Mentha × piperita

Peppermint

Lamiaceae

A hybrid mint (spearmint × watermint), native to Europe and now naturalized worldwide. Grows well in gardens, along stream edges, and in damp meadows. Thrives in sun to partial shade and spreads quickly.

Perennial herb with square stems, dark green to purplish leaves, and spikes of pale purple flowers. The whole plant is powerfully aromatic — sweet, cool, and pungent.

Carminative, antispasmodic, analgesic, and cooling. Used for indigestion, nausea, IBS, tension headaches, muscle pain, and respiratory congestion. Also acts as a mild nervine and mood brightener. Topically, it relieves itching and pain.

Cooling, drying, dispersive. Clears heat, calms spasms, and opens the head and breath.

Leaf (fresh or dried), essential oil (external use diluted)

Volatile oils (menthol, menthone), flavonoids, tannins, rosmarinic acid

Peppermint is a classic — use it for digestive upset, sinus congestion, or when someone needs to cool down emotionally or physically. It pairs beautifully with chamomile for GI cramping, or with elderflower for fevers. Also great in salves or oils for sore muscles.

• Cut just before flowering for maximum oil content. Use fresh or dry quickly in shade.

Avoid strong doses in GERD or very cold constitutions. Essential oil can be too intense near eyes or mucous membranes.