Mentha piperita

Mentha piperita, also known as peppermint, is a hybrid mint, a cross between watermint and spearmint. It is native to Europe and the Middle East, but is now widely spread and cultivated in many regions of the world. It is occasionally found in the wild with its parent species.

Description

Mentha piperita is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows to a height of 30–90 cm (12–35 in). The leaves are dark green with reddish veins, and they have an acute apex and coarsely toothed margins. The leaves and stems are usually slightly fuzzy. The flowers are purple, 6–8 mm (0.24–0.31 in) long, with a four-lobed corolla about 5 mm (0.20 in) diameter; they are produced in whorls (verticillasters) around the stem, forming thick, blunt spikes.

Cultivation and uses

Mentha piperita is cultivated for its essential oil, which is used in a variety of commercial products. The oil is extracted from the leaves of the plant and is used as a flavoring in foods, beverages, and other consumables, as well as in soaps and cosmetics. It is also used in traditional medicine for its purported health benefits.

Chemical constituents

The chemical constituents of Mentha piperita include menthol (40–50%), menthone (10–30%), menthyl acetate (3–10%), menthofuran (1–17%) and 1,8-cineol (3–6%). It also contains many minor constituents including pulegone, limonene and beta-caryophyllene.

Health effects

Peppermint oil, the primary product of Mentha piperita, has a variety of potential health benefits. It is used in aromatherapy for its calming effects. It is also used to treat various health conditions including headaches, skin irritations, anxiety, nausea, pain, and symptoms of the common cold.

See also

• List of culinary herbs and spices
• List of companion plants
• Horticulture