Peppermint

(Mentha Piperita)

The peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is a healing and spice plant of the genus of mints. It is a cross between Mentha aquatica and Mentha spicata, thought to be a coincidental one, of which Mentha spicata is a cross between Mentha rotundifolia and Mentha longifolia. From other mints, the peppermint differs above all by the high menthol and low Carvongehalt or by the sharper taste (hence the name "peppermint"). Peppermint was named medicinal plant of the year 2004.

Ingredients

The leaves contain the essential peppermint oil (Menthae piperitae aetheroleum), a colorless to pale yellow or pale greenish-yellow liquid with a typical smell and taste, followed by a cool sensation. The oil includes monoterpenes such as menthol, menthol esters, menthone, cineole and limonene.