Peppermint

Peppermint is a hybrid mint, namely a cross between the watermint (Mentha aquatica) and spearmint (Mentha spicata). Peppermint has a high menthol content, and is often used as a flavoring in tea, ice cream, candy, chewing gum and toothpaste.

Peppermint is sometimes regarded as 'the world's oldest medicine', with archaeological evidence placing its use at least as far back as ten thousand years ago.

Peppermint is a calming agent to soothe an upset stomach or to aid in digestion.

Usage

For digestion it's best to make a tea out of the leaves and drink a small amount with or prior to meals. To enjoy the pleasing and refreshing fragrance, put a few leaves in a vaporizer, or spread the aroma throughout your room by heating them in a Potpourri lamp.

Caution

Pregnant or nursing mothers should drink peppermint tea only in moderation and those with a history of miscarriage should not use peppermint at all while pregnant.