ETYMOLOGY
The common name 'Catmint' is given as the aroma of its leaves attracts cats. The genus Anisomeles means unequal form, referring to the unequal size of upper and lower anthers found in this plant's flowers. The species epithet refers to its native region India.
🌿CULTIVATION
The plant is mainly cultivated as a medicinal and for the essential oil in its leaves.
The plant is relatively tolerant of infertile soils, and can be propagated by stem cuttings or seeds.
🌿HEALTH BENEFITS
The plant has many curative properties and dried preparations can be found in traditional Chinese medical halls.
🌿ANTI-INFLAMMATORY | ANALGESIC | ANTIOXIDANT | GASTROPROTECTIVE
Whole plant decocted and consumed in folk medicine to treat rheumatism, arthritis, bone pains,
🌿Stems and leaves boiled into syrup and drunk to protect digestive system, treat
abdominal cramps, stomach gas and intermittent fever.
🌿Vapour from hot infusion inhaled to induce perspiration.
🌿Leaf juice fed to children to relieve colic and teething fever.
🌿Leaves are bitter-tasting and chewed to treat toothaches.
🌿Fresh or dried leaves made into a wash for eczema and other skin problems.
and as pain relief.
🌿EDIBLE USES
The plant is used for flavouring sago cakes
🌿OTHER USES
Whole plant burnt as mosquito repellent. Recent research shows that leaf and root powder applied as mulch exhibits inhibitory effect against weeds, and has potential usage as natural herbicide.
An essential oil is obtained from the leaves and used as a hair dressing and as a compound in perfumes and cosmetics.
🌿Local Conservation Status: Indicated as extinct in the wild in the Singapore Red Data Book 2004, but more recently described as a ""weed of uncertain origin" by NUS-Raffles Museum of Biodiversity (Nov 2009). Species does not appear to be commonly sighted in Singapore, eg. only 1 known location in Pulau Ubin.
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