The Mexican Mint tea has properties antibacterial, it is used against various disorders in indigenous system of medicine, such as Flu, severe bronchitis, asthma, diarrhoea, against mycobacterium tuberculosis, epilepsy, renal and vesicle calculi, fever. Used as a smoothening (antitussive) agent against throat infections and a natural cure for tonsils (see Ref. N° 1).
Its main components are p-cimene, thymol and carvacrol, this last inhibits the growth of various strains of bacteria for example Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus. It is used as a food additive to prevent bacterial contamination. (See ref. N ° 5).
The Mexican Mint
Mexican Mint (Indian Borage) is a semi-succulent perennial plant in the family Lamiaceae with a pungent oregano-like flavor and odor. The origin of Coleus amboinicus is unknown, but it may be native to Africa, and possibly India. Coleus amboinicus is widely cultivated and naturalized elsewhere in the tropics where it is used as a spice and ornamental plant.
Common names in English include Indian Borage, Mexican Mint, country borage, French thyme, Indian mint, Cuban oregano, soup mint, Spanish thyme. The species epithet, amboinicus refers to Ambon Island, in Indonesia, where it was apparently encountered and described by João de Loureiro (1717 – 1791). (see ref N ° 8).
Mexican Mint Properties
A study performed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities of the hydroalcoholic extract from leaves of Plectranthus amboinicus was an attempt to determine whether the medicinal uses are supported by pharmacological effects (See Ref. N° 4).
Anti-inflammatory activity was determined by carrageenan-induced paw edema method. The antitumor effect was evaluated in an in vivo experimental study, using the following tumors: Sarcoma-180 and Erlich ascite carcinoma, inhibited the growth of sarcoma-180 and Ehrlich ascite carcinoma tumors in mice. The results suggest that the hydroalcoholic extract of Plectranthus amboinicus possesses anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities, supporting the folk use of this medicinal specie. Indications in the context of respiratory conditions.
Mexican Mint Uses
Mexican Mint tea has been used in flu, asthma and to relieve cold, headache, and fever (See ref. N° 6). The Mexican Mint leaves is used as a food additive to prevent bacterial contamination. It damages the cell membrane and inhibits the proliferation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (See ref. N° 3).
There is an investigation of antimycobacterial effects of various essential oils including p-cymene, thymol and carvacrol (main components of the Mexican Mint tea) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis that showed to be active antimicrobials against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Carvacrol and thymol were the most active terpenes. (See ref. N 7). No toxicity reported at the indicated dose Overall, safety is High (See Ref. N° 2).
Specific warnings and precautions of use. The use is contraindicated for hypersensitivity to the active substance. Children, under 30 months of age, should not use this plant due to thymol containing preparations, can induce laryngospasm. Overall assessment. Mexican Mint profile and chemistry fit as an anti-inflammatory therapy in the context of upper respiratory affections and could be useful in the relief of respiratory disease through exerting an anti-inflammatory effect on the respiratory tract and in the treatment of Flu. (See ref. N° 2).
How to cultivate Mexican Mint?
Mexican Mint is a fast-growing plant commonly grown in gardens and indoors in pots (see ref. N° 8) and grows well in subtropical locations, but will do well in cooler climates if grown in a pot and brought indoors, or moved to a warm, sheltered position in winter. In Hawaii and other humid tropical locations, the plant requires full sun.
How to make a Mexican Mint recipe for Cold?
Ingredients:
Dosage based on traditional uses,
- 3-5 grams of fresh Mexican Mint leaves.
- 150 ml of water.
Procedure:
- Boil the water, once it is boiling, introduce the Mexican Mint leaves, let it heat up for 30 seconds.
- After 30 seconds, turn off the heat, let it rest, add a teaspoon of honey or sugar, it should be consumed while warm (temperature tolerable to our body).
- Repeat 2 or 3 times a day, for 3 days. Note: You should always consult and maintain control with a licensed medical specialist for any pathology you have.
