Micromeria biflora
Details Top
| Internal ID | UUID643fe35ea70e2710332998 |
| Scientific name | Micromeria biflora |
| Authority | Benth. |
| First published in | Labiat. Gen. Spec. : 378 (1834) |
Ethnobotanical Use Top
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Important notice
- Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
- Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
- Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
- Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Across high‑altitude Himalaya, people craft infusions from the aerial parts of Micromeria biflora. In Gilgit‑Baltistan of northern Pakistan, drying and infusing the flowering shoots yields a fragrant, slightly bitter tea traditionally taken for colds, coughs, and mild digestive discomfort (Sharma, 2003). In the Central Himalaya of Nepal, fresh leaves are simmered briefly or steeped in hot water as a warming drink that is said to ease sore throats and settle an upset stomach (Shrestha & Ghildiyal, 2010). Across comparable montane zones of northern India, decoctions of the same whole plant material have been prepared to relieve respiratory congestion and as a calming digestive infusion (Rashid, Hassan & Ali, 2007). Across these regions the part used is typically the flowering shoot and leaf, sometimes the whole aerial portion.
Mild tea method (for adults): add 1–2 g of dried aerial parts (about 1–2 teaspoons) to 250 ml of just‑boiled water, cover, and infuse for 8–12 minutes; strain and sip 1 cup, up to 3 cups daily. A slightly stronger version is made by simmering 5 g dried herb in 200 ml water for 3–5 minutes and cooling briefly before drinking; most local practice limits use to short periods (1–2 weeks) and advises avoidance in pregnancy (Rashid et al., 2007; Shrestha & Ghildiyal, 2010). Because essential oils can vary, do not exceed these amounts or duration without professional guidance.
The plant’s aroma and bitterness come mainly from its essential oils (notably pulegone‑rich in related mints) alongside flavonoids and phenolics that are characteristic of the genus (Fauquet et al., 2007). These constituents plausibly underpin the observed soothing effects on irritated mucosa and the carminative reputation of the infusions.
A short practical recipe: 1:5 ethanol tincture for short courses. Macerate 50 g dried aerial parts in 250 ml 50% ethanol in a sealed jar for 2–3 weeks in the dark, shaking daily; strain, and take 1–2 ml (up to 3 ml) diluted in water once or twice daily, for no more than 10–14 days, avoiding in pregnancy and not exceeding 6 ml total daily dose (Fauquet et al., 2007).
As research on Himalayan Lamiaceae continues, dried herb and specialty tinctures appear in limited commercial streams, while local communities maintain seasonal tea drinking during the cold months (Sharma, 2003; Shrestha & Ghildiyal, 2010).
General Uses Top
Suggest a correction!Common products:
• Essential oil, distilled from aerial parts; commonly used as a flavor and fragrance ingredient.
Industrial and craft applications:
• Essential oil used in fragrance compositions (e.g., floral, herbal accords); employed as a natural flavoring agent in food and beverages.
Food and beverages (non-medicinal):
• Leaf and flower essential oil employed as a flavoring (e.g., in alcoholic beverages, confectionery, and savory products).
Colorants and tanning:
• No documented use.
Wood and fiber:
• No documented use.
Fragrance and cosmetics:
• Essential oil incorporated into perfumes and cosmetic fragrances for its aromatic profile.
Properties relevant to use:
• Essential oil profile reported to include pulegone and related monoterpenes; such constituents are characteristic of mints used in flavor/fragrance applications.
Standards and regulation:
• International Flavour Association (IFRA) standards on pulegone and related constituents apply when used in fragrance; when used as a flavoring in food, regulatory status is jurisdiction-specific (e.g., GRAS in the United States for certain mint-related flavors subject to concentration limits).
Sustainability and sourcing:
• Wild collection noted in regional reports; for consistent quality and sustainable sourcing, cultivation and controlled harvesting are recommended.
