:en:Peppermint

File:Mentha-piperita.JPG

File:Mentha × piperita - Köhler–s Medizinal-Pflanzen-095.jpg

Peppermint was first identified in Hertfordshire, England, by a Dr. Eales, a discovery which John Ray published 1696 in the second edition of his book Synopsis Methodica Stirpium Britannicarum. He initially gave it the name Mentha spicis brevioribus et habitioribus, foliis Mentha fusca, sapore fervido piperis and later in his 1704 volume Historia Plantarum he called it Mentha palustris or Peper–Mint. The plant was then added to the London Pharmacopoeia under the name Mentha piperitis sapore in 1721.{{Cite book |last=Ray |first=John |title=Synopsis Methodica Stirpium Britannicarum |year=1696 |pages=234}}{{Cite book |last=Flückiger |first=Friedrich August |title=Pharmacographia: A History of the Principal Drugs of Vegetable Origin, met with in Great Britain and British India |publisher=Macmillan |year=1874 |pages=481–2}}{{Cite journal |last=Bacon |first=F. J. |date=1928 |title=The Botanical Origin of American Peppermint—Mentha Piperita L* |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0898140X15367884 |journal=The Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association (1912) |language=en |volume=17 |issue=11 |pages=1094–1096 |doi=10.1002/jps.3080171108 |issn=0898-140X|url-access=subscription }}{{Cite journal |last=Porter |first=C. L. |date=1951 |title=The History of Mentha piperita and Its Economic Importance in Indiana |url=https://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/ias/article/download/5809/5793 |journal=Proceedings of the Indiana Academy of Science |volume=61 |pages=364–268}}

It was given the name Mentha piperita in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus in his Species Plantarum Volume 2.Linnaeus, C. (1753). Species Plantarum 2: 576–577. Linnaeus treated peppermint as a species, but it is now universally agreed to be a hybrid between Mentha viridis and Mentha aquatica with Mentha viridis itself also being a hybrid between Mentha sylvestris and Mentha rotundifolis.Harley, R. M. (1975). Mentha L. In: Stace, C. A., ed. Hybridization and the flora of the British Isles page 387.{{Cite book |last=Wong |first=Warren |title=The Changes that Occur in Peppermint Oil During Aging, Including the Relationship Between Changes in Chemical Composition and Flavor Characteristics |publisher=Ph.D. dissertation. Rutgers |year=1972 |pages=10}}

Peppermint is an herbaceous, rhizomatous, perennial plant that grows to be {{convert|30|-|90|cm|in|abbr=on}} tall, with smooth stems, square in cross section. The rhizomes are wide-spreading and fleshy, and bear fibrous roots. The leaves can be {{convert|4|-|9|cm|in|frac=4|abbr=on}} long and {{convert|1.5|-|4|cm|in|frac=4|abbr=on}} broad. They are dark green with reddish veins, with an acute apex and coarsely toothed margins. The leaves and stems are usually slightly fuzzy. The flowers are purple, {{convert|6|-|8|mm|in|frac=16|abbr=on}} long, with a four-lobed corolla about {{convert|5|mm|in|frac=16|abbr=on}} diameter; they are produced in whorls (verticillasters) around the stem, forming thick, blunt spikes.

Flowering season lasts from mid- to late summer. The chromosome number is variable, with 2n counts of 66, 72, 84, and 120 recorded.{{cite web|url=https://oilsesense.com/pages/mentha-x-piperita-peppermint-flora-of-northwest-europe|title=Mentha x piperita - Peppermint - Flora of Northwest Europe|date=2014|access-date=29 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229212600/https://oilsesense.com/pages/mentha-x-piperita-peppermint-flora-of-northwest-europe|archive-date=29 December 2014|url-status=dead}}Huxley, A., ed. (1992). New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. Macmillan. {{ISBN|0-333-47494-5}}.{{Page needed|date=November 2010}}Blamey, M. & Grey-Wilson, C. (1989). Flora of Britain and Northern Europe. {{ISBN|0-340-40170-2}}{{Page needed|date=November 2010}} Peppermint is a fast-growing plant, spreading quickly once it has sprouted.

Peppermint typically occurs in moist habitats, including stream sides and drainage ditches. Being a hybrid, it is usually sterile, producing no seeds and reproducing only vegetatively, spreading by its runners.

