Calamintha officinalis – cut calamint

Calamint is a Mediterranean perennial plant with small, oval leaves and pale pink to purple flowers. Used in herbal medicine since ancient times, it grows wild in dry, rocky soils. Its aerial part is harvested at the beginning of flowering to ensure the best aromatic quality.

Description

Dried fragments of stems, leaves, and flowers ranging from gray-green to pale purple in color. Intense minty aroma and fresh, slightly camphor-like flavor.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Calamint, calamint, mountain mint
• Latin name: Calamintha officinalis
• Family: Lamiaceae
• Part used: Aerial part (leaves and flowers)
• Form: Cut, dried
• Origin: Southern Europe, Mediterranean basin
• English name: Calamint
• Name in German: Steinquendel
• Name in Spanish: Calamento
• Name in Italian: Calamento
• Name in Arabic: الكالامينثا (al-Kālamintha)

Main virtues

Traditionally valued for its invigorating and refreshing properties, calamint is often used to promote good digestion, soothe the respiratory tract, and freshen breath. It also features in wellness rituals thanks to its invigorating scent.

Main constituents

Essential oils (menthone, pulegone), flavonoids, tannins, rosmarinic acid.

Use and dosage

• Infusion: 1 tablespoon for 200 ml of hot water, infuse for 8 to 10 minutes, filter.
• Steam bath: 2 to 3 spoonfuls in a bowl of hot water for inhalation.
• In the kitchen: to flavor sauces, cold infusions or desserts.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical advice.
• Contains powerful aromatic compounds: respect the recommended doses.
• Store in a dry place away from light to preserve aromas.

History and origin

Calamint was already known to the Greeks and Romans for its digestive and stimulant properties. It was used in medicinal wine preparations and aromatic poultices. Its rich aroma still makes it highly valued in folk traditions and gentle aromatherapy today.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: airtight jar away from humidity.
• Packaging: kraft bag, metal box, tinted jar.
• Appearance: Dried green and floral fragments.
• Smell: minty, fresh, slightly lemony.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Mediterranean herbalism
• Ancient and medieval medicinal corpus
• Medicinal flora of southern Europe

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

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