Japanese Mint

Mentha arvensis piperascens

Physical Characteristics

Mentha arvensis piperascens is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to October, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan and Korea.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Condiment Tea Leaves - raw or cooked. Used as a flavouring in salads or cooked foods[5, 172, 183], they have a strong taste of peppermint[238]. A herb tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves[21, 183]. An essential oil from the plant is used as a flavouring in sweets and beverages[183]. The leaves contain about 0.2% essential oil[218].

Medicinal Uses

Anaesthetic Antiphlogistic Antiseptic Antispasmodic Aromatic Cancer Carminative Diaphoretic Emmenagogue Febrifuge Galactofuge Salve Stimulant Stomachic Japanese mint, like many other members of this genus, is often used as a domestic herbal remedy, being valued especially for its essential oil[279] which has antiseptic properties and a beneficial effect on the digestion. Like other members of the genus, it is best not used by pregnant women because large doses can cause an abortion. The whole plant is anaesthetic, antiphlogistic, antispasmodic, antiseptic, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, galactofuge, refrigerant, stimulant, stomachic and vasodilator[147, 172, 218, 279]. A tea made from the leaves has traditionally been used in the treatment of fevers, headaches, digestive disorders and various minor ailments[222,279]. The leaves are a classical remedy for stomach cancer[218]. The essential oil in the leaves is antiseptic, though it is toxic in large doses[222].

Known Hazards

Although no records of toxicity have been seen for this species, large quantities of some members of this genus, especially when taken in the form of the extracted essential oil, can cause abortions so some caution is advised.