Mentha arvensis, pharmaceutical herb: a review

Mentha arvensis, commonly known as corn mint, field mint or wild mint is a species of flowering plant belongs to family Lamiaceae. The Corn mint used as a domestic herbal remedy, especially for its antiseptic properties and digestion. The whole Corn mint plant is anaesthetic, antiphlogistic, antispasmodic, antiseptic, aromatic, carminative, and diaphoretic, and emmenagogue, galactofuge, refrigerant, stimulant and stomachic. A tea made from the leaves has traditionally been used in the treatment of fevers, headaches, digestive disorders and various minor ailments. The leaves of Mentha arvensis are a classical remedy for stomach cancer. The essential oil in the leaves is antiseptic, though it is toxic in large doses. Mint extracts and menthol related chemicals are used in food, drinks, cough medicines, creams and cigarettes. Menthol is widely used in dental care, as a mouth wash potentially inhibiting streptococci and lactobacilli bacteria.