by Shanan King

Created on: January 19, 2012   Last Updated: February 08, 2012

Traditionally used worldwide for its medicinal properties and culinary value, Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii), known by the Spanish as Hierba Buena or Good Herb, is a rambling, aromatic perennial herb from the mint family. Native to western and northwestern North America, Yerba Buena, introduced by the Spaniards to the eastern world, is now cultivated from North America to Asia. Growing up to 1 meter in height with oblong shaped leaves, Yerba Buena’s sprawling, mat-forming plant with flowers ranging in color from whitish to bluish to purplish is also traditionally grown in gardens or planters for ornamental and aromatic appeal as well as for close proximity when in need of its precious leaves and stems.

The Good Herb, scientifically named Mentha arvensis Linn., is also known by many other names including Minta, Mint, Peppermint, Ablebana, and Po-ho. Its traditional use in salads, as a plating garnish, as a breath freshener, as a flavorful and aromatic herb for food preparation, and as a tea, are perhaps the most popularly known ways of enjoying Yerba Buena’s bounty. However, in 1992, this herb’s centuries old medicinal properties landed it on a list of top 10 medicinal plants for common health problems, published by the Department of Health of the Philippines, in the form of a brochure.

Yerba Buena, used worldwide, yields a volatile oil at 0.22%, containing pulegone, menthol, menthene, menthenone and limonene. Other oils include terpinoline and a-phellandrene. According to Stuart at www.stuartxchange.org, studies have shown that the shoot leaf of this plant gives the highest yield of oil at 0.62% and menthol is present as a major component of all of the oils. Traditional properties are numerous and are as follow:

Carminative (agent used to relieve or prevent formation of gas in the alimentary tract and to ease the passing of this gas)

Stimulant (agent that temporarily quickens some vital process)

Stomachic (agent used in relieving gastric or stomach issues)

Aromatic (having a strong pleasant, order)

Antiseptic (agent that destroys micro-organisms that carry germs and diseases without harming body tissues)

Analgesic (agent used to relieve pain)

Expectorant (agent that promotes coughing up and spitting out)

Antispasmodic (agent used to prevent or soothe spasms especially of the smooth muscles)

Sudorific (agent that induces or increases sweating/perspiration)

Emmenagogue (agent that promotes menstrual discharge)

Anti-nauseant (agent used

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