Habitat
Perennial herb Native to
Eastern North America from Wisconsin to Vermont, South to Florida. Found in dry woods,
thickets, fields, clearings and rural roadsides. Cultivation: Downy Wood Mint prefers well
drained fertile soil and partial shade, sow seed in fall as soon as gathered, cover
lightly. Downy Wood Mint is very aromatic, it attracts butterflies and bees to the garden.
The plant stands about 3 feet tall the stems are branched opposite. The leaves are light
green, whitish downy beneath, opposite, simple, subsessile to short-petiolate, lanceolate
ovate and slightly serrate. Flowers are blue to purple, arranged in whorls and separated
by a row of fringed bracket like round platforms or pagodas, hence pagoda plant. There may
be as many as 6 to 7 pagodas full of flowers, per stem sometimes weighing the plant and
bending it down. Flowers bloom is from May thru September. Young shoots are edible. Gather
flowers and leaves in bloom, dry for later herb use.
Properties Downy Wood Mint is edible and medicinal,
the aromatic leaves, like peppermint, can be prepared like those of true mints, steeped in
hot water, flavor jellies, sauces, dressings, cool drinks and hot tea. The tender basal
shoots are used fresh in salads. An infusion of the herb is used in alternative medicine
as an alterative (for that run down feeling), analgesic, antiseptic, diaphoretic,
carminative and tonic. The medicinal tea is used in the treatment of indigestion, colic,
coughs, colds, chills and fevers. A warm poultice of the leaves will relieve a sinus
headache. Chewing the fresh leaves kills bacteria in the mouth and is good for teeth and
gums.
Folklore Used as a ceremonial smudging herb by some Native
American tribes, to drive away evil spirits when a person was dying.
Recipe "Medicinal" tea: To 1 heaping tbls. fresh or 1 tsp. dry herb
add 1 cup water steep for 10 min. take hot for coughs, colds, chills and fevers.
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questions about herbs, please email
karen@altnature.com
Editor Karen Bergeron 1919 N. Main St
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Disclaimer: This
herbal web site was designed to teach about herbs, wild herb
conservation, historical uses and latest herb research. This
information is presented for educational use only. It is not
meant to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease.
Please discuss your health issues as well as herb and
supplement use with your doctor.
