We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Mentha Piperita?

By C. Ausbrooks
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 14,049
Share

Mentha piperita, more commonly known as peppermint, is a hybrid of spearmint and watermint used as a culinary flavoring and traditional herb remedy. The plant originated in England in the late 1700s, probably due to accidental hybridization, and has been cultivated ever since. Peppermint grows wild in temperate regions of the world where the soil is moist, usually near streams and drainage ditches.

An herbaceous perennial, Mentha piperita reaches up to 35 inches (88.9 centimeters) in height and produces dark-green, fragrant leaves covered in fine hairs. Peppermint also produces whorls of small, purple flowers around its slightly hairy stems in mid- to late-summer. Because it is a hybrid, the plant produces no seeds, but spreads through its extensive underground network of rhizomes.

The plant's leaves and essential oil, obtained through steam distillation, are both used for medicinal and culinary purposes. Peppermint leaves contain between 1 and 3 percent essential oil, and around 50 percent of the oil is composed of menthol. The herb's leaves also contain flavonoids, or antioxidants found naturally in plants that may trigger natural enzymes that fight disease when consumed. The exact proportions of active ingredients vary depending on the growing location and variety, but all peppermint plants contain beneficial flavonoids and essential oil in their leaves.

The most common medicinal use of Mentha piperita is aiding digestion. The plant's dried leaves are typically made into a tea or infusion for treating gas, indigestion, menstrual cramps, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea and gastroenteritis. Peppermint oil and flavonoids found in the leaves both increase the production of bile, which helps validate the herb's traditional use as a digestive aid. Other uses of peppermint leaves include the treatment of insomnia, headaches, nervousness, morning sickness, colic, muscle spasms, rheumatism, motion sickness, fevers and colds.

Mentha piperita oil is also used medicinally for a variety of purposes. When added to hot water, the menthol-rich vapors are inhaled to relieve congestion. Peppermint oil is sometimes added to cough lozenges to soothe the throat during a cold. When applied topically, the oil is believed to relieve sore muscles and joints, and to soothe dry, itchy skin.

Peppermint is a popular culinary flavoring commonly used in ice cream, candy, chewing gum and even baked goods. Used in soaps and shampoos, Mentha piperita produces a minty scent and provides a cooling sensation to the skin. In aromatherapy, peppermint oil is believed to invigorate the mind, improve the mood and relieve tension or anxiety. The plant's essential oil is also used as a natural pesticide in some commercial products.

Peppermint tea is made by steeping 1 to 2 tablespoons (14.79 to 29.57 milliliters) of the dried leaves in 2/3 cup (157.73 milliliters) of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes. Three doses can be taken per day for as long as necessary to relieve digestive problems. Peppermint essential oil should not be taken internally unless under medical supervision, as the substance may be toxic if too much is consumed. Pregnant women should not consume Mentha piperita in any form, as it may stimulate menstrual bleeding. Individuals suffering from hiatal hernia, gallstones or blockage of the bile duct should also avoid peppermint, as it may aggravate these conditions.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-mentha-piperita.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.