Calamints

Description

Calamintha is a genus of plants that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. Commonly called the calamints, there are about eight species in the genus (around 30 before revisions in taxonomy) which is native to the northern temperate regions of Europe, Asia and America. Calamintha species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Coleophora albitarsella. Calamintha species are used in the popular Middle Eastern culinary blend called za'atar. Za'atar is a general name for any Middle Eastern herb from the genera Origanum (oregano), Calamintha (calamint), Thymus (thyme) and Satureja (savory). It is also the name for a condiment made from the dried herb(s), mixed together with sesame seeds, dried sumac, often salt, and other spices. According to Nissim Krispil, an ethno-botanist and folklore researcher, Calamintha incana infusions aid the birthing women (and those with uterus problems).