• Botanical Name: Mentha arvensis Linn
• Family: Labiatae
• Flowering and fruiting: June-August
• Parts Used: Leaves
• Distribution: Cultivated throughout plain area of Nepal.
• Method of Extraction: Steam Distillation

Description:

A perennial herb, 60 cm high. Leaves simple, opposite, short stalked, oblong, 2.5-5 cm long, obtusely or acutely serrated. Flowers small, lilac in axillary whorls. Fruits nutlets, smooth.

Specification of Mentha Arvensis (Pudina)
1. Organoleptic Properties
Appearance	Slightly thick liquid.
Color	Pale yellow.
Aroma	Strong, fresh and somewhat bitter-sweet.
2. Physico-chemical Properties
Specific gravity	0.8940 to 0.9015 at 25° C
Optical rotation	(-) 15.5 to (-) 45 at 25C
Refractive index	1.4590 to 1.4750 at 25° C
Acid number	0.3 to 5
Ester number	3 to 15
Ester number after acetylation	210 to 255
Solubility	Soluble in 1.2 to 2.5 vol. of 70% alcohol
3. Chemical constituent:
It contains Menthol and menthone
4. Uses
Dried plant is aromatic, antispasmodic, carminative, stomachic, refrigerant, stimulant, emmenogogue and diuretic. In the isolation of menthol crystals, in flavoring toothpastes, mouthwashes and pharmaceuticals Medicinal & Aromatherapy use:Oil is good for the nervous system, acting as a regulator and sedative: Menthol is well known as a cardiac tonic in pharmaceutical preparations. It is a good blood cleanser. Because it is antiseptic and anti-bacterial, it can be used in swollen gums, mouth wash or mouth ulcers, toothache.