World of Peruvian Herbs

some medicinal plants of the Andes and the Amazon

Traditional use:

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MUÑA MUÑA


LATIN NAME: Minthostachys setosa

USED PARTS OF THE PLANT: 

the over-ground part

CURATIVE PROPERTIES: 

the natural antibiotic, antibacterial, anti-inflammation, spasmolytic, antalgic, metabolic, anti-diarrhea, anti-asthmatic, relaxing and extending the bronchial tubes

USE IN TRADITIONAL PERUVIAN MEDICINE:
  • Natural antibiotic
  • Infection and inflammation of the upper airways, cough, bronchitis, sinusitis
  • Bronchial asthma, a cold, the flu, coughing mucus
  • Digestion issues, inflammation, and bacterial infection of the digestive system
  • Meteorism, gripes, diarrhea
  • Mould, mycosis, parasites

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT AND ITS PRESENCE

Muňa Muňa was known in the culture of the Incas. It grows in the Peruvian Andes at the height of 2700-3400 meters above the sea level, in the dry area. The plants like to grow in a bigger group and can grow as high as 2 meters. Its stems are covered with tiny hairs, the leaves are oval and are 1-5 cm long, with deep green color. The flowers are small and white, very aromatic, grouped together in the form of buckets located at the tip of the branch. The whole plant has very distinctive menthol aroma.

MORE INFORMATION

Muňa Muňa is considered to be a natural antibiotic. The Incas consumed its decoction mixed with honey to help with breathing problems. 
In the recent ages the plant has been used by the natives to strengthen the immune system and fight with bacterial infections and parasites.
It is very much valued by the Indian tribes that live in the upper parts of the Peruvian Andes (Puno, Cuzco, Apurimac). It is used by them as a general medicine to purify the body, and healing infection of airways, sinuses (the aromatic oils relax smooth muscles of the airways), and cough.
It is also used for the infection of urinary ducts, stomachache, digestion issues, constipation, gripe, bloatedness, and diarrhea. 
The decoction contain the ethereal oils: menthol, isomenthol, terpenes – geraniol, pulegone, linalool, flavonoids – isoramentin, isoamyl alcohol, tannins, resins.
Because of the pleasant taste of menthol it is used in traditional dishes.
The external usage in the form of compresses helps to fight mycosis, and destroys parasites, for example mange.
The fresh leaves are placed upon the injury to stop bleeding. The dried ones, because of the content of ethereal oils, are used for aromatizing food. The smell of the fresh plant repels the pests form the stored potatoes or other vegetables.
Help for the stomach
Muňa Muňa is good for almost any digestion problem. It is used for promoting digestion after consuming something heavy. It is also used for chronic inflammation and bacterial infection of the digestive system, against diarrhea, reflux, parasites, gripes, bloatedness, infection of urinary ducts, nephritis, and arthritis. 
Getting rid of parasites and bacteria
It helps to eliminate mould, and intestine parasites in children and adults. It also works against bacteria which are the reason for bad breath.
Help for bones and joints
Muňa Muňa has a high content of calcium, which is required by the body in case of arthritis. It prevents decalcification, and at the same time strengthens bones and teeth.
Improving sight
It offers help with fighting some vision problems such as macular degeneration, short-sightedness, cataract, and generally improves the sight.
Perfect for the respiratory system
It has some expectorant qualities, coughing mucus helps to ventilate the respiratory ways. It is a great choice if you want to treat cough, flu, and all kinds of bronchial issues. The substances it contains (menthol oils) are great help in case of the inflammation of upper airways, sinusitis, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, cough, a cold, they fight fever.
Burns and wounds
The mashed flowers of Muňa Muňa mixed with olive oil help to heal wounds and soothe itch.
Relaxing massages
Muňa Muňa mixed with oil is used for relaxing massages, aromatherapy, and elimination of some kinds of inflammation.