Botanical Name: Mentha Piperita Plant Family: Lamiaceae Origins: United States
The world's most familiar "mint scent", peppermint contains an essential oil unique among mints. It is widely used in teas, candies, and chewing gums. Native to Europe but grown in the United States, peppermint is a flowering perennial, that is actually a natural amalgam of spearmint and water mint. The herb grows easily in moist soil making it one herb that is cultivated around the world. Its applications in food and medicine are profound and extensive.