Polei mint (Mentha pulegium), also called fleabane, deer mint or polei for short, belongs to the mint genus, within the labiates family. It looks similar to the normal peppermint, but is smaller.
Occurrence and cultivation of Polei mint.
It used to be an integral part of farm gardens, but is now rarely found there. Polei mint is originally from southern Europe and has spread from Macronesia through the Mediterranean to northern Iran. In Germany it has become rare and grows only scattered, mainly in the large river valleys. It is therefore listed as a very endangered plant species in the Red List. The mint prefers a nitrogen-rich, lime-poor or also muddy clay soil. Damp meadows, riverbanks and lakeshores are preferred by Mentha pulegium, as are damp places along unpaved paths. Therefore, for establishment in the garden, pond edges would be very suitable. Since the mint is content with above-ground runners, the amateur gardener does not have to worry about sprawling growth, as is characteristic of other mint species. The herbaceous plant grows between 10 and 50 centimeters high. Flowering time is from May to September. Polei mint is one of the so-called “grape plants”, which produce a lot of nectar and pollen and are therefore readily approached by bees and bumblebees. It used to be an integral part of farm gardens, but is now rarely found there.
Effect and application
Even in ancient times and the Middle Ages, Mentha pulegium was a valued medicinal plant, despite its known toxicity. As the name pulegium suggests (pulex=”flea”), mint was used as a scattering herb against fleas. Hildegard von Bingen appreciated the psychic effect of polemic and recommended for pains in the brain, by which she meant a kind of madness, a decoction with wine wrapped around the head as a poultice. Paracelsus prescribed the plant as a diuretic, especially for diabetes. It was also used as a gargle against angina. Along with other herbs such as sage and sarsaparilla root, polei mint was used to purify the blood in the spring. Like many other plants, the herb was very popular as an aphrodisiac. It also became famous as an abortifacient as early as the 5th century BC. To achieve this effect, the herb was administered in high doses, which, however, often led to a fatal outcome for mother and child. Responsible for this effect is pulegone, a monoterpene ketone found throughout the plant, which is harmful to health. The famous physician and pharmacologist in ancient times, Dioscorides (1st century AD) confirmed this dangerousness. Nevertheless, the plant continued to be used for its pleasure-increasing effects and was mixed into love potions or made into pills. Until the 20th century, Polei mint circulated in England as a sexually stimulating agent under the name Pennyroyal, which is the English name for Mentha pulegium. The main active ingredient of the herb is essential oils, including up to 80 percent of the harmful pulegone. It spreads the typical minty smell. Even centigram doses of pulegone can trigger abortions. In addition, the plant contains diosmin, flavone glycosides, tannins, hesperidin, isomenthone, menthone, neoisomenthylacetate and piperitone. Due to its toxicity, the plant should only be used externally. Excessive doses may cause poisoning with colic, convulsions, vomiting, and respiratory paralysis. Continuous use can lead to liver damage. In children, mint oils should not be allowed to enter the mouth and nose area, as respiratory arrest may be induced. In homeopathy, mint herb is used to treat ailments of the digestive tract. For processing, all parts of the flowering plant are used.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Despite its toxicity, Mentha pulegium continues to have its place in the natural medicine market, although it has become less important. Its main uses still include menstrual and digestive complaints. The herb is also used for headaches, mild respiratory infections, fever, and rheumatic diseases. Mint is said to have analgesic, disinfectant and anti-inflammatory effects. In the past, poultices with tea infusions were made for skin ailments. Because of its toxic ingredient pulegone, Polei mint she is the only mint that can not be used as a tea. Therefore, internal use is not recommended due to toxicity.This is especially true for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Only as a spice, the herb is acceptable and herbalists like to use it in the kitchen. Fresh or dried Polei mint flavors meat and sausage dishes and can be easily added during cooking or frying. The fresh mint smell is pleasant. The spice is helpful in fat digestion and prevents stomach acidity, heartburn and gastritis. Hildegard von Bingen also recommended pole mint honey for urinary tract infections. It is easy to make: slightly warm 100 ml of wine vinegar, add 3 tablespoons of honey, also warmed. Mix both well and add half a tablespoon of ground poolei mint. As a cure, one tablespoon of it is mixed into a cup of tea and drunk daily before lunch and dinner. A safe dosage is one gram of polemic mint per day. The herb is offered in a shaker by the herbalist. Otherwise, internal use is advisable only in the form of ready medicines. For external use is suitable tea from dried leaves, which is poured over with boiling water. Leave to infuse for ten minutes, then strain. This decoction can be used for baths, ablutions and compresses. Polei oil can be used to drive away unwanted house guests such as fleas, mice and rats.
