Very aromatic evergreen grass, 20 – 100 cm high, erect and smooth. Quadrangular stems, usually reddish. Opposite leaves, with serrated edge, 4.5 – 8.5 cm long and 0.8 – 2 cm wide.
Leaves.
Essential oils rich in menthols, as well as in bitters and tannins, which provide digestive-tonic, antispasmodic, analgesic, carminative and expectorant properties.
Use essential oil with caution on sensitive or allergy-prone skin.
Fresh leaves as garnishes for desserts, punch or summer drinks.
The standard infusion of fresh or dried leaves relieves stomach pain due to indigestion or slow digestion. The menthol content is analgesic; and in aromatherapy is used for massages for poor circulation and abdominal tension.