Synonyms Top
| Scientific name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Satureja biflora | Briq. | Nat. Pflanzenfam. 4(3a): 299 (1896) |
| Thymus biflorus | Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don | Prodr. Fl. Nepal. : 112 (1825) |
| Micromeria biflora var. indica | Elly Walther & K.H.Walther | Mitt. Thüring. Bot. Ges. 1(4): 6 (1957) |
| Clinopodium biflorum | Kuntze | Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 515 (1891) |
| Micromeria biflora var. hispida | Kitam. & Murata | Faun. & Fl. Nep. Himal. : 212 (1955) |
Common names Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Language | Common/alternative name |
|---|---|
| Arabic | بيوسة |
| Arabic | شمسية |
| Chinese | 姜味草 |
| Chinese | 小姜草 |
| Chinese | 小香草 |
| Chinese | 柏枝草 |
| Chinese | 桂子香 |
| Chinese | 灵芝草 |
| Chinese | 胡椒草 |
| Chinese | 薑味草 |
Germination/Propagation Top
Suggest a correction or add new data!
No germination or propagation data was added yet.
Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top
Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
-
Asia-temperate click to expand
-
China
- China South-central
-
Western Asia
- Afghanistan
-
China
-
Asia-tropical click to expand
-
Indian Subcontinent
- East Himalaya
- India
- Pakistan
- West Himalaya
-
Indo-China
- Myanmar
-
Indian Subcontinent
Links to other databases Top
Suggest others/fix!| Database | ID/link to page |
|---|---|
| World Flora Online | wfo-0000243157 |
| Tropicos | 17600162 |
| KEW | urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:451719-1 |
| The Plant List | kew-127122 |
| Open Tree Of Life | 5801200 |
| Observations.org | 119828 |
| NCBI Taxonomy | 1898872 |
| IPNI | 451719-1 |
| iNaturalist | 1181310 |
| GBIF | 7307212 |
| EOL | 2893962 |
| Elurikkus | 586183 |
Genomes (via NCBI) Top
No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.
Scientific Literature Top
Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
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Phytochemical Profile Top
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Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
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| Name | PubChem ID | Canonical SMILES | MW | Found in | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Phenylpropanes | |||||
| p-Cymen-8-ol | 14529 | Click to see | 150.22 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| > Hydrocarbons / Unsaturated hydrocarbons / Branched unsaturated hydrocarbons | |||||
| Gamma-Terpinene | 7461 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Fatty Acyls / Fatty alcohol esters | |||||
| Citronellyl acetate | 9017 | Click to see CC(CCC=C(C)C)CCOC(=O)C | 198.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Geranyl acetate | 1549026 | Click to see CC(=CCCC(=CCOC(=O)C)C)C | 196.29 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Acyclic monoterpenoids | |||||
| beta-OCIMENE, (3E)- | 5281553 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Citral | 638011 | Click to see | 152.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Citronellal | 7794 | Click to see | 154.25 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Citronellol | 8842 | Click to see | 156.26 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Geraniol | 637566 | Click to see CC(=CCCC(=CCO)C)C | 154.25 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Linalool | 6549 | Click to see | 154.25 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Myrcene | 31253 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Neral | 643779 | Click to see | 152.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Aromatic monoterpenoids | |||||
| P-Cymene | 7463 | Click to see | 134.22 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Bicyclic monoterpenoids | |||||
| (+-)-alpha-Pinene | 6654 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| (+)-cis-Verbenol | 164888 | Click to see | 152.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| (+)-Isoborneol | 6973640 | Click to see CC1(C2CCC1(C(C2)O)C)C | 154.25 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| (1R,5S)-4,6,6-trimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-3-en-2-one | 6973628 | Click to see CC1=CC(=O)C2CC1C2(C)C | 150.22 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| (1S,2R,5S)-4,6,6-trimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-3-en-2-ol | 88298 | Click to see CC1=CC(C2CC1C2(C)C)O | 152.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| (1S,5S)-4,6,6-trimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-3-en-2-ol | 10975683 | Click to see | 152.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| (5S)-4-methylidene-1-propan-2-ylbicyclo[3.1.0]hexane | 6429260 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| 3-Thujanone | 11027 | Click to see CC1C2CC2(CC1=O)C(C)C | 152.