CROATIAN FLORA 2004 - PEPPERMINT - MENTHA PIPERITA (L.) HUDS.

PEPPERMINT - Mentha piperita (L.) HUDS. There are several sorts of peppermints growing in Croatia, but the plant used for medicinal purposes is the product of hybridizing various sorts of peppermint. The Peppermint is a very old medicinal herb originating from the Far East. At the end of the 17th century it started spreading in Europe, and has been grown continuously ever since. The Peppermint or Brandy Mint grows up to the height of 80 cm with longish ear-like purple to violet flowers in various colour shades. The whole herb is very aromatic and has a pleasant balsamic fragrance. The taste is hot at first and then cooling, like camphor. Peppermint leaves are used for medicinal purposes. The most important ingredient is the volatile oil with menthol as the most distinctive part. Besides, the herb contains tannin, bitter substances and ferments. The history of its medicinal value can be found in old Chinese records, in the records from ancient Egypt and medieval Europe. Nowadays it is cultivated in Europe and America. For medicinal purposes peppermint leaves and distilled volatile oil from the herb are used. The application of the oil has many-fold effects: it soothes pain, does away with cramps, nervous states, and has a particularly therapeutic effect on nerves sensitive to cold weather. Peppermint tea is excellent for medical problems that can be found in frequent, everyday usage. Peppermint is also frequently used in the form of extracts or compresses made of peppermint leaves.