PEPPERMINT

Mentha piperita L. is a hybrid derived from M. aquatica L. and M. spicata. Peppermint is an herbaceous plant cultivated in central and southern Europe, North and South America and Japan. The plant, a well-known perennial, is a member of the mint family. It grows to 80 cm (32 in.) in height; it has an erect, green stalk with white flowers (white mint) or a reddish-brown stalk with reddish-brown flowers (black mint). It has opposite leaves, long creeping roots, erect opposite branches and flowers grouped in clusters and arranged in spikes. The part used is the flowering tops. Peppermint has a fresh, strong, mint odor; sweet, balsamic taste, often masked by the distinct cooling effect.

Peppermint is found in Europe, the United States, and Canada.

In extract form, peppermint (Mentha piperita) helps relieve skin irritation and itching. Peppermint reduces skin redness due to inflammation or acne, cools by constricting capillaries, and has P refreshing and tonic properties.