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Muna Tea (Minthostachys mollis)

A culinary and digestif favorite. Muna (Andes Mint) tea is growing in popularity for its delicious mint taste and long historical use supporting gut health and ameliorating altitude illness. It can help relieve bronchial congestion and break up phlegm. It also makes a great mouthwash, skin tonifier, and insect repellent.

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Wherever we traveled in Peru, but particularly in the high country along the Lares trail, our days would inevitably end with a small cup of delicious Muna herbal tea. Muna tea, also known as Muña and Andean mint tea, is a popular herbal remedy in Peru and other South American countries. The herbal tea is made from the leaves of the Minthostachys mollis plant, which is native to the Andes Mountains. Locally, it is used both as a condiment and as a medicinal tea. It has a complex flavor profile that starts out with a sharp peppermint note, then deepens with bass notes that are woody and similar to ginseng.

Andean mint tea has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, particularly for its digestive health benefits. Muna has also shown benefits in oral health and in relieving the symptoms of altitude sickness. Minthostachys mollis tea is rich in oxygenated monoterpenes. Muna tea is known to ameliorate cold and flu symptoms. Studies have shown that Muna has powerful antibacterial, anti-fungal, and carminative qualities. These qualities have helped establish its reputation as a digestive aid.

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Muna Health Benefits

It is believed that Muña can help to heal intestinal problems, reduce inflammation, reduce excess stomach acid, calm digestion, stop diarrhea, and fight parasites. It is thought to have antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, and anti-phlegm properties. As a digestive aid, Muña can be consumed as a tea to help with stomach spasms, gastric issues, indigestion, colic, and bacterial diarrhea.

In traditional medicine, Andean tea has been used as a remedy for bad breath as a halitosis-preventing mouthwash. It has also been used to help heal wounds faster, help prevent ulcers, and promote the health of the intestinal lining. Used as a face wash, the tea can promote skin health, help prevent premature wrinkles, and help counteract the harmful effects of free radicals and oxidative damage from environmental stress.

Muña mint tea is also known for its respiratory health benefits. It may be able to help relieve symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems. This is due to the tea’s anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which can help open up airways and reduce coughing.

Studies also show that Minthostachys mollis has potent anti-fungal activity against the fungal microorganisms Candida albicans, Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes and F. oxysporum. viruses. Given that many fungi are developing resistance to traditional treatments, that’s good news.

Delicious, all-natural Andes mint tea can be blended with all-natural Mediterranean Cistus incanus herbal tea and consumed to help repel ticks and mosquitoes. Both are known to help repel biting insects. Not being bit means less chance of exposure to tick-borne illnesses.

Ancient Inca and other traditional medicine systems suggest Muna tea may support:

Serving Suggestion

Looseleaf Muna Herbal Tea — Add 8 oz (1 cup) of near-boiling, filtered water to one teaspoon of the loose-leaf herb. Let the tea steep for 5 to 7 minutes. Drink 1 to 2 cups, as desired.

Muna herbal tea is intended to be consumed to help relieve acute symptoms, such as stomach ache or altitude sickness. It is most helpful when used for 1 to 3 days.

Additional Information

The Incas commonly used Andean mint, more often known as muña, as it was believed to possess healing properties. The Incas consumed Muna to alleviate stomachache and diarrhea. Inhaling the aroma or vapors of the tea was used to calm the mind and clear the head. The herbal tea was also used to soothe and ease congested breathing. 

Topically, the Inca and other native peoples of Peru used the crushed leaves to speed the healing of bone fractures and to lessen minor ailments, such as rheumatism, bruising, and insect bites.

Andean mint, Andes mint, Arash muña, La Muña, Muña muña, Muña, Poleo, Tipo, and Tipollo.

Bicyclogermacrene, β-Caryophyllene,  Caryophyllene oxide, Carvacrol, Carvacryl acetate, Germacrene-D, α-Humulene, Isomenthone, Limonene, Linalool, Menthen3-ol, Menthone, Neomenthol, trans-Menthone, cis-Menthone, trans-Isopulegone, Pulegone, Piperitone, Piperitenone, Spathulenol, Thymol

No known side effects if consumed in moderation.

Muna herbal tea is intended to be consumed to help relieve acute symptoms, such as stomach ache or altitude sickness. It is most helpful when used for 1 to 3 days.

Some studies have suggested that excessive use may be damaging to the liver.

Weight N/A
Type

Loose Leaf

Weight

50g, 100g, 150g, 250g

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