Lamiaceae
Mountain Mint
Pycnanthemum virginianum
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Eastern North America
Also known as: Virginia Mountain Mint, Common Mountain Mint, Wild Mint
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
LeafFlower
Therapeutic Uses
Digestive complaints, colds and flu (diaphoretic for fever), upper respiratory infections, headaches, sinus congestion. Traditional Native American herb for colds and fevers.
Herbal Actions
Carminative, diaphoretic, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, decongestant
Active Constituents
Volatile oil (pulegone, isomenthone, menthone, carvacrol), flavonoids, tannins
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1–2 tsp fresh or 1 tsp dried per 250ml, steep 10 min covered, 3x daily |
| Tincture | 2–3 ml (1:5, 45% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Fresh plant superior — highly aromatic. Good substitute for peppermint in digestive formulas. Combine with elderflower and yarrow for fever management. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Contains pulegone — avoid therapeutic doses in pregnancy. Essential oil not for internal use. Culinary amounts safe.
Side Effects: GI irritation at high doses. Pulegone: hepatotoxic in excess. Generally safe at therapeutic herb doses.