Agastache rugosa, Blue Licorice, Chinese Patchouli, wrinkled giant hyssop

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 9 min read

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Article Summary

Agastache rugosa, commonly called Korean-mint or purple giant hyssop, is an aromatic herb in the mint family. Like other members of its family such as basil, peppermint, sage, Korean mint is also aromatic, and medicinally useful. The plant is native to moist grasslands, valleys and stream banks in East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Russian Primorye, Taiwan, India, and Vietnam). Blue Licorice, Chinese Patchouli, wrinkled giant hyssop,...

Key Takeaways

This article explains Korean Mint Facts in simple medical language.
This article explains Korean Mint Scientific Classification in simple medical language.
This article explains Health benefits of Korean mint in simple medical language.
This article explains Traditional uses and benefits of Korean Mint in simple medical language.

Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.

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Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
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Agastache rugosa, commonly called Korean-mint or purple giant hyssop, is an aromatic herb in the mint family. Like other members of its family such as basil, peppermint, sage, Korean mint is also aromatic, and medicinally useful. The plant is native to moist grasslands, valleys and stream banks in East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Russian Primorye, Taiwan, India, and Vietnam). Blue Licorice, Chinese Patchouli, wrinkled giant hyssop, purple giant hyssop, Indian mint, huo xiang, Chinese giant-hyssop, Korean-mint, Korean licorice mint and patchouli herb are few of the popular common names of the plant. Genus name comes from the Greek words agan meaning very much and stachys meaning an ear of wheat in reference to the numerous flower spikes tightly packed with whorls of brightly colored violet flowers. Specific epithet means wrinkled.

Korean Mint Facts

Name	Korean Mint
Scientific Name	Agastache Rugosa
Native	East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Russian Primorye, Taiwan, India, and Vietnam)
Common Names	Blue Licorice, Purple Giant Hyssop, Huo Xiang, and Chinese Patchoul
Name in Other Languages	Chinese: huo xiang, gwaghyang (藿香) Dutch: Koreaanse netel, Koreaanse munt English: Chinese giant-hyssop, Korean-mint, blue licorice, Indian mint, Korean licorice mint, patchouli herb, purple giant hyssop, wrinkled giant hyssop Finnish: Koreaniiso French: Agastache rugueuse German: Ostasiatische Duftnessel, Koreaminze, ostasiatische Riesenysop Hindi: Pachi, Pachauli, Pachapat, Patchouli, Pachila, Kattam, Pachetene, Panch, Suganda pandi Japanese: Kawa-midori (カワミドリ) Korean: Baechohyang (배초향) Russian: Koreyskaya myata (корейская мята), lofant tibetskiy (лофант тибетский), mnogokolosnik morshchinistyy (многоколосник морщинистый) Swedish: Koreansk anisisop, Koreansk anisop
Plant Growth Habit	Upright, clump-forming, herbaceous perennial
Growing Climates	Grassy places in mountains, especially by streams, and in valleys
Soil	Does best in dry, well-drained soil, and prefers soil rich in organic matter, and neutral pH
Plant Size	Up to 40–100 cm (16–39 in) tall
Leaf	Oval-cordate leaves are oppositely arranged, 5–10 cm (2–4 in) long and 3–7 cm (1 1⁄4–2 3⁄4 in) broad, with coarsely serrated margins. Some leaves have hair and/or touches of white on the underside
Flowering season	July to September
Flower	Purple bilabiate flowers bloom in verticillasters that are 5–15 cm (2–6 in) long and 2 cm (3⁄4 in) broad.[4] The calyx is 5–6 mm (0.20–0.24 in) long, with five narrow triangular lobes.[4] The petals are 8–10 mm (0.31–0.39 in) long, lower ones longer and the ones inside serrated. The stamens are didynamous, long, and exposed
Fruit Shape & Size	Schizocarp, with obovate elliptical mericaps of 1.8 mm (0.071 in)
Propagation	By both sexual and asexual means
Flavor/Aroma	Smell somewhere between licorice and spearmint
Taste	Acrid, astringent
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, oil
Season	September
Precautions	It may cause drowsiness.

