Showy Calamint for bruises and rheumatic pain
Showy Calamint, Calamintha grandiflora (formerly Satureja grandiflora), is also called the Large Flowered Calamint and Mint Savory. Although it is not, it was once thought to be related to Winter savory and Summer savory, as you can tell from the old latin name. It is closely related to lesser calamint and common calamint, but not to alpine calamint.
Like common and lesser calamint, showy calamint is a hardy perennial which reaches a height of around 2 feet (60cm). It will grow in any kind of well drained light or medium soil, in sun or semi-shade, and is tolerant of drought. It is attractive to wildlife, and is often grown as an ornamental. If happy, plants often self-seed. They also make good ground cover planted about 18 inches (45cm) apart each way.
The leaves can be used for tea and as flavoring. The flavor is like a cross between mint and savory.
Gather leaves just before flowering in July and dry on open trays in a bright and airy position, but out of direct sunlight. Turn over every day or so until all the leaves are completely, dry, then store in airtight containers in a dark place.
To make a standard infusion, pour 2.5 US cups (1 UK pint, 570ml) of boiling water over 1 oz (30g) of fresh or 3 handfuls of fresh leaves and allow to stand for between 15 minutes and 4 hours, then strain. This infusion can be used as an expectorant to treat unproductive coughs.
A warm poultice can be made by mixing chopped fresh or dried leaves with warm water and wrapping in a bandage, which is then applied to the area to be treated. This can be used to treat bruises and to soothe rheumatic pains.
As with all herbs grown for medicinal use, showy calamint must be grown organically to avoid adulteration of the active constituents by foreign chemicals. To find out more about growing organic herbs visit the Gardenzone.
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