muna tea
1.- WHAT IS THE MUNA TEA
The base of the Muna Tea from Peru is the muña herb itself, a medicinal herb also called Minthostachys Mollis, it is also known as the Andean mint because of its similar taste, it is a bright green plant that can be found mainly in highlands like the Andes very close to cities like Cusco or Puno. The particularity of this medicinal plant is that it maintains its peculiar color even in dry season where rain is scarce and the cold is stronger.
what is muna tea
2.- THE ORIGINS OF THE MUNA TEA
The Muna Tea Peru has accompanied the people of the Andes for hundreds of years and has become a very important element of alternative or natural medicine. The use of Muna Tea in the Andes was consumed not only for the taste but also for the properties it contains, like the coca leaf, Muna Tea was also used during ceremonies or religious rituals for the belief that it had protective powers over people.
During the time of the Inca culture, Muna Tea was mainly used to treat digestive and respiratory problems, it was considered as an analgesic and since then its use has transcended to the present time. Although technology and medical advances have evolved, the people of the Andes will not leave aside their customs and within that is always present to consider first the Muna Tea and other elements of alternative or natural medicine.
muna tea in the inca time
3.- TRADITIONAL PREPARATION AND CONSUMPTION OF MUNA TEA
In order to taste Muna Tea from Peru correctly you must follow a very simple process, you will first need to obtain:
- Dried Muña leaves: You can buy them in traditional markets.
- Sweetener: The normal is sugar, but you can replace it with honey.
- Hot water: Preferably freshly boiled.
dried muna leaves
3.1.- Preparation
- Step 1: First you must heat water in a thermos or heater until it is at boiling point.
- Step 2: Place in a cup first the leaves of the muña and then the hot water, cover with a small plate so that the flavor is concentrated in the cup.
- Step 3: Leave to infuse for at least 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Sift the contents into a different cup and add the sweetener of your choice.
- Step 5: It is ready for you to enjoy your Muna Tea from Peru.
hot water
| “Don’t follow the trail. Go instead to where there is no trail and leave a footprint.” |
4.- MUNA TEA BENEFITS
Muna Tea Peru is much more than just a rich mint flavored drink, if you consider its medicinal properties it is a natural source of personal wellness for the body and soul, its health benefits are multiple and useful for everyone. Of all these the main Muna Tea benefits that you can enjoy are:
benefits
- Helps with digestion: In its composition you can find charitable properties, this means that drinking it will help to soothe the swelling and discomfort of the stomach, this is a very effective natural remedy for all digestive problems that can be caused by food or other factors.
- Helps with respiratory problems: The Muna Tea Peru contains a mint-like flavor, this is because of the expectorant and decongestant properties it contains, making it an ideal and very effective remedy when one suffers from colds, bronchial or any respiratory problem.
- Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: It is also very useful to know that within the Muna Tea benefits you can soothe inflammation or pain, as it also has anesthetic properties which are used for muscle or joint pain.
- Relaxes: The consumption of 1 to 2 cups of Muna Tea helps to achieve a relaxing and calming effect, it is a natural treatment against stress and anxiety.
- Antioxidant: It is ideal for people who are concerned about the passage of time, Muna Tea helps protect cells from oxidative damage or aging.
5.- FEEL THE FRESHNESS OVER THE ANDES
“Its use is quite practical for many things, it also serves as a natural repellent, for its properties it is used in orchards to protect the crop from pests.”
6.- COMBATING ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Altitude sickness is also known as “Soroche”. This discomfort occurs constantly among travelers who seek to visit unique places but that are at high altitudes such as the Peruvian Andes. In order to adequately treat this discomfort, the use of 2 traditional herbs is used, which thanks to their properties help everyone who consumes them feel an almost instant improvement, but what makes them different? we show you in the following table.
altitude sickness
| DETAILS | MUNA TEA | COCA |
| Scientific Name | Minthostachys setosa | Erythroxylum coca |
| Origin | Peruvian Andes | Peruvian Andes Central and South American Andes |
| Traditional Uses | Digestive, respiratory, anti-inflammatory | energizing, digestive, analgesic, nervous system stimulant |
| Form of Consumption | Infusion (tea), inhalation of vapors, essential oils | Chewing of leaves, infusion (mate de coca), candy |
| Main properties | Carminative, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic | Energizers, digestive, analgesic, stimulant |
| Benefits for altitude sickness | Relieves dizziness, nausea and general malaise, improves breathing | Increases energy and oxygenation, reduces headaches and nausea |
| Flavor | Strong and refreshing mint | Earthy and slightly bitter taste |
| Cautions | Moderation in consumption, avoid in cases of pregnancy without consulting a doctor | May test positive for drugs, avoid in cases of hypertension or heart problems
|
| Availability | Widely available in local markets and health food stores | Widely available in local markets and health food stores, restrictions in some countries |
Have you already discovered all the Muna Tea benefits, do you feel like trying it? This drink is available for you when you arrive at one of the hotels you choose for your next trip. Auri Peru can make this not only a memorable trip but an experience that exceeds your expectations, contact us now and take the first step in designing your next adventure.
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the places and moments that take our breath away.”
