What is muña tea? Exploring the benefits of Andean mint

December 28, 2025 •

4 min read

Native to the high-altitude Andes mountains, muña tea is a powerful herbal infusion derived from the Minthostachys mollis plant. Used for centuries by indigenous communities for its medicinal properties, this minty-flavored beverage is now gaining international recognition for its digestive and respiratory benefits.

Quick Summary

A refreshing herbal tea from the Andes, muña is traditionally used for digestive issues, respiratory problems, and to combat altitude sickness. This beverage is made from the leaves of the Minthostachys mollis plant and possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Key Points

Ancient Andean Herb: Muña (Minthostachys mollis) has been used for centuries by indigenous communities in the Andes for its medicinal and spiritual properties.
Digestive Powerhouse: Muña tea is a well-regarded carminative and antispasmodic, effectively alleviating indigestion, gas, and stomach pain.
Altitude Sickness Remedy: A traditional remedy for soroche, or altitude sickness, muña tea helps relieve dizziness, nausea, and malaise associated with high elevations.
Unique Flavor Profile: Often called "Andean mint," muña has a more complex flavor than common mint, with earthy and woody notes.
Safety Precautions: Excessive intake can cause liver toxicity, and pregnant or lactating women should avoid it due to a lack of safety research.

Origins and History of Muña

Muña, also known as Andean mint, is a perennial shrub belonging to the Lamiaceae family. The name "muña" comes from the Quechua language, the language of the Inca civilization. This aromatic plant thrives in the harsh, high-altitude climates of the Andean regions, particularly in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. Its history as a medicinal herb dates back to pre-Inca times, where it was revered for its healing properties. Ancient Incas used muña for various ailments, including digestive and respiratory problems. The Incas also recognized its value in spiritual rituals and even as a natural preservative for crops like potatoes.

Muña's Role in Andean Culture

In modern-day Andean communities, muña remains a vital part of traditional medicine and daily life. It is not just a remedy but also a symbol of hospitality, often offered to guests as a warm welcome. The herb is used in various culinary applications, including soups, stews, and sauces, adding a fresh, minty flavor. Shepherds in the Aymara community, for instance, use it to make a traditional condiment called shihuayro.

The Health Benefits of Muña Tea

Modern scientific research is beginning to explore and validate some of the traditional uses of muña. The plant contains a high concentration of monoterpenes like pulegone and menthone, which are responsible for many of its therapeutic effects.

Digestive Aid

Muña tea is perhaps best known for its carminative properties, which help relieve digestive issues. It is commonly used to soothe stomach aches, indigestion, flatulence, and bloating. The tea's antispasmodic effects can help relax the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, alleviating discomfort after heavy meals.

Altitude Sickness Relief

Travelers to high-altitude regions like the Andes often experience altitude sickness, or soroche, which can cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Muña tea is a popular natural remedy for this condition, helping to relieve symptoms and improve breathing.

Respiratory Support

Thanks to its expectorant and decongestant properties, muña tea is also used to treat respiratory problems. The herb can help alleviate symptoms of colds, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments. The menthol-like compounds provide a soothing effect on the airways.

Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects

Muña tea contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These help protect the body's cells from oxidative damage and reduce inflammation. Its analgesic properties also make it useful for soothing muscle and joint pain.

How to Prepare and Enjoy Muña Tea

Preparing muña tea is a simple process, whether using fresh or dried leaves.

To make a traditional cup of muña tea:

Boil water until it reaches the boiling point.
Place dried or fresh muña leaves in a cup.
Pour the hot water over the leaves.
Cover the cup and let the tea infuse for 5–10 minutes to concentrate the flavor.
Strain the leaves if desired, or leave them in for a stronger flavor.
Sweeten to taste with honey or sugar, or add a squeeze of lemon.

For a more potent brew, some people simmer the leaves in water on the stovetop. The resulting tea has a unique flavor profile, often described as a more complex version of mint, with woody and earthy undertones.

Muña vs. Mint: A Comparative Look

While muña is often called "Andean mint" due to its similar aroma, it belongs to a different genus and has a distinct flavor and chemical composition.


Feature	Muña (Minthostachys mollis)	Mint (Mentha genus)
Botanical Family	Lamiaceae	Lamiaceae
Flavor Profile	Complex mint, with woody and earthy bass notes	Pungent, sharp, and distinctly minty
Key Compounds	Pulegone, Menthone, and Eucalyptol	Menthol, Menthone, Menthyl Acetate
Traditional Uses	Digestive aid, respiratory issues, altitude sickness	Digestive support, refreshing flavor, general wellness
Growth Habit	Woody shrub, grows in high-altitude Andes	Herbaceous perennial, grows worldwide

Important Safety Information and Considerations

While generally safe in moderation for most people, some precautions are necessary when consuming muña tea. Due to insufficient research, pregnant and lactating women should avoid muña tea, as certain compounds might stimulate uterine muscles or be harmful in high doses. High or frequent consumption could also lead to liver toxicity. The eucalyptol found in the plant can be harmful if ingested in excessive amounts. Individuals with allergies to plants in the Lamiaceae (mint) family should exercise caution. As with any herbal remedy, it's wise to consult a healthcare professional before regular or medicinal use, especially for children, as safety data is limited. A useful resource on herbal safety can be found on the HerbaZest website, which provides information on muña's compounds and cautions.

Conclusion: The Resilient Andean Elixir

Muña tea is far more than just a refreshing beverage; it is a storied elixir with deep roots in Andean culture and traditional medicine. Its distinctive flavor and potent medicinal properties, particularly for digestive health and altitude sickness, make it a valuable and intriguing herbal infusion. While its benefits are clear from centuries of use, responsible consumption and a healthy respect for its potency are key. As global interest in natural remedies grows, muña tea's journey from a sacred Incan plant to an internationally recognized wellness beverage continues, carrying with it the wisdom of the Andes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Muña tea has a flavor profile similar to mint but with a more complex taste. While mint is sharp and bright, muña includes earthy, woody, and herbal undertones, which distinguishes it from common mint tea.

No, muña tea is not the same as peppermint tea. Although both come from the mint family (Lamiaceae), muña (Minthostachys mollis) belongs to a different genus. It has a distinct flavor and different concentrations of active compounds than peppermint (Mentha piperita).

Muña tea is widely available in local markets and health food stores in Andean regions of Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. Online retailers, such as Ubuy and Pachamama Latino Store, also sell packaged muña tea and dried leaves.

No, pregnant and lactating women should avoid muña tea. Health authorities and tea producers warn against its consumption during pregnancy, as some compounds may stimulate the uterine muscles.

To make muña tea from dried leaves, place 1 teaspoon of dried leaves in a cup. Add 1 cup of freshly boiled water, cover, and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey or sugar if desired.

Yes, muña tea is a traditional remedy for altitude sickness, or soroche, in the Andes. It is known to help alleviate common symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and general malaise.

While generally safe in moderation, excessive consumption of muña tea can potentially cause liver toxicity. Individuals with allergies to mint-family plants may also have a reaction. It is always best to consult a doctor before using any herbal remedy, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.