Description
Čaurismin is a creeping evergreen perennial that can be found in shady woodlands and coastal forests throughout the Bay Area. A minty-scented herb, it has shiny, scalloped leaves and whitish-pink flowers that bloom in midsummer and attract pollinators.
Traditional Native Uses
Medicine: Leaves brewed as a calming tea for stomach aches, fevers, and colds; also used as a mild pain reliever and breath freshener. Food: Čaurismin is a native species of mint, and a well-loved plant for making tea. It has a light and ’uyču (sweet) mint flavor when brewed. The fresh leaves and tíwwišikma (flowers) can also be ’ammaakne (eaten) raw or used in cooking. The flowers have a distinct spearmint flavor. The leaves of this native, minty plant also have a similar flavor.