The so-called lady’s mint actually belongs to the species of composite plants and is therefore not a true mint. It probably received its name because of its mint-like scent. It also has its positive effect on the digestive organs in common with mint.
Occurrence and cultivation of women’s mint
Originally, lady’s mint comes from the Caucasus region and later naturalized in southern Europe and Asia. However, feral forms of lady’s mint can also be found in Germany. Lady’s mint bears the scientific name Tanacetum Balsamita and belongs to the plant family of the daisy family (Asteraceae). It is also called balsam herb or lady’s mint. Originally, lady’s mint comes from the Caucasus region and was later naturalized in Southern Europe and Asia. However, feral forms of lady’s mint can also be found in Germany. This naturalization took place through various monastic orders during the Middle Ages. In the so-called “Capitulare” – a decree of Charlemagne – it was listed as a medicinal plant and was then cultivated in all monasteries and state gardens. Today, lady’s mint is largely forgotten. The plant itself is a perennial flowering herbaceous plant with a strong root. The soil should be of loose substance and nutritious. Its shoot axis system is widely branched and forms numerous stolons. The stems are equally widely branched and bear a light down. Its height of growth measures between 80 and 150 centimeters. The foliage leaves reach up to 20 centimeters in length. These are leathery, elongated to ovate and spread an intense fragrance. While the numerous stems grow in spring, the flowering period of lady’s mint occurs in late summer. The flowers are inconspicuous and greenish-yellow in color. They hang in umbel-like panicles on the many stems of the plant.
Effect and application
Use is exclusively the leaves of lady’s mint. In the past, it grew in every convent garden and was used in many ways. The most common form of use – then as now – is the tea infusion. Here, one to two teaspoons of dried lady’s mint are poured over a cup of boiling water. The infusion time is 10 minutes. Then the tea is strained and should be drunk in small sips. The recommended intake is 1 to 3 cups daily. As with all medicinal plants, the tea should be discontinued after about six weeks. This prevents undesirable long-term effects from occurring. After this break, a six-week course of women’s mint tea can be used again. In this way, the balance between side effects and positive effects of the medicinal plant is ensured. Primarily, the internal intake of lady’s mint leaves has a positive effect on the digestive organs. Especially in case of constipation, it is said to provide natural relief. In addition, it alleviates discomfort during monthly menstrual bleeding. This is also the origin of the name women’s mint. In the Middle Ages, monks also used women’s mint for fever and fainting. In addition to the essential oils, it also contains camphor and camphene, which have a vitalizing and stimulating effect. Furthermore, borneol, pinenes, thujone and tannic acids are among the components of lady’s mint. When this medicinal plant was still used regularly, it was also used to stimulate the urge to urinate and thus stimulate the elimination of toxins and water retention in the body. It was also used externally in the form of compresses, baths or washes. This was to promote wound healing in various skin diseases. Similar to its relative – tansy – lady’s mint was also used to treat lice infestations.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Since the mid-16th century, lady’s mint has been regularly included in lists of medicines. Nevertheless, it has lost much of its notoriety. Although its mode of action is so diverse, this recognized medicinal plant is now rarely used. Due to its antispasmodic effect, it is primarily used for complaints of the gastrointestinal tract. Especially when these are accompanied by flatulence and constipation. In this context are also problems during menstruation, which can alleviate the woman mint. Due to its diuretic and thus also expectorant effect, it is also suitable for bile problems, bladder and urethral diseases.The liver and kidneys can also be stimulated to increase excretion and consequently be cleansed. Thus, women’s mint can act as a companion in regular detoxification cures and help prevent serious diseases of the excretory organs. Stimulation of these organs can also counteract increased fluid retention. Edema and other tissue swellings could be treated supportively with lady’s mint. Another advantage of lady’s mint is its astringent and antiseptic effect. This makes it ideal for skin surface injuries. Envelopes with lady’s mint can be applied directly to the affected area. In this way, insect bites can also be treated in a supportive manner. Lady’s mint is also said to be effective against worm infestation. Lady’s mint is considered in the vernacular as a vermifuge. It cleanses the stomach and intestinal tract and can therefore expel tapeworms and various other intestinal parasites. Infections of the upper respiratory tract – accompanied by cough and fever – respond equally well to the intake of lady’s mint tea. Here, too, this medicinal plant supports the recovery process of the human organism with its spasmolytic effect. Thus, the development of bronchitis with mostly accompanying irritable cough can be counteracted. An infusion of tea from leaves of lady’s mint generally helps to let go, relieve tension and reduce nervousness. It should be noted that pregnant women should refrain from taking lady mint. Due to its influence on uterine contractions, taking it could have an unfavorable effect on pregnancy.
