Muna Essential Oil is a refreshing, minty-scented oil derived from the Minthostachys mollis plant, a flavorful and aromatic herb native to the Andean highlands of South America. Traditionally enjoyed as a tea, Muna has long been valued for its many powerful qualities and natural wellness benefits.

This medium-sized herbaceous plant thrives in the cold, high-altitude regions of the Andes and is known for its invigorating aroma and therapeutic properties. As an essential oil, Muna is commonly used to relieve congestion, ease headaches, and support immune and respiratory health, thanks to its natural antimicrobial and decongestant effects.

With its crisp, revitalizing scent, Muna essential oil offers both physical relief and mental clarity—making it a cherished natural remedy in both traditional and modern wellness practices.

Pure essential oil from leaves of Muna from Peru

Other names: Muna, Minthosthachys mollis, Minthosthachys setosa

Muna was used by the Incas when drank with honey. Muna still is commonly used as a flavorful tea and spice for traditional dishes. Muna is also used as a Andean Yerba Mate drink called Yerba Compuesta (Bustos and Bonino 2005), as a candy (Ojeda et al. 2004), and as a liquor (Ojeda et al. 2004).

Muna-Muna belongs to the Lamiaceae (Mint family). It is a multi-branched, small leaved deciduous shrub prized for its healing and aromatic values. Essential oils can also be extracted and sold as a concentrate. Muna also known as Andean Mint, is a shrub, usually growing from 2.700 – 3.100 meters high, with white flowers and aromatic leaves. 

Muna contains several different essential oils, of which each serves a powerful function, follow this link to read in depth. The main oils contained were pulegone (47%), menthone (25%), and isomenthone (4%), however, depending on the climatic zone the ingredients may vary. 

Muna essential oil, from the Muna plant (Minthostachys mollis), offers several potential benefits. It is commonly used to support respiratory health, helping with colds and coughs. The oil can aid digestion and alleviate stomach discomfort. Its anti-inflammatory properties may reduce pain and inflammation in muscles and joints. Known for its antimicrobial effects, Muna oil can help in treating minor cuts and skin infections. It is also used in aromatherapy to improve mental clarity, reduce stress, and uplift mood. Additionally, it can act as a natural insect repellent. Always dilute with a carrier oil before skin application and perform a patch test to avoid irritation. Consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if pregnant or nursing.

This oil can be taken internally. Best to dilute 1 drop it in carrier oil. Or this can be steamed in hot water and inhaled.

Best avoided by pregnant women and nursing mothers as it could discourage flow of milk. May antidote homeopathic remedies.

Bustos JA, Bonino EE (2005). Cosecha silvestre de peperina (Minthosthachys mollis) en Córdoba, Argentina: implicancias socioeconómicas. Revista Iberoamericana de Economía Ecológica; 2: 45–55
Ojeda M, Coirini R, Cosiansi J, Zapata R, Zygadlo J (2004). Evaluation of variability in natural populations of peperina (Minthostachys mollis (Kunth) Griseb.), an aromatic species from Argentina. Plant Genetic Resources Newsletter; 126:27–30
Schmidt-Lebuhn AN (2008). Ethnobotany, biochemistry and pharmacology of Minthostachys (Lamiaceae). J Ethnopharmacol.;118(3):343-53.