Corn Mint

Mentha haplocalyx

Bo He Corn Mint Parts used Uses Habitat and cultivation Constituents

Perennial herb growing to 2 ft (60 cm). Corn mint has a square stem, toothed oval leaves, and whorls of pale lilac flowers growing from the leaf axils.

Corn mint was first mentioned in Grandfather Lei's Discussion of Herb Preparation (c. AD 470). A 15th-century Chinese prescription recommended corn mint for bloody dysentery.

PARTS USED

Aerial parts.

USES

In Chinese herbal medicine corn mint is a popular treatment for colds, sore throats, sore mouth and tongue, and a host of other conditions ranging from toothache to measles. Like peppermint (M. x piperita), it helps to lower the temperature, has anti congestive properties, and may be taken for dysentery and diarrhea. The juice has also been used to treat earache. Corn mint is often combined with ju hua (Chrysanthemum x morifolium) to treat headaches and bloodshot or sore eyes.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Corn mint is native to temperate regions of the northern hemisphere and is widely cultivated in China. Harvested 2-3 times a year, the best crops are in early summer and early autumn.
Perennial. Have many species and varieties, including orange, pineapple, and apple mint, peppermint, and spearmint; the last two are the most common. Mints grow in sun or partial shade and need an enriched soil and regular watering. They spread rapidly unless the roots are restricted by underground barriers.

CONSTITUENTS

Corn mint contains a volatile oil comprising mainly menthol (up to 95%) with menthone, menthyl acetate, camphene, limonene, and other terpenoids.