Pudina - पुदीना
➢ It is an erect, hairy, aromatic herb widely cultivated in India.
➢ The stem is quadrangular, green to purple in color and erect.
➢ The leaves are simple, opposite, dark green, lanceolate to oblong in
shape with a pointed tip and toothed margin. The leaf contains
fragrant essential oil which can be smelled on crushing it.
➢ The flowers are borne in slender spike inflorescence at the end of
branches. Flowers are small, purplish, surrounded by bracts. Sepals
are fused in a bell shape, having triangular teeth and are glandular.
The petals are fused and bi-lipped.
➢ The fruits are small, indehiscent, ovoid nutlets that are brown in
color.
BOTANICAL NAME
Mentha spicata L
FAMILY
Lamiaceae
FLOWERING
July – September
FRUITING
July – September
PROPAGATION
It can be propagated by seeds and vegetative cuttings
PLANT PART USED
Leaves, Twigs
COMMON NAMES:
Mint; Hindi: Pudina; Urdu: Paudina.
USES
✓ The plant is widely cultivated in gardens, temples, houses and
courtyards.
✓ The leaves are used as a condiment and a flavoring agent.
✓ They can be added to tea and other beverages.
✓ Chutney is made of fresh leaves and is famous in India.
✓ It is widely used in food and cosmetic industry, chewing gums,
candies, toothpaste, soaps, etc.
✓ Essential oil extracted is used in Aroma therapy and perfumery.
✓ It has a cooling effect and is good for sore throat, cough, congestion,
digestion, irritable bowel syndrome and nausea.
✓ It also helps to clean out toxins from digestive system, strengthen
the stomach and increase appetite.
✓ The plant also has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
✓ It is an effective skin cleanser as well.
✓ It aids in digestion and in relieving gas from stomach.
✓ Extract of the leaves is used to treat intestinal worms.
✓ It helps to mask bad breath and is good for oral hygiene. Fresh leaves
are directly chewed to remove or avoid bad breath.
✓ Its oil reduces abdominal pains and helps in treating irritable bowel
syndrome.
✓ It provides relief from headache.
