Herbs & Botanicals

Product Description

Botanical Name: Mentha × piperita

Plant Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)

Botanical Description:
Mentha × piperita, commonly known as peppermint, is a hybrid mint species. It is a perennial herbaceous plant with square stems that can grow up to 30 to 90 centimetres in height. Peppermint leaves are opposite, smooth-edged, and lance-shaped, with a dark green colour and a strong, refreshing minty aroma. The plant produces small purple or pink flowers arranged in terminal spikes during the summer months. Peppermint is well-known for its characteristic menthol flavour and cooling sensation.

Introduction:
Peppermint has a long history of use in culinary, medicinal, and aromatic applications, dating back thousands of years. It is prized for its distinctively refreshing flavour, aromatic fragrance, and therapeutic properties. It is widely cultivated and used around the world in various forms, including teas, extracts, essential oils, and topical preparations.

Preparations:
Tea: Prepare peppermint tea by steeping dried peppermint leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain the infusion and drink it as a hot or cold beverage.
Essential Oil: Extract peppermint essential oil through steam distillation of the aerial parts of the plant. Peppermint essential oil can be used aromatically in diffusers or steam inhalation. It can also be diluted in a carrier oil and applied topically or added to skincare products for cooling and refreshing effects.
Tincture: Prepare a peppermint tincture by macerating dried peppermint leaves in alcohol (such as vodka or brandy) for several weeks. Strain the tincture and store it in a dark glass bottle. Take the tincture orally by diluting it in water or juice according to the dosage instructions provided on the product label or by a qualified herbalist.
Capsules: Peppermint oil capsules are available for convenient consumption. Follow the dosage instructions provided on the product label or consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner for appropriate dosing.
Topical Application: Dilute peppermint essential oil in a carrier oil (such as coconut oil or almond oil) and apply it topically to the skin.