Peppermint is a sterile hybrid of spearmint (Mentha spicata) and water mint (Mentha aquatica), which was first recorded as budding in a field of spearmint growing in England in 1696. Since then, it has been intensively extended for its fragrant oil. It is also used to treat gastric and digestive disorders, as well as tension and insomnia.
Herbalists consider peppermint an astringent, antiseptic, antipruritic, antispasmodic, antiemetic, carminative, diaphoretic, mild bitter, analgesic, anticatarrhal, antimicrobial, rubefacient, stimulant, and emmenagogue.
This plant is widely used in folk remedies and traditional medicine for treatment of digestive disorders and nervous system actions because of its antitumor and antimicrobial properties, chemopreventive potential, its renal actions, antiallergenic effects, and also for lessening cramping, digestive complaints, anorexia, nausea and diarrhea.
Peppermint commonly used as medicinal herb because was benefit in building the immune system and fighting secondary infections. Peppermint essential oil has antibacterial activities because it was contained menthol.
Mint oil and its constituents and derivatives are used in food, pharmaceutical and perfumery and flavoring industry. Its main constituent, menthol, is used in the manufacture of lozenges, toothpastes, pain balms, and cold balms.
Peppermint and health benefits
