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The Crested latesummer mint (Elsholtzia ciliata) belongs to Lamiaceae (the Mint family). It is a perennial herb that is distributed thoughout Japan and widely in East Asia. This herb grows in grasslands or roadsides, and can reach 30-60 cm in height. The leaves are ovate or long-ovate, arranged oppsitely and petiolate. The 5-10 cm long spikes are borne on one side of flowering stalks, and the pale magenta flowers bloom from August to October. The exserted parts of bracts are 1-2 mm in length. Its Japanese name comes from its shape, which resembles a long sword. This herb has been used as a traditional remedy for anti-fever, sudorific, diuretic or abdominal pain. In Taiwanese Chinese, it is called "香薷" and in Chinese, "香薷" (xiang ru).
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