Peppermint is also known as Mentha
Piperita,White Peppermint, American Peppermint, Northern Mint, Lamb Mint, Brandy
Peppermint and black Peppermint. Peppermint contains an essential oil that is
unique to other mints for its quality and flavor. Other artificial mint
compounds do not duplicate its aroma or medicinal effects on the body.
Peppermint is a very popular herb for teas, candies, and chewing gums.
Cultivation and oil production started in the US in the 1790's, and was a major
export business by the mid 1800's. The U.S. is still the world's leading
producer of peppermint oil, making an average of 4,117 tons of peppermint oil
per year. Although the traditional use is a tea to improve digestion, most
clinical trials have studied the oil in enteric-coated capsules used internally
to treat irritable bowel syndrome and externally to treat tension headache. Some
companies in Japan are said to pipe peppermint oil into their Air Conditioning
systems in hopes of invigorating their workers, and enhancing productivity. 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 Used Dried or fresh leaf, and essential oil. Typical Preparations Tea is the most common use of this
ingredient. Typically added into a blend for its unique flavor and digestive
aiding effects. The oil is used as flavoring in toothpaste, dental creams,
mouthwash, cough candies, chewing gum, and baked goods. This information has not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose,
treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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