Yerba Buena - Scientific name: Clinopodium douglasii

Yerba Buena belongs to the mint family that is known and used as Herbal Medicines worldwide. Its scientific name is Mentha arvensis Linn. It is called Heirba Buena in Spain, Minta in Italy, Minze in Germany, and Po-ho in China. This herb grows throughout the world from Asia to North America. It bears small whitish or sometimes purplish flowers during summers. Its flowers possess both male and female organs that allow it to be pollinated by insects, specifically bees, and other animals of the same nature. Before knowing its medical assessments, this aromatic herb is first widely known for its culinary purposes. Its distinctive strong flavor is very ideal for salads and as flavor for cooking foods. The aroma of this herb comes from its elongated leaves. This perennial plant that grows from 0.6 meters to 1 meter is also used for fragrances. Soaking fresh leaves in a glass of water makes a good and effective mouth wash for a clean, fresh smelling breath. Rats and other rodents can be drove away by its strong smell. Po-ho or Yerba buena contains pulegone, a chemical that is toxic to rats. Yerba buena is also known for its medicinal properties. It cures many ailments since ancient times. You can make a tea out of it and drinks it when your body feels pain. It treats headache, stomach ache, and tooth ache. It is an effective analgesic. Your cough and colds can also be cured when you drink Yerba Buena tea. This medicinal plant can also induce menstrual flow and sweating. It is also consumed for Rheumatism and arthritis. Just massage its sap on parts that are in pain. It has been recognized for its antiseptic, anti-cancer, diuretic, anti-spasm, anti-emetic activities, and proclaimed as one of the top 10 herbs authorized by the Philippine Department of Health. But caution is recommended for pregnant women for excessive intake of this Herbal Medicine.