Clinopodium

/ˌklɪnəˈpoʊdiəm/ noun

Definition

A genus of small herbaceous plants in the mint family, also known as self-heal or ground ivy.

Etymology

From Greek 'klīnē' (bed) and 'podion' (little foot), referring to the way the plant's flower clusters appear to rest or lie at the base. Named in historical botanical taxonomy.

Kelly Says

Clinopodium plants were used in medieval medicine as remedies for wounds and sore throats—monks grew them in herb gardens because the 'bed-foot' shape supposedly indicated where to apply them.

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