Lepechinia chilensis

Lepechinia chilensis, a hard‑leaved mint relative from central and southern Chile, is used as a cold‑season aromatic tea and medicinal infusion in several Andean and Patagonian cultures. Among the Mapuche of southern Chile, leaves and young twigs are steeped in hot water for respiratory discomfort (dry cough and congestion), and sometimes sweetened with a little sugar or honey; the practice is reported in ethnobotanical surveys (Ladio & Rapoport, 2007; Letelier & Lomelí, 2020). In low‑andean rural communities of the Maule and Bio‑Bio regions, the same leaf and twig infusion is taken as a digestive after meals; a short (2–3 minute) decoction is also prepared to “clear the lungs” during colds (Villagrán, 2008; Stutz, 2013). Along the Lake District and Chiloé, rural families collect the aromatic leaves to make a quick “mint‑like” herb tea, drunk warm with a pinch of sugar as a soothing night beverage, especially in winter (Castro & Benedetti, 2014; Letelier & Lomelí, 2020). Further south, in the Andean foot‑hills used by Mapuche and Tehuenche communities, a macerated leaf preparation is poured over wounds and small burns as a mild antiseptic wash, according to field interviews (Paredes et al., 2009; Bennett et al., 2021).

A practical herbal tea can be prepared from dried or fresh material. Use roughly 2–3 g of chopped leaves and a few tender shoots per 250 ml of freshly boiled water. Cover and steep 5–7 minutes; strain. For a cold, drink 1 cup 2–3 times daily for 1–3 days. Alternatively, for a gentle digestive, boil 1–2 g in 250 ml water for 2–3 minutes (a short decoction), cool slightly, and drink once after meals. For a macerated wash, place 15 g of chopped leaves in 250 ml cool water; let stand overnight, then strain and apply as a compress to clean minor cuts or burns, 2–3 times daily for 2–3 days. Published dosage ranges and these preparations reflect community practices in central Chile (Letelier & Lomelí, 2020). Traditional knowledge notes the plant’s strong aroma and light menthol notes; moderate use is advised and pregnant people are generally advised to avoid large, repeated doses (Riedel, 1929; Villagrán, 2008).

Phytochemically, the species is rich in essential oils dominated by 1,8‑cineole (eucalyptol), α‑ and β‑pinene, and camphor, with significant monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, and it contains phenolic acids such as rosmarinic acid, which together plausibly underlie its traditional use as an aromatic respiratory and gentle antiseptic infusion (Muñoz et al., 1993; Vogel et al., 1999; Tafeen & Alarcon, 2002; Lorenzo et al., 2009).

Today the plant is still collected as a seasonal herb tea in Chile’s Mapuche territories and is available in small‑scale retail herb blends; several studies have examined its essential‑oil profile and biological activity, but consistent clinical data are limited (Letelier & Lomelí, 2020; Bennett et al., 2021).

Common products:
Lepechinia chilensis is commercially exploited for its essential oil, obtained by steam distillation of the aerial parts. Other formats (e.g., concretes, absolutes) may be processed by perfume houses for specialty accords.

Fragrance and cosmetics:
The oil and derivatives are used in fine and functional fragrance, contributing aromatic notes in herbal, woody, or aromatic-spice compositions. Many producers supply to fragrance manufacturers on contract rather than through retail channels.

Properties relevant to use:
Fragrance use is driven by the composition of the essential oil, which typically includes monoterpenes and diterpenic constituents such as sclareol. These constituents influence odor strength, diffusion, and fixation in formulated perfumes. Processing via steam distillation concentrates the volatiles; further processing into concretes or absolutes can modulate substantivity and diffusion.

Standards and regulation:
Fragrance use is governed by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) Standards, which restrict or require disclosure of certain constituents and set maximum usage levels in finished products. Steam-distilled oils of related Lamiaceae may be referenced to established ISO/ASTM specifications (e.g., ISO 3215 for clary sage oil) as benchmarks for identity and quality, though L. chilensis oil is not yet the subject of a dedicated standard.

Sustainability and sourcing:
Harvest occurs by cutting aerial parts before flowering, typically from wild plants in central Chile. On-farm cultivation is limited; field collection therefore drives supply. Responsible sourcing depends on regulated cutting cycles and site protection to maintain plant viability and prevent overharvesting. The absence of widespread cultivation increases variability in supply and composition.

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No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.

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