What Is Peppermint?

Peppermint a medicinal and culinary herb that is native to Europe. The peppermint plant is a natural hybrid of spearmint and watermint. It is one of the best known mint plants, and its flavor can be found in everything from herbal tea to candies and toothpastes. In herbal medicine, peppermint is best known for its ability to relieve gas and bloating. Peppermint is so well known that when most people imagine the smell of mint, they are really thinking about peppermint.

How to Use Peppermint (Common Uses)

Dried peppermint leaf can be taken internally as a tea, powder, capsules, or extract. The essential oil is often used topically and in bodycare. Both fresh and dried peppermint have many uses for cooking, and peppermint is a common ingredient in candy, sauces, baked goods, and cocktails.

Medicinal Uses and Benefits of Peppermint

Peppermint is excellent at helping to relax muscle spasms and reduce gas, colic, bloating. In the appropriate dose during pregnancy, it may help to relieve nausea. Peppermint is generally safe to be used by people of all ages.

Active Constituents in Peppermint

Volatile oil, phenolic acids, flavonoids, nutrients.

Notable Facts About Peppermint

The Assyrians used peppermint as an offering to their fire god.

Peppermint has made appearances in Greek mythology, such as when Menthe was turned into a peppermint plant due to Proserpine.