The appearance of Shixiangcao is very similar to mint, and both plants have a similar light fragrance, so many people often confuse the two. Both are plants in the Lamiaceae family. So what is the difference between Shixiangcao and mint?
Shixiangcao, also known as Xiangcao, is a herbaceous plant. It prefers to be watered with well water, likes a slightly moist environment, and does not require much fertilizer. The best variety has red stems and long elliptical leaves, followed by those with green stems and long leaves, and the least desirable are large elliptical leaves that resemble mint. This plant is not visited by mosquitoes and flies, is free from pests, and its fragrance travels far with the wind. It is refreshing but not subtle, aromatic but not cloying. Dutch mint is a perennial herbaceous plant with a creeping habit, elliptical leaves, and a cool fragrance, with pale purple flowers. In fact, in terms of appearance, the leaves of mint and Shixiangcao are almost the same shape, except that the leaves of Shixiangcao are slightly smaller. Their rhizomes are also similar, perhaps because they belong to the same family. In terms of taste, mint and Shixiangcao are very different. Mint has a slightly numbing taste, while Shixiangcao is fragrant and delicious.
Shixiangcao is a unique and rare vegetable with a rich and mellow aroma, possessing both the numbing spiciness of Schizonepeta and the coolness of mint. Its green color is pleasant to look at, so it can be grown as an ornamental plant, used as a fresh seasoning, a garnish for main dishes, or eaten directly as a cold salad. The cold salad is prepared simply by mixing it with sesame oil and garlic juice. It has a slightly bitter taste when it first touches the lips, but after a short while, a sweet fragrance spreads in the mouth, leaving a long-lasting aftertaste. The main components of mint are menthol, methyl acetate, and carvone. It has strengthening, cardiotonic, anthelmintic, antipyretic, and stomachic effects. It can be used in sauces, vinegar, vegetables, desserts, or made into candy. Mint oil has a cooling and refreshing effect. It can also be used as a flavoring for beverages, cigarettes, toothpaste, and medicine. Its essential oil can treat vomiting. Mint itself is stimulating and can aid digestion, reducing flatulence.