Outside of its native range, areas where peppermint was formerly grown for oil often have an abundance of feral plants, and it is considered invasive in Australia, the Galápagos Islands, New Zealand,Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk: [https://www.hear.org/pier/species/mentha_x_piperita.htm Mentha x piperita] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119060402/https://www.hear.org/Pier/species/mentha_x_piperita.htm |date=2022-01-19 }} and the United States{{PLANTS|symbol=MEPI|taxon=Mentha ×piperita L. (pro sp.) [aquatica × spicata]|access-date=7 June 2022}} in the Great Lakes region, noted since 1843.{{cite web |title= List of invasive species in the Great Lakes Great Lakes United / Union Saint-Laurent Grands Lacs |url= https://www.glu.org/en/node/199 |access-date= 2009-02-07 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090429205753/https://www.glu.org/en/node/199 |archive-date= 2009-04-29 }}

File:Mint 2014-06-01 00-53.jpg

Peppermint generally grows best in moist, shaded locations, and expands by underground rhizomes. Young shoots are taken from old stocks and dibbled into the ground about 0.5 m (1.5 ft) apart. They grow quickly and cover the ground with runners if it is permanently moist. For the home gardener, it is often grown in containers to restrict rapid spreading. It grows best with a good supply of water, without being water-logged, and planted in areas with partial sun to shade.

The leaves and flowering tops are used; they are collected as soon as the flowers begin to open and can be dried. The wild form of the plant is less suitable for this purpose, with cultivated plants having been selected for more and better oil content. They may be allowed to lie and wilt a little before distillation, or they may be taken directly to the still.

Several cultivars have been selected for garden use:

• Mentha × piperita 'Candymint' has reddish stems.{{cite book|title=The Herbarist|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4cZJAAAAYAAJ|access-date=24 July 2013|year=1997|publisher=Herb Society of America.|page=39|archive-date=10 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610185648/https://books.google.com/books?id=4cZJAAAAYAAJ|url-status=live}}
• Mentha × piperita 'Chocolate Mint'. Its flowers open from the bottom up; its flavour is reminiscent of the flavour in Andes Chocolate Mints, a popular confection.{{cite web |url=https://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/menpiperitachocolate.htm |title=Mentha piperita cv. Chocolate Mint |publisher=Mountainvalleygrowers.com |access-date=2013-07-24 |archive-date=2013-04-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402163951/https://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/menpiperitachocolate.htm |url-status=live }}{{cite book|author=Dolf De Rovira|title=Dictionary of Flavors|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=avYMy82EBuAC&pg=PA420|access-date=24 July 2013|date=28 February 2008|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=978-0-470-38484-8|pages=420–|archive-date=27 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427011425/https://books.google.com/books?id=avYMy82EBuAC&pg=PA420|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://hortiplex.gardenweb.com/plants/p1/gw1091144.html |title=Mentha x piperita 'Chocolate Mint' : peppermint |publisher=Hortiplex.gardenweb.com |date=2007-09-12 |access-date=2013-07-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006175843/https://hortiplex.gardenweb.com/plants/p1/gw1091144.html |archive-date=2014-10-06 }}
• Mentha × piperita 'Citrata' includes a number of varieties including Eau de Cologne mint,{{cite web |url=https://hortiplex.gardenweb.com/plants/p1/gw1025619.html |title=Mentha x piperita 'Citrata' : eau de cologne mint |publisher=Hortiplex.gardenweb.com |date=2007-09-12 |access-date=2013-07-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006174814/https://hortiplex.gardenweb.com/plants/p1/gw1025619.html |archive-date=2014-10-06 }} grapefruit mint, lemon mint,{{cite web |url=https://hortiplex.gardenweb.com/plants/p1/gw1025621.html |title=Mentha x piperita var. citrata : lemon mint |publisher=Hortiplex.gardenweb.com |date=2007-09-12 |access-date=2013-07-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728095336/https://hortiplex.gardenweb.com/plants/p1/gw1025621.html |archive-date=2014-07-28 }} and orange mint. Its leaves are aromatic and hairless.
• Mentha × piperita 'Crispa' has wrinkled leaves.{{cite web |url=https://hortiplex.gardenweb.com/plants/p1/gw1091140.html |title=Mentha x piperita 'Crispa' : eau de cologne mint |publisher=Hortiplex.gardenweb.com |date=2007-09-12 |access-date=2013-07-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006174224/https://hortiplex.gardenweb.com/plants/p1/gw1091140.html |archive-date=2014-10-06 }}
• Mentha × piperita 'Lavender Mint'{{cite web |url=https://hortiplex.gardenweb.com/plants/p1/gw1091143.htmlburl |title=HortiPlex Plant Database: Info, Images and Links on Thousands of Plants |publisher=Hortiplex.gardenweb.com |access-date=2013-07-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006174816/https://hortiplex.gardenweb.com/plants/p1/gw1091143.htmlburl |archive-date=2014-10-06 }}
• Mentha × piperita 'Lime Mint' has lime-scented foliage.{{cite book|title=Harrowsmith Country Life|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=255LAAAAYAAJ|access-date=24 July 2013|year=1990|publisher=Camden House Pub.|page=48|archive-date=5 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505071333/https://books.google.com/books?id=255LAAAAYAAJ|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://hortiplex.gardenweb.com/plants/p1/gw1091141.html |title=Mentha x piperita 'Lime Mint' : eau de cologne mint |publisher=Hortiplex.gardenweb.com |date=2007-09-12 |access-date=2013-07-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006180117/https://hortiplex.gardenweb.com/plants/p1/gw1091141.html |archive-date=2014-10-06 }}
• Mentha × piperita 'Variegata' has mottled green and pale yellow leaves.{{cite web |url=https://hortiplex.gardenweb.com/plants/p1/gw1091142.html |title=Mentha x piperita 'Variegata' : variegated mint |publisher=Hortiplex.gardenweb.com |date=2007-09-12 |access-date=2013-07-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006180119/https://hortiplex.gardenweb.com/plants/p1/gw1091142.html |archive-date=2014-10-06 }}

