The peppermint is a sterile hybrid derived from a cross between Mentha aquatic and Mentha spicata.  Peppermint is a perennial that spreads by creeping rootstocks.   The stem is square shaped, purplish in color and grows from 1-2 ft. tall.  The leaves are opposite, smooth and sharply toothed and grow from 1-3 inches long.  The flowers are reddish-purple in whorled clusters in the axils of the upper leaves forming loose, interrupted spikes.  The flowers rarely bare seeds.  The essential oil is present in all parts of the plant, which gives it that distinct aromatic odor.

Peppermint is native to Europe, mainly England.  It has been found and cultivated in central and southern Europe, Asia and temperate regions of North and South America and Japan.

Optimal Growing Conditions

Peppermint is found along wet lowlands, streams, lakes, brook sides and ditches.  It thrives in fairly warm and moist climates and, with soils rich in humus and able to retain moisture.

Economic Importance

Peppermint's major economic importance is based on the essential oil it produces and how this oil contributes to herbal medicine.  In the eighteenth century it was first used in England for its medicinal use.  It is also popular for its fragrance and decoration.  England possesses the most superior strain of peppermint based on its quality of the oil.   The United States produces the highest quantity in Michigan, but it has the lowest quality.

Ethnobotanical and Cultural Information

Peppermint plays a large role in "new herbal" remedies.  It helps alleviate symptoms from colds, abdominal problems and joint aches and pains.  It helps with dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, cholera, diarrhea, and nausea along with motion sickness.   Peppermint possesses a numbing effect on the spasmodic nerve endings of an upset stomach, which then in turn calms the stomach.  If peppermint were mixed in a tea with either Yarrow or Boneset it would dissipate cold or a mild attack of the flu within 36 hours.  The oil has also been rubbed into the skin for aches and pains and to the temples to alleviate headaches.  Peppermint is assigned a masculine quality, with the powers of purification, sleep, love, healing, and psychic powers.

Fascinating Facts

• The two main constituents of peppermint are an ester and an alcohol.  The ester, menthyl acetate, gives the odor to the essential oil.  The alcohol, menthol, also contributes to the minty aroma and the cooling taste.
• The medicinal value comes from the menthol.   The oil is antibacterial while the menthol is antiseptic and antifungal, hence the use in toothpaste and mouthwash.
• It is also used as a disguise flavor for unpalatable drugs.
• The ancient Greeks and Romans used peppermint as crowns and decorations for their tables at feasts.  They also used it in their wines and meat.

Other interesting sites:

http://www.romanticside.com/weekinherbs/03202000_peppermint.html

http://209.238.111.79/Peppermint.htm   This site gives side effects of use.

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/m/mints-39.html   This site has great background on major growth areas.

Created by:  Kristi Maroni