- Region
- South America
- Origin
- The Andes, from Venezuela to Bolivia
South America · Herb · № 816
Minthostachys mollis
Herb · South America
Muña
Minthostachys mollis
A mint-like plant used in the Andes for stomach complaints and wind.
Safety notes
Few known risks in normal use as a tea; not in high doses during pregnancy.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Healing traditions of the Americas: Not in large amounts during pregnancy.
- Kallawaya healing in Bolivia: Not during pregnancy.
Preparation
As a tea of the fresh or dried leaves; also as a spice.
Use in traditions
Used by Andean peoples, including the Kallawaya, for digestive complaints and altitude sickness. Farmers lay muña among stored potatoes to keep insects away. In northern Peru muña is drunk for colic, wind and stomach ache, and the leaf is eaten as a vegetable in soup.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Healing traditions of the Americas
Attributed effects
For stomach ache, wind, diarrhoea and altitude sickness; farmers lay muña among stored potatoes against insects.
Preparation and amount
Tea of fresh or dried leaves; also as a spice.
Caution: Not in large amounts during pregnancy.
Kallawaya healing in Bolivia
Attributed effects
For stomach complaints and colic, especially after 'cold' food; after childbirth to keep the mother warm. Midwives gave it to strengthen contractions, but only at the height of labour.
Preparation and amount
Steep a sprig for 10 minutes.
Caution: Not during pregnancy.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)Powder and kitchen
- Recipes
- Muña tea