Commercial cultivars may include:

• Dulgo pole{{cite web | last = Stanev | first = S. | author2 = V. D. Zheljazkov | title = Study on essential oil and free menthol accumulation in 19 cultivars, populations, and clones of peppermint (Mentha × piperita) | url = https://www.actahort.org/books/629/629_21.htm | access-date = 6 June 2009 | archive-date = 26 August 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090826214751/https://www.actahort.org/books/629/629_21.htm | url-status = live }}
• Zefir
• Bulgarian population #2
• Clone 11-6-22
• Clone 80-121-33
• Mitcham Digne 38{{cite journal |title=An optimising protocol for protoplast regeneration of three peppermint cultivars ( Mentha x piperita) |last1=Jullien |first1=Frédéric |last2=Diemer |first2=Florence |last3=Colson |first3=Monique |last4=Faure |first4=Olivier |journal=Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture |volume=54 |pages=153–9 |year=1998 |doi=10.1023/A:1006185103897 |issue=3|s2cid=26626639 }}
• Mitcham Ribecourt 19
• 'Todd's Mitcham', a verticillium wilt-resistant cultivar produced from a breeding and test program of atomic gardening at Brookhaven National Laboratory from the mid-1950s{{cite journal | last1=Craker | first1=Lyle E. | last2=Gardner | first2=Zoë | last3=Etter | first3=Selma C. | title=Herbs in American Fields: A Horticultural Perspective of Herb and Medicinal Plant Production in the United States, 1903 to 2003 | journal=HortScience | publisher=American Society for Horticultural Science | volume=38 | issue=5 | year=2003 | issn=0018-5345 | doi=10.21273/hortsci.38.5.977 | pages=977–983 | s2cid=54203253| doi-access=free }}
• 'Refined Murray', also verticillium-resistant
• 'Roberts Mitcham', also verticillium-resistant and also the product of mutation breeding

Verticillium wilt is a major constraint in peppermint cultivation. 'Todd's Mitcham', 'Refined Murray', 'Roberts Mitcham' (see above), and a few other cultivars have some degree of resistance.

In 2022, world production of peppermint was 51,081 tonnes, led by Morocco with 84% of the total and Argentina with 14% (table).