Korean Mint Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Agastache Rugosa

Rank	Scientific Name & (Common Name)
Kingdom	Plantae (Plants)
Subkingdom	Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
Infrakingdom	Streptophyta (land plants)
Order	Lamiales
Family	Lamiaceae
Genus	Agastache
Species	Agastache rugosa
Synonyms	Agastache formosana (Hayata) Hayata ex Makino & Nemoto Agastache rugosa f. alba Y.N.Lee Agastache rugosa f. hypoleuca (Maxim. ex Herder) H.Hara Agastache rugosa var. hypoleuca (Maxim. ex Herder) Kudô Cedronella japonica Hassk. Elsholtzia monostachys H.Lév. & Vaniot Lophanthus formosanus Hayata Lophanthus rugosus Fisch. & C.A.Mey. Lophanthus rugosus var. hypoleucus Maxim. Lophanthus rugosus var. hypoleucus Maxim. ex Herder

Plant description

Korean Mint is an upright, clump-forming, herbaceous perennial plant that grows about 40–100 cm (16–39 in) tall. The plant is found growing in grassy places in mountains, especially by streams, and in valleys. The plant does best in dry, well-drained soil, and prefers soil rich in organic matter, and neutral ph. Oval-cordate leaves are oppositely arranged, 5–10 cm (2–4 in) long and 3–7 cm (1 1⁄4–2 3⁄4 in) broad, with coarsely serrated margins. Some leaves have hair and/or touches of white on the underside.

Flower and fruits

Purple bilabiate flowers bloom in verticillasters that are 5–15 cm (2–6 in) long and 2 cm (3⁄4 in) broad. The calyx is 5–6 mm (0.20–0.24 in) long, with five narrow triangular lobes. Petals are 8–10 mm (0.31–0.39 in) long, lower ones longer and the ones inside serrated. The stamens are didynamous, long, and exposed. Flowering normally takes place from July to September. Fertile flowers are followed by schizocarp, with obovate elliptical mericaps of 1.8 mm (0.071 in).

Health benefits of Korean mint

Korean mint gets its health benefits from the various nutritious compounds it contains. Listed below are few of the popular health benefits of Korean Mint

1. Cures diarrhea

Decoction of Korean Mint leaves and dried tangerine peel is taken to treat acute gastroenteritis accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea. A mixture of soapstone, Agastache rugosa, and clove are pounded into powder for oral taking to treat vomiting and diarrhea due to pathogenic summer heat-damp.

2. Miscarriage Prevention

Powdered Korean Mint, nutgrass root, and licorice root is taken with salt water to prevent miscarriage.

Traditional uses and benefits of Korean Mint

Korean mint is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs.
Considered to be a “warming” herb, it is used in situations where there is “dampness” within the digestive system, resulting in poor digestion and reduced vitality.
Leaves and stems are antibacterial, antifungal, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, febrifuge and stomachic.
They are used internally to improve the appetite and strengthen the digestive system; they relieve symptoms such as abdominal bloating, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting.
They are also used to treat morning sickness.
Leaves are also used in the treatment of chest congestion, diarrhea, and headaches.
An infusion of the leaves is used in the treatment of angina pains.
The plant is used as a folk remedy for cancer, extracts of the plant have shown anticancer activity.
It was traditionally used to relieve nausea, vomiting, and poor appetite.
Korean Mint is said to relieve nausea, and vomiting, and cure fungal infections.
It is pungent (acrid), slightly warm, and works on the spleen, stomach, and lung.
Essential oil is used against fever, pain in the head or upper neck. সহজ বাংলা: মাথাব্যথা।" data-rx-term="headache" data-rx-definition="Headache means pain in the head or upper neck. সহজ বাংলা: মাথাব্যথা।">headache, stomach pain, morning sickness, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Tea is warming in nature and helps in chest congestion, diarrhea, and pain in the head or upper neck. সহজ বাংলা: মাথাব্যথা।" data-rx-term="headache" data-rx-definition="Headache means pain in the head or upper neck. সহজ বাংলা: মাথাব্যথা।">headache, dampness within the digestive system, poor appetite, and digestion, morning sickness, abdominal bloating, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and other digestive problems.
Tea is considered antibacterial, antifungal, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, febrifuge, and stomachic.
Decoction of Korean Mint is used as a mouth wash to treat bad breath.

