Vicks Bush is a perennial herbaceous plant native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. It typically grows up to 1.
 
metres in height but can grow to 3 metres. The plant features square stems with opposite lance-shaped leaves with a velvety texture that emit a pleasant, aromatic fragrance when crushed. Vicks Bush produces small clusters of delicate, tubular flowers that range in colour from pink to purple, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
 
Cultivated for its ornamental value and medicinal properties, Vicks Bush is used in traditional herbal medicine to treat various ailments. The leaves and stems contain essential oils with reported antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Infusions or decoctions made from the plant are consumed as teas or applied topically to alleviate symptoms of respiratory infections, fevers, skin irritations, and digestive issues. Some communities also utilise the plant for its aromatic qualities, incorporating it into herbal teas or sachets for its pleasant ‘vicks’ fragrance.
 
In addition to its medicinal uses, Vicks Bush is valued for its ability to attract beneficial pollinators to gardens and landscapes, enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem health. As an ornamental plant, it adds beauty and fragrance to outdoor spaces, making it a popular choice for herbal gardens and natural landscaping projects.

Common Name: Vicks Bush

Botanical Names:
Mesosphaerum Suaveolens
Hyptis Suaveolens
Ballota Suaveolens
Bystropogon Graveolens
Bystropogon Suaveolens
Gnoteris Cordata
Gnoteris Villosa
Hyptis Congesta
Hyptis Ebracteata
Hyptis Graveolens
Hyptis Plumieri
Marrubium Indicum
Schaueria Graveolens

Family: Lamiaceae

Other Names:
Bush Mint
Chan
Chao
Chia Grande
Hierba De Las Muelas
Horehound
Hyptis
Mint Bush
Mint Weed
Mumutun
Pignut
Spikenard
Stinking Roger
Wild Spikenard

Origin: Tropical America (The Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, South America)

Duration: Perennial

Habit: Upright and bushy growth habit; Hairy square stems that become more or less woody and are much branched; Opposite lance-shaped leaves with a velvety texture that emit a pleasant ‘vicks’ fragrance when crushed; Clusters of small, tubular flowers that vary in colour from pink to purple; Grows up to 1.5 metres (4.92 feet) in height but can grow to 3 metres (9.84 feet)

Hardiness: Hardy