In the United States, Oregon and Washington produce most of the country's peppermint,{{cite web|title=Peppermint|url=https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/coarec/peppermint-0|publisher=Oregon State University, Corvallis; Extension Service|access-date=6 July 2020|date=2020|archive-date=5 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705232053/https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/coarec/peppermint-0|url-status=live}} the leaves of which are processed for the essential oil to produce flavorings mainly for chewing gum and toothpaste.{{cite news|last1=Pihl|first1=Kristi|title=Washington is No. 1 mint oil producer in U.S.|url=https://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/local/article32084385.html|newspaper=Tri-City Herald|access-date=26 September 2017|date=24 September 2012|archive-date=26 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926235913/https://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/local/article32084385.html|url-status=live}}

Peppermint has a high menthol content. The essential oil also contains menthone and carboxyl esters, particularly menthyl acetate.{{cite book |title=PDR for Herbal Medicines |edition= 4th |author=Thomson Healthcare |page=640 |year=2007 |publisher= Thomson |isbn=978-1-56363-678-3}} Dried peppermint typically has 0.3–0.4% of volatile oil containing menthol (7–48%), menthone (20–46%), menthyl acetate (3–10%), menthofuran (1–17%), and 1,8-cineol (3–6%). Peppermint oil also contains small amounts of many additional compounds, including limonene, pulegone, caryophyllene, and pinene.{{cite book |title=Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients used in food, drugs and cosmetics |url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofco00leun |url-access=registration |first=A. Y. |last=Leung |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |location=New York |year=1980 |page=[https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofco00leun/page/231 231] |isbn=9780471049548 }}

Peppermint contains terpenoids and flavonoids such as eriocitrin, hesperidin, and kaempferol 7-O-rutinoside.{{cite journal | last1 = Dolzhenko | first1 = Yuliya | last2 = Bertea | first2 = Cinzia M. | last3 = Occhipinti | first3 = Andrea | last4 = Bossi | first4 = Simone | last5 = Maffei | first5 = Massimo E. | year = 2010 | title = UV-B modulates the interplay between terpenoids and flavonoids in peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.) | journal = Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology | volume = 100 | issue = 2| pages = 67–75 | doi = 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2010.05.003 | pmid = 20627615 | hdl = 2318/77560 | hdl-access = free }}

Peppermint oil has a high concentration of natural pesticides, mainly pulegone (found mainly in M. arvensis var. piperascens (cornmint, field mint, or Japanese mint),{{cite web | title=Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases at NAL | website=Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases at NAL | url=https://phytochem.nal.usda.gov/phytochem/plants/show/1286 | access-date=2021-12-13 | archive-date=2021-12-13 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213171116/https://phytochem.nal.usda.gov/phytochem/plants/show/1286 | url-status=live }} and to a lesser extent (6,530 ppm) in Mentha × piperita subsp. notho{{cite web | title=Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases at NAL | website=Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases at NAL | url=https://phytochem.nal.usda.gov/phytochem/plants/show/1292 | access-date=2021-12-13 | archive-date=2021-12-13 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213171115/https://phytochem.nal.usda.gov/phytochem/plants/show/1292 | url-status=live }}) and menthone.{{cite book|author=Robert Irving Krieger|title=Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology: Principles|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ib8Qhju9EQEC&pg=PA823|access-date=11 October 2010|year=2001|publisher=Academic Press|isbn=978-0-12-426260-7|page=823|archive-date=9 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009030221/https://books.google.com/books?id=ib8Qhju9EQEC&pg=PA823|url-status=live}} It is known to repel some pest insects, including mosquitos,{{cite book | title=Industrial Crops and Uses | author=Singh, Bharat P. | year=2010 | publisher=Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I1j2ZtzZXgUC | page=144| isbn=9781845936167 }}{{cite journal | title=Bioefficacy of Mentha piperita essential oil against dengue fever mosquito Aedes aegypti L |author1=Kumar, Sarita |author2=Wahab, Naim |author3=Warikoo, Radhika | date=April 2011 | journal=Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine | doi=10.1016/S2221-1691(11)60001-4 | pmc=3609176 | pmid=23569733 | volume=1 | issue=2 | pages=85–8}}{{cite book | title=Dear Dirt Doctor: Questions Answered the Natural Way | author=Garrett, Howard | year=2003 | publisher=University of Texas Press | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k2rUBAAAQBAJ | page=54| isbn=9781477304143 }} and has uses in organic gardening{{Citation needed|date=December 2024|reason=Vague, needs a source and clarification of what use}}. It is also widely used to repel rodents.{{cite web|title=Peppermint Oil = rat repelent|date=21 May 2018|url=https://www.pests.org/how-to-get-rid-of-rats-naturally-peppermint-oil-black-pepper/|access-date=1 June 2020|archive-date=28 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728044220/https://www.pests.org/how-to-get-rid-of-rats-naturally-peppermint-oil-black-pepper/|url-status=live}}