Ayurvedic Health benefits of Korean Mint

Wrinkles: Take 1/4th cup each of Witch Hazel and Comfrey. Put 2 tablespoons of Patchouli essential oil. Apply on the affected area with cotton balls.
Age spots: Take 2 tablespoon Frankincense Oil, 2 tablespoon Common Juniper Oil, 2 tablespoon Rosemary, 2 tablespoon Patchouli Oil, 2 tablespoon Rose, 2 tablespoon Orange Oil, 2 tablespoon Lavender Oil, 2 tablespoon Chamomile Oil, and 2 tablespoon Almond Oil. Mix all oils. Heat for 10 minutes. Cool. Store in a bottle. Massage it over age spots for 5 minutes daily. It removes age spots effectively.
Age Spot: Take 10-gram Rosewood Oil, 10-gram Myrrh Oil, 10-gram Chamomile Oil, 10 gram Orange Oil, 10 gram Mandarin Orange Oil, 10-gram Patchouli Oil, and 10 gram Sage Oil. Put all ingredients in a vessel. Heat for 5 minutes. Store in a glass bottle. Massage over the affected area with this preparation for 10 minutes.
Baldness: Take 20 gram Olive Oil, 20 gram Almond Oil, 20 gram Jojoba Oil, 10 gram Tea Tree Oil, 10-gram Thyme Oil, 10-gram Patchouli Oil, 20 gram Rosemary Oil, and 20-gram Spikenard Oil. Put all oils in a glass bottle. Cover. Leave it for a week. After a week, massage your scalp with this preparation twice a week. It is an effective formula to cure hair problems.

Culinary uses

Young leaves can be consumed raw or cooked.
Strong anise-like fragrances are normally used as a flavoring or as an addition to the salad bowl.
Leaves can be used as a tea substitute.
Seed is possibly edible.
Leaves can be dried and sprinkled on salad to add flavor.
Leaves are used as a substitute for French tarragon or brewed into a tea, and the flowers are mixed in mesclun salads.

References

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

Write when the problem started and how it changed.
Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
Basic physical examination by a clinician
CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

Drink safe fluids and monitor temperature.
In dengue-prone areas, discuss CBC and platelet count when fever persists or warning signs appear.
Use tepid sponging for high fever discomfort; avoid ice-cold bathing.

OTC medicine safety

For fever, common fever medicine may be discussed with a clinician or pharmacist.
Avoid aspirin/ibuprofen-like medicines in suspected dengue unless a doctor says it is safe.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

Fever with breathing difficulty, confusion, repeated vomiting, bleeding, severe weakness, stiff neck, or dehydration needs urgent care.

Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Medicine doctor / pediatrician for children / qualified clinician

Tests to discuss with doctor

Temperature chart and hydration assessment
CBC with platelet count if fever persists or dengue/other infection is possible
Urine test, malaria/dengue tests, chest evaluation, or blood culture only when clinically indicated

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
Which tests are really needed now?
Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
Do I need antibiotics, or is this more likely viral?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Go to emergency care if you notice:

Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration

Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.

Step 1
Check danger signs first
If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.
Step 2
Record the symptom story
Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.
Step 3
Visit a qualified clinician
A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.
Step 4
Do only useful tests
Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.
Step 5
Follow up and return early if worse
If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips

Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

Ask a health question safely

Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.