Contents:
Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Biochemical Information
Legends, Myths and Stories | Uses | Formulas or Dosages | How Sold | Warning | Resource Links
Scientific Names
- Mentha x villosa Huds
- Mentha spicata
- Mentha arvensis Linn
- Mentha nemorosa
- Clinopodium douglasii
Common Names
- Yerba buena
- Hierba buena
- American wild mint
- Brook mint
- Corn mint
- Field mint
- Tule mint
- Pepper mint
- Spearmint
- Large apple mint
- Foxtail mint
- Hairy mint
- Woolly mint
- Cuban mint
- Marsh mint
- Ablebana (Ifugao)
- Herba Buena (Tagalog)
- Hilbas (Tagalog)
- Karapbo (Sur del Norte)
- Minta (Italy)
- Minze (Germany)
- Po-ho (China)
Parts Usually Used
The leaves
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Yerba buena is an aromatic, creeping herb that grows up to 20-40 centimeters high and can reach up to 1 meter in height. It is a perennial plant that takes the form of a sprawling, mat-forming herb. The leaves are about 1.5-4cm long, oblong-ovate in shape, with serrated margins and wrinkled appearance, and are thinly hairy. The flowers are purple to bluish and appear in axillary head-like whorls. The plant belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and possesses characteristic aromatic properties and minty flavor.
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Where Found
Yerba buena is native to Europe and is widely cultivated throughout the Philippines. It is grown throughout the world from North America to Asia and is especially abundant close to coastal areas. The plant is cultivated in various regions including the western United States, Central America, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Colombia (particularly in the Andino region, Cundinamarca and Antioquia). In the Philippines, yerba buena does not grow in the wild but is widely cultivated.
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Medicinal Properties
Yerba buena has been shown to contain analgesic, antibacterial, anthelmintic, anticancer, antiviral, antihypertensive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, hepatoprotective, and antimutagenic properties. Studies have demonstrated that yerba buena possesses vasorelaxant effects, dose-dependent hypotensive activity, and bradycardia effects.
Research has confirmed its effectiveness in treating various conditions including digestive disorders, respiratory ailments, skin conditions, and pain management. The plant has shown significant activity against various bacterial strains including Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and other pathogenic microorganisms. Its antiviral properties have been demonstrated against SARS-CoV-2 and other viral infections.
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Biochemical Information
The main active constituents found in yerba buena essential oil and leaves include:
- Carvone
- Limonene
- Linalool
- Piperitenone oxide or rotundifolone (35.4-55.4%)
- Gamma-muurolene (13.1%)
- Alpha-pinene and beta-pinene
- Cadinene
- 1,8-cineol
- Transocimene
- Menthalactone
- B-sitosterol and B-sitosteryl-B-D-glucoside
- Pulegone
- Menthol
- Menthene
- Menthenone
- Rosmarinic acid (a strong antioxidant)
Legends, Myths and Stories
Yerba buena translates as “good herb” in Spanish, reflecting its widespread reputation for medicinal benefits. The term has been used historically to cover a number of aromatic true mints and mint relatives, all of which are associated with medicinal properties across different cultures and regions.
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Uses
Yerba buena is widely used both for culinary and medicinal purposes. In cooking, it is used in salads and as flavoring for various foods due to its minty flavor. The aromatic properties are also used for scents and fragrances.
Traditional medicinal uses include treatment of:
- Digestive disorders – abdominal pain, indigestion, loss of appetite, gas, diarrhea, and stomach ache
- Respiratory conditions – cough, colds, asthma, and congestion
- Pain management – headache, migraine, toothache, arthritis, and joint pains
- Skin conditions – acne, blackheads, dark spots, insect bites, eczema, wounds, and burns
- Women’s health – menstrual cramps, dysmenorrhea, and morning sickness
- Mental health – stress, anxiety, and as a relaxant
- Oral health – bad breath, mouth sores, gum disease, and swollen tonsils
- Weight management – as a digestive aid and fat burning supplement
- Hypertension and cardiovascular conditions
- Parasitic infections and as an anthelmintic
- Fever and inflammatory conditions
Modern applications include use in commercial mouthwashes, cosmetics, vaporizers, and as an ingredient in various pharmaceutical preparations.
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Formulas or Dosages
Clinical trials have shown that yerba buena at 500 mg dose was effective in relieving mild to severe post-operative pain in 72% of patients within one hour. For most adults, it is safe to consume yerba buena up to 4 cups per day for a period of 1 week for medicinal use.
Yerba Buena Tea (from dried leaves):
- 1 tablespoon of dried yerba buena leaves to one cup of water
- Boil and let steep for 30 minutes
- Strain and take 4 to 6 times daily
Yerba Buena Tea (from fresh leaves):
- 3 tablespoons of cut fresh leaves for every cup of water
- Boil for 10 to 15 minutes
- Remove from heat, let steep, and strain
- Consume 3 to 4 cups a day
For topical application: Fresh leaves can be crushed and the juice applied directly to affected areas, or prepared as a poultice for wounds and skin conditions.
For inhalation: 4 to 5 drops of yerba buena oil or 10 fresh leaves can be added to boiling water for vapor inhalation.
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How Sold
Yerba buena is available in various forms including fresh plants for cultivation, herbal tea bags, powders, tablets, capsules, essential oils, tinctures, massage oils, cosmetics, and commercial preparations. It can be found in supermarkets, health stores, pharmacies, plant nurseries, and through online retailers.
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Warning
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Yerba buena may be safe if consumed in amounts normally found in foods. While small portions may help alleviate nausea during pregnancy, caution is advised for medicinal dosages. There are insufficient studies on side effects during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Pediatric Use: Do not give yerba buena to infants or small children. Do not apply yerba buena oil to infant’s skin as it can cause life-threatening breathing problems. Yerba buena tea may be too strong and cause burning sensation in the mouth for young children.
Acid Reflux or GERD: The relaxing effect on muscles can open the sphincter, causing stomach acid to leak into the esophagus and worsen GERD conditions.
Drug Interactions:
- Diabetes medications: Yerba buena can lower blood glucose levels. Monitor blood sugar closely when taking diabetes medications.
- Hypertension medications: Can lower blood pressure and may strengthen the effects of blood pressure medications.
Other Precautions:
- Fertility: Studies in mice have shown temporary reversible infertility effects.
- Skin irritation: Extended contact may cause skin irritation.
- Toxicity: Purified forms such as tinctures or oils can be toxic if taken in large dosages.
Safety Profile: While yerba buena has shown antimutagenic properties and is generally considered safe when used appropriately, some safety concerns have been noted. Essential oils showed fetal toxic effects in animal studies, including hemorrhagic points in brain, kidney, liver, and vessels near the heart of some fetuses, likely due to vasorelaxant action.
If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare provider. Always use recommended dosages and discontinue use if adverse reactions occur.
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Resource Links
Andean Healing: High-Altitude Herbs of the Inca and Their Descendants
Philippine Council for Health Research and Development – YERBA BUENA: Analgesic drug formulation
MedicalHealthGuide – Yerba buena (Mentha arvensis) Herbal Medicine
