Peppermint is created by the blend of water-mint and spearmint leaves. The hybrid herb has a smooth stem, fibrous roots, dark green leaves and purple-coloured flowers. Peppermint’s flavour is similar to spearmint, but due to higher concentration of menthol, flavour of peppermint is more pronounced.
Is peppermint a man made plant?
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is one of hundreds of species in the genus Mentha which also includes spearmint, water mint and forest mint. Peppermint is actually believed to be a naturally occurring hybrid of spearmint and water mint.
What is the main ingredient in peppermint?
Menthol
Menthol and methyl salicylate, the main ingredients in peppermint, have antispasmodic effects, with calming effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Several studies support the use of peppermint for indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome.
What is difference between mint and peppermint?
The main difference between mint and peppermint is that peppermint has the strongest flavour when compared to other members of the mint family. Mint refers to aromatic herbs produced by the species of the mint plant (Mentha). Peppermint is one such species.
Where does peppermint originally come from?
Peppermint dates back to at least 1500 B.C. Many experts believe ancient people first began cultivating the leafy green for use in foods and as herbal remedies. Thought to have originated in Northern Africa or the Mediterranean, peppermint gets its name from Greek mythology.
Is smoking mint leaves harmful?
However, just like many other of life’s pleasures, you should always be smoking mint leaves in moderation. Long-term exposure to inhalation of smoke may cause a range of side effects, such as heartburn, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth and even increased risk of heart disease.
Where is peppermint found naturally?
Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is a hybrid species of mint, a cross between watermint and spearmint. Indigenous to Europe and the Middle East, the plant is now widely spread and cultivated in many regions of the world.
Who should not use peppermint?
People with a specific enzyme deficiency, called G6PD deficiency, should avoid using peppermint as an extract or oil in aromatherapy. People taking certain medications. Peppermint oil aromatherapy can inhibit an enzyme called CYP3A4, which is responsible for breaking down many types of medication.
Is peppermint genetically modified?
But the original, 1750s Mitcham peppermint itself was a genetically modified, sterile hybrid that could only be propagated by root cuttings. The sterility of peppermint plants is due to the fact that they are a hybrid of two other Mentha species, water mint (M aquatica) and spearmint (M spicata).
Is peppermint a stimulant or depressant?
Essential oils of peppermint and chamomile exhibited CNS stimulant-like effects; that is, they increased the response rate (number of shuttlings/min) of the avoidance response. Linden also increased the response rate, however, the effect was not dose-dependent.
Does peppermint have any health benefits?
Peppermint may help improve digestion, freshen your breath and improve concentration. Additionally, this mint has antibacterial properties and may improve allergy symptoms, headaches and clogged airways.
Can you grow peppermint?
Peppermint is an easy plant to propagate and grow in your herb garden or indoor garden, though they are considered invasive and often grown in containers. Peppermint can grow up to three feet tall depending on the conditions, and in the summer they produce pinkish purple flowers that grow in whorls around the stem.
What is the medicinal use of peppermint?
Today, peppermint is promoted for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), other digestive problems, the common cold, sinus infections, headaches, and other conditions. Peppermint oil is promoted for topical use (applied to the skin) for problems like headache, muscle aches, joint pain, and itching.
Why is peppermint a winter thing?
Mint leaves behind a cool sensation in the mouth and, as Christmas is associated with snow and ice, this seems to make sense as the flavor of snow. Peppermint also works as an anti-inflammatory agent and it can relieve indigestion — quite helpful as we begin the annual Christmas binge.
Can dogs eat peppermint?
But is peppermint safe for dogs? Quite the opposite: Peppermint is extremely dangerous for your pet. According to the ASPCA, eating peppermint can cause vomiting and diarrhea, among other reactions.
Why is peppermint a Christmas thing?
According to The Oxford Companion to Sugar and Sweets, a local choirmaster in Cologne, Germany, sometime around 1670, was looking for a way to keep rowdy young people quiet while they were watching the live Nativity, and asked a local confectioner to create a special hard candy for the kids to keep busy on for a while.
What does mint do to your lungs?
The menthol in peppermint works as a decongestant, shrinking swollen membranes in the nose and making it easier to breathe, and also helps loosen mucus that has collected in the lungs. Peppermint may also help prevent a sickness from coming on in the first place.
What do you feel when you smoke mint?
Smoking mint calms the nerves, and it helps users remain calm while they are in the beginning stages of quitting nicotine. This is possibly the most important benefit of smoking mint: If you’re trying to quit smoking tobacco, then there is a duration of time that is incredibly uncomfortable due to nicotine addiction.
What are the dangers of mint?
Peppermint can cause some side effects including heartburn, dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting. When applied to the skin: Peppermint oil is likely safe. When given as an enema (rectally): Peppermint oil is likely safe.
Does peppermint raise blood pressure?
Peppermint is a popular flavoring agent, and peppermint tea help relax tension and could lower blood pressure.
Can you find peppermint in the wild?
Peppermint has naturalized and can be found growing wild in North America and Europe. Peppermint plants grow between 18-36 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Peppermint spreads by runners that spread above and just below the ground’s surface. Peppermint often becomes invasive in the home garden.