Korean Mint

Agastache rugosa

Basic Information

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

Genus: agastache

Plant ID (slug): agastache-rugosa

Numeric ID: 22691

USDA Hardiness: 7-10

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Agastache rugosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.6 m (2ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, Siberia

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Condiment Tea Young leaves - raw or cooked[177]. A strong anise-like fragrance, they are normally used as a flavouring[183] or as an addition to the salad bowl[238]. We find them a bit coarse and too strong for use as a salad[K]. The leaves can be used as a tea substitute[183]. A pleasant flavour[238]. The seed is possibly edible[177]. No further details. The seed certainly should not be poisonous, but it is very small and its use would be very fiddly[K].

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Antifungal Antipyretic Aromatic Cancer Carminative Diaphoretic Febrifuge Refrigerant Stomachic Korean mint is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs[218]. Considered to be a "warming" herb, it is used in situations where there is "dampness" within the digestive system, resulting in poor digestion and reduced vitality[254]. The leaves and stems are antibacterial, antifungal, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, febrifuge and stomachic[147, 176, 218, 238, 279]. They are used internally to improve the appetite and strengthen the digestive system[238], they relieve symptoms such as abdominal bloating, indigestion, nausea and vomiting[254]. They are also used to treat morning sickness[254]. The leaves are also used in the treatment of chest congestion, diarrhoea and headaches[218]. An infusion of the leaves is used in the treatment of angina pains[222]. The plant is used as a folk remedy for cancer, extracts of the plant have shown anticancer activity[218].