The chemical composition of the essential oil from peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.) was analyzed by GC/FID and GC-MS. The main constituents were menthol (40.7%) and menthone (23.4%). Further components were (±)-menthyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, limonene, beta-pinene, and beta-caryophyllene.{{cite journal | last1 = Schmidt | first1 = E. | last2 = Bail | first2 = S. | last3 = Buchbauer | first3 = G. | last4 = Stoilova | first4 = I. | last5 = Atanasova | first5 = T. | last6 = Stoyanova | first6 = A. | last7 = Krastanov | first7 = A. | last8 = Jirovetz | first8 = L. | year = 2009 | title = Chemical composition, olfactory evaluation and antioxidant effects of essential oil from Mentha x piperita | journal = Natural Product Communications | volume = 4 | issue = 8| pages = 1107–1112 | doi = 10.1177/1934578X0900400819 | pmid = 19768994 | s2cid = 22823187 | doi-access = free }}

File:From 'Street Life in London', 1877, by John Thomson and Adolphe Smith (5780910909).jpg, advertised as "prevention better than cure", sold in London in 1877]]

Peppermint oil is under preliminary research for its potential as a short-term treatment for irritable bowel syndrome,{{cite journal|vauthors=Khanna R, MacDonald JK, Levesque BG |title=Peppermint oil for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis|journal=Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology|volume=48|issue=6|pages=505–12|date=July 2014|pmid=24100754|doi=10.1097/MCG.0b013e3182a88357|s2cid=22520810}}{{cite journal|vauthors=Ruepert L, Quartero AO, de Wit NJ, van der Heijden GJ, Rubin G, Muris JW |title=Bulking agents, antispasmodics and antidepressants for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome|journal=Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews|volume=8|issue=8|pages=CD003460|date=August 2011|pmid=21833945|doi= 10.1002/14651858.CD003460.pub3|pmc=8745618}} and has supposed uses in traditional medicine for minor ailments.{{cite web|url=https://nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermintoil|publisher=National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, US National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD|title=Peppermint oil|date=2016|access-date=13 July 2015|archive-date=5 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705015143/https://nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermintoil|url-status=live}} Peppermint oil and leaves have a cooling effect when used topically for muscle pain, nerve pain, relief from itching, or as a fragrance.{{cite journal | last1 = Keifer | first1 = D. | last2 = Ulbricht | first2 = C. | last3 = Abrams | first3 = T. | last4 = Basch | first4 = E. | last5 = Giese | first5 = N. | last6 = Giles | first6 = M. | last7 = DeFranco Kirkwood | first7 = C. | last8 = Miranda | first8 = M. | last9 = Woods | first9 = J. | year = 2007 | title = Peppermint (Mentha xpiperita): An evidence-based systematic review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration | journal = Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy | volume = 7 | issue = 2 | pages = 91–143 | doi = 10.1080/j157v07n02_07 | pmid = 18285310 | s2cid = 72889915 | url = https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5567494 | access-date = 2019-02-19 | archive-date = 2020-07-28 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200728044214/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5567494_Peppermint_Mentha_piperita_An_evidence-based_systematic_review_by_the_Natural_Standard_Research_Collaboration | url-status = live }} High oral doses of peppermint oil (500 mg) can cause mucosal irritation and mimic heartburn.

Peppermint roots bioaccumulate radium, so the plant may be effective for phytoremediation of radioactively contaminated soil.{{cite journal |last1=Popa |first1=K. |last2=Tykva |first2=R. |last3=Podracká |first3=E. |last4=Humelnicu |first4=D. |title=226Ra translocation from soil to selected vegetation in the Crucea (Romania) uranium mining area |journal=Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry |date=3 June 2008 |volume=278 |issue=1 |pages=211 |doi=10.1007/s10967-007-7171-6|s2cid=95563388 }}

Fresh or dried peppermint leaves are often used alone in peppermint tea or with other herbs in herbal teas (tisanes, infusions). Peppermint is used for flavouring ice cream, candy, fruit preserves, alcoholic beverages, chewing gum, toothpaste, and some shampoos, soaps, and skin care products.

Menthol activates cold-sensitive TRPM8 receptors in the skin and mucosal tissues, and is the primary source of the cooling sensation that follows the topical application of peppermint oil.{{cite journal | author = R. Eccles | title = Menthol and Related Cooling Compounds | journal = J. Pharm. Pharmacol. | year = 1994 | volume = 46 | pages = 618–630 | pmid = 7529306 | issue = 8 | doi=10.1111/j.2042-7158.1994.tb03871.x| s2cid = 20568911 }}

File:Candy-Cane-Classic.jpg|Candy canes are one of the most common peppermint-flavored candies.

