Peppermint
Mentha piperita
Description Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a perennial plant and a member of the Lamiaceae family (8). It has erect, square, branched stems and oppositely arranged, ovate, leaves with serrated edges (1). It can grow to a height of three feet with thick spikes of small, whorled, purple flowers. Peppermint is very aromatic because of its high concentration of menthol. It propagates with long, running roots (3). Habitat Peppermint grows throughout North America, Asia, Europe, and even Australia. It grows best in sun or partial shade with moist, rich, well-drained soil (3). |
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| History
Peppermint is a hybrid of water mint (M. aquatica) and spearmint (M. spicata) (8). It is native to England where it was cultivated in the seventeenth century. It was used as a remedy for indigestion in ancient Egypt around 1000B.C. They ancient Romans used it as a stomach soother. In the eighteenth century, Western Europe began to use it as a remedy for vomiting, nausea, morning sickness, menstrual pain, and respiratory infections (8). About one hundred years ago it was brought to the United States to be cultivated for its oils (1). Common Uses Peppermint is very common because it eases inflamed tissue, calms muscle spasms and cramps, it also is known to inhibit bacteria. It is most commonly used to sooth sore throats, colds, flu, and digestion disorders. It has also been taken to reduce menstrual pain, itching skin, muscle aches, vomiting, headaches, and even fever (8). It is used in tea, oil, candies, cosmetics, potpourris, gum, toothpaste, mouthwashes, and many other mint flavored products (3). Peppermint oil Peppermint is most commonly cultivated for its oil. The oil is produced by steam distillation from partially dried leaves (3). Steam and pressure removes the oils from the chopped leaves. The mixture is then cooled and the oil rises to the surface of the water. In the Midwest 40-65 pounds of oil is produced per acre (2). In Eastern Washington 85 - 110 pounds is produced per acre. The United States produces about 50,000 to 80,000 acres of Peppermint each year (2). Warnings Peppermint can interfere with iron absorption. In very large doses it can cause dermatitis and several other allergic reactions. It can also reduce milk flow so caution must be taken while breast-feeding. It can be toxic to infants and it can induce apnoea (4). Interesting Information Peppermint is used to ward off mosquitoes and kill their larvae. It also has the ability to promote bile flow from the liver (1). |
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Created by Caitlin Jagger, 2001 |
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