Chinese Mint Bush (Elsholtzia stauntonii) seeds

An East Asian herb from the mint family. The Chinese Mint Bush has a pleasantly exotic, slightly minty aroma. The bushy growing plant with beautiful flowers, which bloom until late autumn, is perennial, even though its above-ground parts freeze in winter to regrow in the following year. The plant can be used as a perennial ornamental as well as a spice plant.

It is very good as a tea-herb and represents a good alternative to peppermint. In the kitchen, it can also be used just like mint. The aroma is minty, with a hint of citrus and cumin, which makes it very suitable for many Asian wok dishes and soups. In Japan, this minty labiate is highly regarded as a cure for hangovers.