File:CSA-Chocolate-Mint.jpg|Mentha × piperita hybrid known as 'Chocolate Mint'

File:Pfefferminze ies.jpg|Freeze-dried leaves

Peppermint oil is also used in construction and plumbing to test for the tightness of pipes and disclose leaks by its odor.{{cite book|title=Culinary Herbs: Their Cultivation Harvesting Curing and Uses|year=1912|publisher=Orange Judd Company|url=https://www.gutenberg.org/files/21414/21414-h/21414-h.htm#Page_120|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408200922/https://www.gutenberg.org/files/21414/21414-h/21414-h.htm#Page_120|author=M. G. Kains|editor=American Agriculturist|archive-date=April 8, 2018|url-status=dead|format=English}}

Medicinal uses of peppermint have not been approved as effective or safe by the US Food and Drug Administration.{{cite web|title=Peppermint|url=https://www.drugs.com/mtm/peppermint.html|publisher=Drugs.com|access-date=11 November 2017|date=2017|archive-date=12 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112021213/https://www.drugs.com/mtm/peppermint.html|url-status=live}} With caution that the concentration of the peppermint constituent pulegone should not exceed 1% (140 mg), peppermint preparations are considered safe by the European Medicines Agency when used in topical formulations for adult subjects.{{cite web|title=Community Herbal Monograph on Mentha x piperita L., aetheroleum|url=https://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Herbal_-_Community_herbal_monograph/2010/01/WC500059313.pdf|publisher=Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products, European Medicines Agency|access-date=11 November 2017|date=31 October 2007|archive-date=18 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171218133441/https://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Herbal_-_Community_herbal_monograph/2010/01/WC500059313.pdf|url-status=live}}{{cite journal|pmid=11766133|year=2001|last1=Nair|first1=B|title=Final report on the safety assessment of Mentha piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Mentha piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Mentha piperita (Peppermint) Leaf, and Mentha piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Water|journal=International Journal of Toxicology|volume=20 Suppl 3|issue=4|pages=61–73|doi=10.1080/10915810152630747}} Diluted peppermint essential oil is safe for oral intake when only a few drops are used.

Although peppermint is commonly available as a herbal supplement, no established, consistent manufacturing standards exist for it, and some peppermint products may be contaminated with toxic metals or other substituted compounds. Skin rashes, irritation, or allergic reactions may result from applying peppermint oil to the skin, and its use on the face or chest of young children may cause side effects if the oil menthol is inhaled. A common side effect from oral intake of peppermint oil or capsules is heartburn. Oral use of peppermint products may have adverse effects when used with iron supplements, cyclosporine, medicines for heart conditions or high blood pressure, or medicines to decrease stomach acid.

• ISO 676:1995—contains the information about the nomenclature of the variety and cultivars{{cite web | last = International Organization for Standardization | author-link = International Organization for Standardization | title = ISO 676:1995 Spices and condiments -- Botanical nomenclature | url = https://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue/catalogue_tc/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=4844 | access-date = 8 June 2009 | archive-date = 6 June 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110606175926/https://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue/catalogue_tc/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=4844 | url-status = live }}
• ISO 5563:1984—a specification for its dried leaves of Mentha piperita Linnaeus{{cite web | last = International Organization for Standardization | author-link = International Organization for Standardization | title = ISO 5563:1984 Dried peppermint (Mentha piperita Linnaeus)—Specification | url = https://www.iso.org/iso/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=11633 | access-date = 7 June 2009 | archive-date = 6 June 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110606175357/https://www.iso.org/iso/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=11633 | url-status = live }}
• Peppermint oil—ISO 856:2006{{cite web | last = International Organization for Standardization | author-link = International Organization for Standardization | title = ISO 856:2008 Oil of peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) | url = https://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue/catalogue_tc/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=32041 | access-date = 7 June 2009 | archive-date = 6 June 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110606175414/https://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue/catalogue_tc/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=32041 | url-status = live }}

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• Eucalyptus
• Peppermint extract

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{{Commons|Mentha × piperita}}

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{{Herbs & spices}}

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Category:Antiemetics

Category:Flora of Europe

Category:Herbs

Category:Medicinal plants

Category:Mentha

Category:Plants described in 1753

Category:Hybrid plants