Also known as- Mentha piperita, White Peppermint, American Peppermint, Northern Mint, and Black Peppermint.
Introduction
The familiar "mint scent" is the aroma of peppermint. Peppermint contains an essential oil that is unique to other mints for its quality and flavor. Artificial peppermints do not effectively duplicate its aroma or medicinal effects.
Constituents
The essential oil of peppermint (up to 2.5% in the dried leaf) is mostly made up from menthol (ca. 50%), menthone (10 to 30%), menthyl esters (up to 10%) and several monoterpene derivatives (pulegone, piperitone, menthofurane). Traces of jasmone (0.1%) give the oil its characteristically "minty" scent. The aromatic chemicals in the mint are concentrated when the plant is grown in areas with long, warm, bright summer days.
Parts Usedv Dried or fresh leaf, and essential oil.
Typical Preparations
Tea is the most common and best employed use of this ingredient. The oil is used as flavoring in toothpaste, dental creams, mouthwash, cough candies, chewing gm, and baked goods.
Summary
Essential oil of peppermint can be applied to the skin or mouth to relieve pain. The essential oil in peppermint teas relieves the pain associated with colitis and colic.
Precautions
For best results, avoid boiling a peppermint tea, and instead add simmering water to a cup of the material instead of boiling directly.
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