What Can I Do with Mountain Mint? A Guide to Its Many Uses

January 3, 2026 •

3 min read

According to a study by Penn State University, clustered mountain mint attracts the most diverse array of pollinators of any native plant. Beyond its value to garden ecosystems, people often wonder what can I do with mountain mint, given its distinct, aromatic qualities. This article explores the plant's wide-ranging applications, from the kitchen to natural remedies.

Quick Summary

This guide details the many uses for mountain mint, including its unique culinary applications in teas and savory dishes. It also covers its traditional medicinal properties for digestive and respiratory relief and its potent role in attracting diverse pollinators while naturally repelling pests.

Key Points

Culinary Versatility: Use mountain mint to create flavorful herbal teas, infuse water or cocktails, and add a unique spicy-minty flavor to savory dishes or desserts.
Medicinal Properties: Benefit from mountain mint's traditional uses as a digestive aid for upset stomachs, a respiratory remedy for colds and congestion, and a topical treatment for headaches.
Pollinator Attraction: Plant mountain mint to attract an exceptional diversity of native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to your garden.
Natural Pest Repellent: The strong aroma of mountain mint naturally deters deer and rabbits from the garden and can be used to create homemade insect repellent sprays.
Gardening Benefits: Enjoy the hardy, low-maintenance nature of mountain mint, which is less invasive than common culinary mints and thrives in various soil conditions.
Comparison to True Mints: Mountain mint offers a different flavor profile, superior pollinator support, and a less aggressive growth habit compared to traditional mint varieties.

Mountain Mint in the Culinary Arts

While mountain mint (genus Pycnanthemum) is not as common in commercial food as spearmint or peppermint (Mentha species), its culinary potential is significant and distinct. The flavor is often described as more pungent, with spicy or savory notes, making it a versatile ingredient for a variety of dishes and beverages.

Refreshing Beverages

Herbal Tea: A simple and classic use is brewing mountain mint tea. The leaves and stems can be steeped fresh or dried to create a flavorful, calming, and potentially medicinal brew that soothes the stomach. Adding a touch of honey or lemon can enhance the flavor. Some species, like Virginia mountain mint, have a flavor profile reminiscent of spearmint.
Infused Water and Cocktails: The spicy-minty flavor of mountain mint makes it an excellent choice for infusing water or spirits for cocktails, offering a unique twist on classics like mojitos. A few crushed leaves can add a vibrant and refreshing note to any drink.

Savory Dishes and Desserts

Savory Seasoning: For a more savory application, the leaves can be dried and used as an herb similar to oregano. It pairs well with meats, especially venison, and can be used in marinades or sauces.
Salads and Soups: Younger, fresh leaves can be chopped and added to salads for a zesty, fresh flavor. It can also be cooked into soups as a potherb, contributing a robust herbal depth.
Sweets: For those with a sweet tooth, mountain mint can be used to flavor desserts like ice cream and cheesecakes, offering a surprising and complex minty taste.

Mountain Mint's Medicinal and Practical Uses

Historically and presently, mountain mint has been valued for its medicinal properties, thanks to its high concentration of beneficial phytochemicals. Its strong aroma also makes it a valuable tool for natural pest control.

Natural Remedies

Digestive Aid: A tea made from mountain mint leaves has been traditionally used to aid digestion, relieve bloating, and soothe upset stomachs. It has carminative properties that help with gas and cramping.
Respiratory Relief: For coughs, colds, and sinus congestion, a warm infusion of mountain mint can act as a natural decongestant and expectorant.
Pain Relief: A poultice of crushed leaves can be applied topically to the forehead to help relieve headaches. The plant's anti-inflammatory properties can also help with other aches and pains.

Gardening and Pest Control

Pollinator Magnet: If you want to attract pollinators, mountain mint is a powerhouse. It's one of the best native plants for attracting a wide array of insects, including bees, butterflies, and beneficial predatory wasps.
Natural Pest Repellent: The strong, pungent aroma of mountain mint naturally repels deer and rabbits. You can also create a homemade insect repellent spray by boiling the leaves and mixing the strained liquid with alcohol or soap.

Mountain Mint vs. Culinary Mint: A Comparison

To better understand the versatility of mountain mint, here's a comparison with common culinary mints like spearmint and peppermint.


Feature	Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum spp.)	Culinary Mint (Mentha spp.)
Flavor	Sharper, more pungent, with spicy/savory notes	Sweeter, softer, and more familiar minty flavor
Pollinator Appeal	Extremely high; a magnet for a diverse range of insects	Good, but not as effective at attracting a wide variety
Invasiveness	Less aggressive; most species form clumps or spread slowly by rhizomes	Notoriously aggressive and spreads rapidly via runners
Medicinal Use	Traditional remedies for digestion, respiratory issues, and headaches	Well-known for digestion, nausea, and relaxation (peppermint)
Soil Tolerance	Highly adaptable to different soil types, including poorer, drier soils	Prefers richer, consistently moist soil conditions
Best For...	Pollinator gardens, naturalized areas, savory dishes, native landscaping	Edible gardens (in containers), teas, desserts, cocktails

Conclusion

Mountain mint is a surprisingly versatile and beneficial plant with much more to offer than just its appeal to pollinators. Its unique, pungent flavor profile provides a novel ingredient for both savory and sweet culinary creations, from herbal teas to seasoned meats. On the practical side, its medicinal properties are valuable for treating common ailments like indigestion and respiratory issues. Its ability to thrive in a range of conditions and its non-aggressive nature make it an ideal choice for gardeners who want the benefits of mint without the worry of it overtaking their space. By understanding what can be done with mountain mint, you can unlock its full potential in your garden and home, whether for attracting beneficial insects, creating natural remedies, or experimenting with new flavors in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can substitute mountain mint for regular mint, but be aware of its flavor difference. Mountain mint tends to have a more pungent and sometimes spicier taste, which can be great for teas and savory dishes but might be stronger than you're used to in desserts.

Yes, mountain mint is known to attract many types of beneficial insects, including predatory and parasitoid wasps, which help control other garden pests. The strong aroma released from crushed leaves also helps repel less desirable insects.

To make mountain mint tea, steep a handful of fresh or a teaspoon of dried leaves in hot water for about 5-10 minutes. Strain and enjoy, adding honey or lemon to taste. You can serve it hot or pour it over ice for a refreshing beverage.

No, most mountain mint species are significantly less invasive than culinary mints (Mentha species). While they do spread via rhizomes, they form neat clumps and are much easier to manage in a garden setting.

Yes, mountain mint has a history of medicinal use for digestive issues, respiratory problems, and headaches due to its carminative, decongestant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Always consult a healthcare professional before using any herb for medicinal treatment.

Harvest mountain mint by snipping the stems before flowering for the sweetest leaf flavor. For storage, you can use the leaves fresh, or dry them by hanging them upside down in a cool, ventilated area. Dried leaves can be stored in an airtight container for later use.

Clustered mountain mint (Pycnanthemum muticum) has been specifically identified in studies as having the most pollinator visits and attracting the most diverse group of pollinators.