Cape Wild Mint has traditionally been used to treat respiratory problems such as coughs, colds and asthma. As a tea it has also been used as a remedy for stomach aches, flatulence and indigestion. Crushing the leaves and inserting them into the nostrils is said to help with headaches.

Externally Cape Wild Mint can also be used to treat swollen glands or wounds. Due to its strong aroma, Cape Wild Mint has also been put to use as an insect repellent: crushed leaves keep away mosquitoes and some farmers prevent ticks on their dogs with a mint bath.

Cape Wild Mint (Mentha longifolio) can usually be found growing near water or in moist areas. It is a quick growing perennial plant that tends to creep along the ground and is strongly aromatic. Cape Wild Mint is one of two mint species that is indigenous to South Africa, found growing wild throughout most provinces, and is also popularly grown in gardens.

The Cape Wild Mint’s flowers – small, white to mauve flowers clustered in long, tapering spikes – are a big hit with bees and butterflies.

Our Cape Wild Mint is cultivated on our organic farm in the foothills of the Hawequas Mountains.

Menthol is a common ingredient in mouthwash, toothpaste, cough and flu medicines and it is also incorporated in body scrubs, soaps, confectionary, liqueurs, and many applications where a potent, fresh, mint aroma is required.

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