642 LABIATA. 
principle, hence they are frequently tonic and _ stomachic. 
Several are used in perfumery on account of their agreeable 
odours ; and many are employed by the cook for flavouring, such 
as Thymus vulgaris (Garden Thyme), Thymus citriodorus (Lemon 
Thyme), Salvia officinalis (Sage), Origanum vulgare (Marjoram), 
Majorana hortensis (Sweet Marjoram), Satwreta montana (Win- 
ter Savory), Satwreia hortensis (Summer Savory). &c. The 
fleshy underground stems of Stachys palustris and of a species 
of Ocymum are edible. 
Anisomelos malabarica is in great repute in Southern India as a remedy 
in intermittent fevers, catarrhal affections, &c. ‘ 
Hedeoma pulegioides, American Pennyroyal, is much used in the United 
States (where the leaves and tops are official) as an emmenagogue, and also 
occasionally as a stimulant and carminative. 
Lavandula.—The flowers of I. vera, Common Lavender, yield by distil- 
lation with water English Oil of Lavender, which is official in the British 
Pharmacopeeia; it is largely used in perfumery, and also in medicine as a 
stimulant, stomachic, and carminative. The flowers and leaves are likewise 
occasionally employed as a sternutatory. The flowers of LZ. spica, French 
Lavender, yield Oil of Spike or Foreign Oil of Lavender, which has a much 
less agreeable odour than the English Oil; it is not employed medicinally, 
but principally by painters and varnish-makers, and to adulterate English 
Oil of Lavender.—L. Stechas also vields by distillation an essential oil, 
which is commonly distinguished as the True Oil of Spike. 
Marrubium vulgare, Common Horehound, is much employed as a domestic 
remedy in coughs, &c. The leaves and tops are official in the United States 
Pharmacopeeia. 
Melissa officinalis, Common Balm, possesses mild stimulant properties. 
It is used as a diaphoretic in fevers, as an exhilarating drink in nervous 
affections, and as an emmenagogue. 
Mentha, Mint.—Several species are employed in medicine, and as sweet 
herbs. The volatile oils of two species are official in the British Pharma- 
copeia, namely, of M. viridis, Spearmint, and of M. piperita, Peppermint.— 
M. Pulegium, Pennyroyal, M. rotundifolia, M. aquatica, M. arvensis, and 
others, have similar properties. The stearoptene called menthol, which is 
official in the British Pharmacopeeia, is said to be derived from M. arven- 
sis, vars. piperascens et glabrata, and M. piperita. It has been largely used 
as an external application for relieving neuralgia. It has also powerful 
antiseptic properties ;.and acts internally as a diffusible stimulant. All 
the species and varieties are more or less aromatic, stimulant, and carmi- 
native. 
Micromeria Thea-sinensis is used in France as a substitute for China Tea. 
Monarda.—M. punctata, Horsemint, is used medicinally in the United 
States. In its properties it resembles the ordinary mints, but it is more 
stimulating. This plant is also one of the sources of the official thymol. (See 
Thymus vulgaris.) —M. fistu’osa is said to be febrifugal. The leaves of M. 
didyma and M. purpurea are used in North America as tea under the name 
of Oswego Tea. The flowers of IZ. didyma contain a colouring principle like 
cochineal, and have been used for the preparation of a kind of carmine. 
Nepeta Cataria, Catmint.—The leaves and tops are used in the United 
States, and resemble the ordinary Mints in their properties, 
Ocymum.— O. album is used in India as tea, which is known as Toolsie 
Tea.—O. sanctum, O. Basilicum, and other species, are reputed throughout 
India to possess stimulant, diaphoretic, and expectorant properties. 
Origanum.—O. vulgare, Common or Wild Marjoram, has similar pro 
perties to the other labiate plants. The herb is official in the United States 
