Peppermint plants usually grow to about 2 - 3 feet tall. They have tiny purple flowers in whorls and terminal spikes. Dark green, fragrant leaves grow opposite white flowers. Peppermint is native to Europe and Asia, is naturalized to North America, and grows wild in moist, temperate areas. Some varieties are indigenous to South Africa, South America, and Australia.

Peppermint is a very popular ingredient for gum, toothpaste, tea and for cooking too. Peppermint is also very effective to soothe an upset stomach and to aid in digestion. Because it has a calming and numbing effect, it has been used to treat headaches, skin irritations, anxiety associated with depression, nausea, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, and flatulence. It is also an ingredient in chest rubs, used to treat symptoms of the common cold. In test tubes, peppermint kills some types of bacteria and viruses, suggesting it may have antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Botanical name: Mentha piperita

Plant origin: Herb

Extraction method: Distillation

Aroma: strong, sharp, minty

Odor Intensity: very high

Evaporation rate: Top note

Medicinal properties: Analgesic, antiphlogistic, antiseptic,  antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, expectorant, febrifuge, nervine, stomachic, anti-infection, antifungal, digestive.

Safety precautions: Possible irritant to skin, do not use strong dilution. Avoid in pregnancy and lactation. May antidote homeopathic remedies. Do not use in sensitive and damage skin.

Pysho emotional benefits:

General debility, lethargy, hysteria, mental fatigue, depression, nervous stress, shock.

Physical benefits:

Constricts capillaries, palpitations, headache, painful menstruation, fever, asthma, colds, chronic bronchitis, nausea, dizziness, muscular spasms, ringworm, toothache, bad breath.

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