LIPPIA DULCIS

FAMILY :: VERBENACEAE
AZTEC SWEET HERB, ORASÚS: A low growing plant always covered with small white cone flowers. Has a wonderful scent and a very sweet taste. Once considered a possibility for commercial use as a sugar substitute until studies showed high doses caused thyroid cancer in rats. Now being researched as a flavoring. Don’t feed to rats.

The leaves are used as a remedy for bronchitis and dry, hacking coughs. The flowers are chewed for toothache. Grow in shady areas, with moisture, where the temperature doesn’t drop below 30°. Grows well in a pot as a house plant. The leaves turn purple if given too much light.