Calamintha officinalis
Folk Names: Acinos vulgaris, Basil Thyme, Calamintha menthifolia, Mountain Balm, Mountain Mint, Thymos acinos
Description: Calamint is found in dry earth in fields with chalky, gravelly, or sandy soils. It is small, bushy perennial, six to eight inches high. Calamint is slender and leafy, branching at the base. The short-stalked hairy leaves are egg-shaped and a fourth to a half inch long with prominent veins beneath. The half-inch flowers come into bloom from July to August, producing whorls of blooms from the leaf axils and the top of the plant. The corellas are bluish-purple and variegated with white on the lower lip in the middle of which is a purple spot. The calyx is two-lipped, and the lower lip bulges at the base with prominent ribs and bristly hairs. Hairiness varies greatly from plant to plant. It gives off a scent weaker, yet reminiscent of thyme.
Effects: strong
Planet: Mercury
Element: earth, fire
Associated Deities:
Traditions:
Like basil, calamint was said to drive off the basilisk.
Magic:
Calamint was a great favorite of the old herbalists. Gerard suggested twelve uses to which it could be put “without fear of failure.” According to him, it would not only cure the bite of a poisonous snake, it would also drive the serpent off if burned or scattered. Calamint would heal bruises received from a beating or blow, though Galen suggests it be used fresh rather than dried for this purpose. As a tea or bathing herb, it may be used to soothing away sorrows and recover from emotional pain. It is also suggested to sooth the nerves and strengthen the body in a bath. One drop of oil, put onto a wad of wool, will sooth a toothache according to the old herbalists. Placed by milk in a dairy, it will prevent the milk from being turned by thunder.
Known Combinations:
None noted
Medical Indications: Parts Used:
Nutrition:
Calamint may be used in salads and to season meat.
Mercantile Uses: