Lamiaceae
Bergamot Mint
Mentha citrata
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe (cultivated hybrid)
Also known as: Eau de Cologne Mint, Orange Mint, Lemon Mint, Apple Mint
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Leaf
Therapeutic Uses
Digestive complaints, anxiety (linalool aromatherapy), insomnia (mild), respiratory infections. Bergamot-orange scented mint.
Herbal Actions
Carminative, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, anxiolytic (linalool), antidepressant (aroma)
Active Constituents
Volatile oil (linalool 40–75% — primary, linalyl acetate, menthol trace, limonene), flavonoids, rosmarinic acid
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture⚗️ Essential Oil
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2 tsp fresh per 250ml, steep 5 min covered, 3x daily |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 40% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Primarily culinary and aromatic. Higher linalool than peppermint — more gentle and anxiolytic. Excellent fresh herb tea. Different from bergamot orange. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Avoid therapeutic doses in pregnancy. Very safe otherwise.
Side Effects: GI upset (high doses). Very well tolerated.