There are at least 137 species within the mint bush genus (Prostanthera spp.), all of them are endemic to Australia, though the actual number of species is much higher and as of yet unrecognized.
Most of the Mint Bush species bear strongly aromatic leaves, like a mint! The term ‘Cradle of Incense’ refers to the title of a publication of a botanist who dedicated his career to the Mint Bushes, George Althofer.
Mint Bush species have been cultivated widely for their pretty display of small white to lilac flowers, and so they can be found widely in gardens in the world.
Its not surprising with their minty scent that these plants tend to be used medicinally, but also in cooking and herbal teas. The flowers and leaves both can give a minty scent that is more complex than the Mentha mints, with notes of pepper and earthy tones.
P. rotundifolia flowers and leaves may be cut and added to boiling water to steep for an herbal tea with carminative properties. It is also used in traditional medicine as an ointment for wound healing and infections.
These Mint Bushes are really interesting potential sources of essential oil, with some unique oils, but they are also useful in foods and as teas. Generally, the Prostanthera are rich in 1,8-cineole and some key sesquiterpens.
Colonial interaction with Mint Bush species has certainly influenced their modern uses and common names. For example, one species (P. incisa) is commonly called “Native Thyme”, is used like Thyme. “Native Oregano” (P. rotundifolia) has a mint-oregano flavor and similar appearance with its rounded leaves. Bush Food species are undergoing renewed interest and use in numerous applications including alcoholic beverages (cocktails), spice blends and foods.
A fairly broad range of antimicrobial activity has been found for several species. P. rotundifolia was recently investigated for its contents of phenolic compounds and found to contain verbascoside (48.8%), 4-methoxycinnamic acid (36.4%), p-coumaric acid glucose ester (9.2%) and 1-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl sinapate (5.6%) as its major phenolic components, while caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, hesperidin and naringenin were found in trace quantities. P. rotundifolia has been reported to have a content of essential oil up to 0.7%, with the major components being menthol and cineole, as found in the mint genus. An essential oil survey performed on Australian plants found Prostanthera to be a suitable source of the isolate alpha-phellandren-8-ol.
*This post is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, cure or treat any disease. Always seek medical advice directly through consultation with a health professional.
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Photo by Melburnian