Thymbra spicata vs Mentha longifolia

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Thymbra spicata

Digestive

Digestive

Thymbra spicata

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Mentha longifolia

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Aromatic perennial of the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, one of the main plants called za atar in Arab cuisine.

Wild mint widespread across Europe, Asia, and Africa; used in traditional medicine across many cultures.

Active Compounds

carvacrol, thymol, p-cymene, flavonoids, rosmarinic acid

pulegone, piperitenone, menthol traces, carvone, beta-pinene

Traditional Uses

Traditional Middle Eastern spice and medicine for digestive conditions, Used in Levantine and Anatolian folk medicine

digestive disorders, fever, respiratory infections, headache

Modern Uses

Antimicrobial action, Digestive stimulant, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory

antipyretic, carminative, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory

Adult Dosage

Tea: 1-2 tsp per cup 2x/day

3-5g dried herb or 2-3ml tincture daily

Contraindications

Pregnancy in high doses

pregnancy large amounts - pulegone emmenagogue, GERD

Side Effects

Mild gastrointestinal effects, Skin irritation from essential oil

GI upset, liver concerns with pulegone-rich preparations

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E