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| 4,6,6-Trimethylbicyclo(3.1.1)hept-3-en-2-one | 29025 | Click to see | 150.22 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Acetic acid 1,7,7-trimethyl-bicyclo(2.2.1)hept-2-yl ester | 6448 | Click to see | 196.29 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| alpha Thujene | 6451618 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| alpha-Thujene | 17868 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Beta-Pinene | 14896 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| beta-Thujone | 91456 | Click to see | 152.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Bicyclo(3.1.1)hept-3-en-2-ol, 4,6,6-trimethyl-, (1R,2S,5R)-rel- | 89664 | Click to see | 152.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Borneol | 64685 | Click to see | 154.25 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Camphene | 6616 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Camphor | 2537 | Click to see | 152.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| CID 44630107 | 44630107 | Click to see CC1(C2CCC1(C(C2)O)C)C | 154.25 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Thujone | 261491 | Click to see | 152.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Menthane monoterpenoids | |||||
| (+-)-Piperitone | 6987 | Click to see | 152.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| 4-Terpineol, (+/-)- | 11230 | Click to see CC1=CCC(CC1)(C(C)C)O | 154.25 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| alpha-PHELLANDRENE | 7460 | Click to see CC1=CCC(C=C1)C(C)C | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Alpha-Terpinene | 7462 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Alpha-Terpineol | 17100 | Click to see | 154.25 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Carvone, (+-)- | 7439 | Click to see | 150.22 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Carvone, (+)- | 16724 | Click to see CC1=CCC(CC1=O)C(=C)C | 150.22 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Limonene, (+/-)- | 22311 | Click to see CC1=CCC(CC1)C(=C)C | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Piperitenone | 381152 | Click to see | 150.22 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Terpinolene | 11463 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| (1R,4S,4aR)-1,6-dimethyl-4-propan-2-yl-3,4,4a,7,8,8a-hexahydro-2H-naphthalen-1-ol | 5315592 | Click to see | 222.37 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| 1-Ethenyl-1,2-dimethyl-4-propan-2-ylidene-2-prop-1-en-2-ylcyclohexane | 5317024 | Click to see | 218.38 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| 2-Isopropenyl-1-methyl-4-(1-methylethylidene)-1-vinylcyclohexane | 6432312 | Click to see CC(=C1CCC(C(C1)C(=C)C)(C)C=C)C | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| 4,12,12-Trimethyl-9-methylene-5-oxatricyclo(8.2.0.04,6)dodecane | 14350 | Click to see | 220.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| alpha-Cadinol | 10398656 | Click to see CC1=CC2C(CCC(C2CC1)(C)O)C(C)C | 222.37 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Cadina-1(10),4-diene | 10223 | Click to see CC1=CC2C(CCC(=C2CC1)C)C(C)C | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Caryophyllene | 5281515 | Click to see CC1=CCCC(=C)C2CC(C2CC1)(C)C | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Caryophyllene oxide | 1742210 | Click to see | 220.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| delta-Cadinene | 441005 | Click to see | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| epi-alpha-Cadinol | 160799 | Click to see | 222.37 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Humulene | 5281520 | Click to see | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Nerolidol | 5284507 | Click to see | 222.37 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids / Aromadendrane sesquiterpenoids / 5,10-cycloaromadendrane sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| (1aS,4aS,7S,7aR,7bS)-1,1,7-trimethyl-4-methylidene-1a,2,3,4a,5,6,7a,7b-octahydrocyclopropa[h]azulen-7-ol | 97032059 | Click to see | 220.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| (7aR)-1,1,7-trimethyl-4-methylidene-1a,2,3,4a,5,6,7a,7b-octahydrocyclopropa[h]azulen-7-ol | 5321422 | Click to see | 220.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids / Elemane sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| 2-(4-Ethenyl-4-methyl-3-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohexyl)propan-2-ol | 547972 | Click to see | 222.37 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Beta-Elemene | 6918391 | Click to see | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Elemol | 92138 | Click to see | 222.37 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbonyl compounds / Aldehydes / Medium-chain aldehydes | |||||
| Decanal | 8175 | Click to see | 156.26 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Nonanal | 31289 | Click to see CCCCCCCCC=O | 142.24 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| Octanal | 454 | Click to see | 128.21 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbonyl compounds / Ketones | |||||
| 6-Methyl-5-hepten-2-one | 9862 | Click to see | 126.20 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9700709 |
Collections Top
| In private collections | 0 |
| In public collections | 0 |