Peppermint is a hybrid mint plant that is widely cultivated for its fragrant leaves and essential oil. It grows as a rhizomatous perennial herb and reproduces vegetatively. Peppermint oil contains high levels of menthol and is used in many consumer products like tea, candy, gum, and toothpaste due to its flavor and scent. Peppermint has also been used medicinally to relieve headaches, digestive issues, cold symptoms, itching and skin irritations. While generally safe in amounts normally consumed, peppermint should be used cautiously by those with GERD or gallstones and is not recommended for infants or during pregnancy without consultation.

2.  Peppermint (Mentha × piperita), also known as M.
balsamea Wild.) is a hybrid mint, a cross
between watermint and spearmint. Peppermint was
first described in 1753 by Carolus Linnaeus from
specimens that had been collected in England; he
treated it as a species, but it is now universally agreed
to be a hybrid. The plant, indigenous to Europe, is now
widespread in cultivation throughout all regions of the
world. It is a herbaceous rhizomatous perennial
plant growing to 30–90 cm (12–35 in) tall, with smooth
stems, square in cross section. The rhizomes are wide-
spreading, fleshy, and bare fibrous roots.

3.  Peppermint plants grow to about 2 - 3 feet tall. They
bloom from July through August, sprouting tiny purple
flowers in whorls and terminal spikes.
 Dark green, fragrant leaves grow opposite white
flowers. Peppermint is native to Europe and Asia, is
naturalized to North America, and grows wild in
moist, temperate areas. Some varieties are indigenous
to South Africa, South America, and Australia.

4. Peppermint typically occurs in moist
habitats, including stream sides and drainage
ditches. Being a hybrid, it is
usually sterile, producing no seeds and
reproducing only vegetative, spreading by
its rhizomes. If placed, it can grow
anywhere, with a few exceptions.
Outside of its native range, areas where
peppermint was formerly grown for oil often
have an abundance of feral plants, and it is
considered invasive in Australia, the Galápagos
Islands, New Zealand, and in the United States.

5.  Peppermint generally grows best in moist, shaded
locations, and expands by underground stolons. Young
shoots are taken from old stocks and dibbled into the
ground about 1.5 feet apart. They grow quickly and
cover the ground with runners if it is permanently
moist. For the home gardener, it is often grown in
containers to restrict rapid spreading. It grows best
with a good supply of water, without being water-
logged, and planted in areas with part-sun to shade.

6.  The leaves and flowering tops are used; they are
collected as soon as the flowers begin to open and can
be dried. The wild form of the plant is less suitable for
this purpose, with cultivated plants having been
selected for more and better oil content. They may be
allowed to lie and wilt a little before distillation, or they
may be taken directly to the still.

7. Peppermint has a
high menthol content, a
nd is often used in :-
 Tea
 Confectionery
 for flavouring Ice cream
 Chewing gum
 Toothpaste

8. Itching and Skin Irritations
Peppermint, when applied topically, has a soothing
and cooling effect on skin irritations caused by
hives, poison ivy, or poison oak.
Tension Headache
One small study suggested that peppermint applied
to the forehead and temples helped reduce
headache symptoms.
Colds and Flu
Peppermint and its main active agent, menthol, are
effective decongestants. Because menthol thins
mucus, it is also a good expectorant, meaning that it
helps loosen phlegm and breaks up coughs. It is
soothing and calming for sore throats (pharyngitis)
and dry coughs as well.

9.  One animal study has suggested
that Peppermint may have radio
protective effects in patients
undergoing cancer treatment.
 The aroma of peppermint has been
found to enhance memory. As such, it
can be administered by instructors to
their students before examinations, to
aid recall.
 Peppermint flowers are large nectar
producers and honey bees as well as
other nectar harvesting organisms
forage them heavily. A mild, pleasant
varietal honey can be produced if
there is a sufficient area of plants.

10.  Peppermint tea is prepared from dried leaves of the
plant and is widely available commercially.
 Peppermint spirit (tincture) contains 10% peppermint
oil and 1% peppermint leaf extract in an alcohol
solution. A tincture can be prepared by adding 1 part
peppermint oil to 9 parts pure grain alcohol.
 Enteric coated capsules are specially coated to allow
the capsule to pass through the stomach and into the
intestine (0.2 mL of peppermint oil per capsule).
 Creams or ointments (should contain 1 - 16% menthol)

11.  Pediatric
 Do not give peppermint to an infant or small child. Peppermint oil
applied to the face of infants can cause life-threatening breathing
problems. In addition, peppermint tea may cause a burning sensation in
the mouth. For digestion and upset stomach in older children: 1 - 2 mL
peppermint glycerite per day.
 Adult
 Tea: Steep 1 tsp. dried peppermint leaves in 1 cup boiling water for 10
minutes; strain and cool. Drink 4 - 5 times per day between meals.
Peppermint tea appears to be safe, even in large quantities.
 Enteric coated capsules: 1 - 2 capsules (0.2 ml of peppermint oil) 2 - 3
times per day for IBS.
 Tension headaches: Using a tincture of 10% peppermint oil to 90%
ethanol, lightly coat the forehead and allow the tincture to evaporate.
 Itching and skin irritations: Apply menthol, the active ingredient in
peppermint, in a cream or ointment form no more than 3 - 4 times per
day.

12.  The use of herbs is a time honored approach to
strengthening the body and treating disease.
Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and interact with
other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these
reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the
supervision of a health care provider.
 Do not take peppermint or drink peppermint tea if you
have gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD -- a condition
where stomach acids back up into the esophagus) or hiatal
hernia. Peppermint can relax the sphincter between the
stomach and esophagus, allowing stomach acids to flow
back into the esophagus. (The sphincter is the muscle that
separates the esophagus from the stomach.) By relaxing
the sphincter, peppermint may actually make the
symptoms of heartburn and indigestion worse.

13.  Peppermint, in amounts normally found in food, is
likely to be safe during pregnancy, but not enough is
known about the effects of larger supplemental
amounts. Speak with your health care provider.
 Never apply peppermint oil to the face of an infant or
small child, as it may cause spasms that inhibit
breathing.
 Peppermint may make gallstones worse.
 Large doses of peppermint oil can be toxic. Pure
menthol is poisonous and should never be taken
internally. It is important not to confuse oil and
tincture preparations.
 Menthol or peppermint oil applied to the skin can
cause a rash.