Common Calamint

Eight of so species are included in this genus, ranging throughout Europe to C Asia. Several species are attractive and aromatic perennials for dry, sunny borders or containers. In addition to those described below, the pink-flowered C. grandiflora (mint savory, showy calamint) and its cultivar 'Variegata' have mint-scented foliage that can be used for flavoring or teas. Calamints were "officinal" herbs of the pharmacopoeia in medieval times, but are regarded as more ornamental than useful by medicinal herbalists today. According to Culpeper (The English Physician Enlarged, 1653), calamint "hinders conception in women", and "works very violent upon the feminine part" - a view repeated in the Irish Herbal (1775), which recommends it "to expel dead child from womb". The active constituent is pulegone, as found in Mentha pulegium, (see pennyroyal, which is known to cause abortion.

Rhizomatous perennial with mint-scented, slightly toothed leaves. Pale lilac, dark spotted flower from mid-summer to early autumn

Common Name:	Common Calamint
Botanical Name:	Calamintha sylvatica syn. C. ascendens, C. officinalis
Genus:	Calamintha
Family:	Lamiaceae
Cultivation:	Well-drained to dry, neutral to alkaline soil in sun.
Propagation:	By seed sown under cover in spring or autumn; by softwood cuttings in early summer; by division in spring.
Harvest:	Flowering plants and leaves are cut in summer and used fresh, or dried for infusions.
Native Location:	Eurasia, Middle East
Height:	60cm (24in)
Width:	60cm (24in)
Hardiness:	Z4-9
Parts Used:	Whole plant, leaves
Properties:	Like C. nepeta, but not as strong
Medicinal Uses:	As for C. nepeta
Culinary Uses:	Leaves have a mint-marjoram flavor, used to flavor roasts, "gamy" meat, and vegetables, such as zucchini and mushrooms.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown. Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 149-150