Pycnanthemum, habitually termed as mountain mint, has yet another deceiving name because neither it is a mint nor it is grown anywhere near the mountains. It belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae. Mountain mints have a strong scent and pungency so they are used in cooking and herbal preparations.
Mountain mints grow in the form of clusters, having both width and height of 3 feet. Its foliage releases a wonderful peppermint-like scent when they receive the heat of the sun or when they are crushed. The plant also proffers pinkish-white flowers that are liable to invite pollinating insects to the garden.
Mountain mint has a myriad of fringe benefits. It is used in herbalism to treat digestive tract disorders like mouth sores, bleeding gums, indigestion, colic, and flatulence. Mountain mint is also useful for menstrual disorders. Its decoctions are quite helpful in healing wounds, curing fever, and pains of various origins (especially toothache).
The leaves of mountain mint are rich in limonene, menthone, pulgeon, and menthol. All these biologically active ingredients work wonders in imparting the mountain mint its signature aroma and pharmacological actions.