Preparation and use methods
The multiple applications of mentha suaveolens They require different forms of administration depending on the benefit sought:
- InfusionIt is prepared by pouring hot water over fresh or dried leaves (approximately 1 teaspoon per cup), letting it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. It is recommended to take one to three times a day for digestive ailments, colds, or as a general sedative.
- Essential oilObtained by macerating washed leaves and stems in high-proof alcohol for two weeks. The oil is then filtered and frozen to separate it, which is then stored in dark, refrigerated bottles. This oil is used externally in massages, aromatic baths, or in aromatherapy diffusers.
- Poultices: The crushed leaves are applied directly to bites, swellings or inflamed areas to take advantage of their cooling and analgesic effect.
- Cosmetics and hair careThe oil can be added to shampoo to combat dandruff and lice, or as a facial tonic thanks to its disinfectant effect.
- Mouthwash and teeth whitening: The powdered leaves or concentrated infusion help to whiten teeth naturally.
- Topical use: The diluted oil is useful for massages in cases of muscle or joint pain.
- Edible application: Fresh leaves can be added to salads, desserts, jams, jellies, sauces and cheeses, providing a fresh and aromatic flavor.
Contraindications and precautions
Despite its benefits, mentha suaveolens is not free from adverse effects:
- Pregnancy: Its consumption is totally inadvisable during pregnancy, as it may have abortive effects.
- Menthol allergy or asthma: People with a history of menthol allergy or asthma should avoid using them, especially in the form of essential oil or concentrated infusions.
- High dosesExcessive consumption can cause muscle aches, cramps, diarrhea and stomach upset.
- Young children and infants: It is not recommended to administer essential oils or concentrated preparations to minors without professional supervision.
If you have any questions or if you have any medical conditions, always consult a healthcare professional before using this plant for medicinal purposes.
Nutritional properties of Mentha suaveolens
In addition to its therapeutic value, mentha suaveolens is appreciated as seasoning y food flavoringIts leaves are a source of:
- Minerals: Iron, potassium, calcium.
- Vitamins: A and C.
- Antioxidants: Flavonoids and other phenolic compounds.
These properties make it an interesting complement to diets that require vitamin or mineral supplements, as well as for those seeking functional foods with health benefits.
Culinary uses and gastronomic applications
- Salads and cold dishes: The fresh, chopped leaves add freshness and aroma to green salads, fruit salads and starters.
- Desserts and jams: It is used to flavor jams, jellies, sorbets, ice creams and other desserts, taking advantage of its sweet and refreshing flavor.
- sauces and soupsIn Mediterranean cuisine, mastranzo is added to soups, sauces for meat and fish, and even to season fillings and stews.
- Dairy products and cheesesThe leaves can be mixed with cheese creams and are used to flavor fresh cheeses, enhancing their flavor.
- drinks and cocktailsInfusions serve as a base for refreshing drinks. Homemade cocktails and liqueurs also benefit from their fragrance.
Preparation of essential oil and other preparations
El essential oil Mentha suaveolens is easy to prepare at home:
- Carefully wash and dry fresh leaves and stems.
- Place them in a glass container with high-proof ethyl alcohol.
- Cover and let it marinate for two weeks in a cool place, protected from light.
- Filter the mixture and freeze it to separate the alcohol from the oil. When the oil solidifies, separate it and store it in a dark glass jar in the refrigerator.
- This oil has multiple uses: massages, aromatherapy, cosmetics and home remedies.
This preparation is mainly for external use, but can also be used in small doses as food flavoring.
Comparison between Mentha suaveolens and other mint species
mentha suaveolens It is distinguished from other mints such as Mentha piperita (English mint), mentha spicata (peppermint), Mentha pulegium (pennyroyal) or Mentha longifolia (Asian mint), due to its aromatic profile, its greater hardiness and its thick, pubescent leaves. They all share digestive and aromatic properties, but differ in the intensity of its flavor, in its preferred culinary uses and in some specific medicinal applications.
- Mentha piperita: Most used in sweets, chewing gum, pastry and drink recipes.
- mentha spicata: Very popular in Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisine, used in infusions and stews.
- Mentha pulegium: Most commonly used for the treatment of colds and as a natural vasodilator.
The choice of one variety or another will be a matter of preference and the specific use sought.
Growing and caring for Mentha suaveolens
- Substratum: Rich in organic matter, moist and well drained.
- Irrigation: Frequent but not waterlogged. Tolerates some waterlogging, ideal for pond margins or wet areas of the garden.
- ShowroomSun to partial shade. In warm climates, prefers some protection from intense sun.
- Multiplication: Easily by stolons or cuttings.
- Pruning: Recommended to stimulate growth and prevent invasive expansion, as it can become dominant in the garden.
- Animal compatibility: Generally safe for pets, although consumption in large quantities can be harmful.
- HarvestYoung leaves and stems contain the greatest concentration of active ingredients. It is recommended to cut them during peak flowering season.
Curiosities, symbolism and popular tradition
In popular medicine, mentha suaveolens It has served as an insect and flea repellent, hence names like flea killer o AttapulgasIn Galicia and other areas in the north of the Iberian Peninsula, its leaves have been used in bedding and homes to repel parasites.
Its symbolism is linked to the hospitality and freshness, often associated with rites of welcome and purification. Furthermore, its ability to hybridize with other species of the Mentha genus makes it a plant of great botanical interest.
Mentha suaveolens in conservation and biodiversity
This species is not threatened and is classified as "least concern" for conservation due to its wide distribution and abundance. However, its naturalization potential makes it potentially invasive where conditions are optimal and there are no natural competitors, so its expansion in gardens and natural spaces should be monitored.
Glossary of associated botanical terms
- Corolla: Set of petals of a flower.
- Petiolate: Provided with a petiole (the stem that joins the leaf to the stem).
- Verticillast: Type of inflorescence characteristic of the Lamiaceae.
- Stolon: Creeping stems that generate new plants by taking root.
- Nutella: Type of dried fruit, characteristic of the Lamiaceae family.
Frequently asked questions about Mentha suaveolens
- Can it be consumed daily? Consuming tea as an infusion is safe in moderate amounts, but it is important not to overdo it or prolong the treatment without supervision.
- Is it recommended for children? For food use, yes, but medicinal infusions and essential oils should be avoided in young children unless professionally advised.
- How is it preserved? The leaves can be dried in a ventilated, dark place for year-round use; the essential oil should be stored in dark glass containers and refrigerated.
La mentha suaveolens It is one of the most versatile and appreciated plants, both for its medicinal, culinary, and ornamental value. Its responsible and well-informed use can provide numerous health benefits and enrich the daily diet. It is always advisable to consult with specialists if you have any questions or before starting treatments with medicinal plants, to take full advantage of their benefits safely and effectively.
