MONGOL is an annual plant in the Lamiaceae family, reaching up to 80 cm in height. Its erect stems form a compact bush with dark green, elongated ovoid leaves measuring 1.5 to 4 cm in length. The flowers are small (1.5–2.5 cm), two-lipped, and arranged in a raceme; the coloration varies from white to purple with transitional blue shades. The plant blooms from July until almost the end of September; it requires plenty of moisture during the initial growth period but tolerates drought during full flowering.
MONGOL prefers sunny spots and fertile soils with a medium mechanical composition, avoiding areas contaminated with perennial weeds. In its wild habitat, it is found in the regions of the Far East, Siberia, Mongolia, China, Bulgaria, and Romania, yet it is easily cultivated in garden conditions with moderate watering.
In terms of application, the plant is valued as a spice-aromatic agent. Essential oil with a lemon aroma is extracted from the stems and flowers; dried parts are used in cooking, for making teas, compotes, and in folk medicine. Due to its essential oil content, MONGOL has a calming effect and can replace lemon balm in therapeutic recipes, while containing a higher concentration of active components.
