Peppermint is a perennial plant that can grow continuously for many years

Alternative Names for Peppermint

Pepper mint.

Growth Habits of Peppermint

Peppermint originated in Europe, was introduced to the United States in the 19th century, and later spread to Australia, India, China, Japan, Korea, and elsewhere.

Peppermint prefers a warm, humid environment. During the growing season, it can generally withstand high temperatures of 40°C. After heavy frost, the above-ground parts of mature plants gradually wither, while the underground parts can withstand low temperatures of around -20°C. When seedlings encounter low temperatures of -6°C, only the leaf surface turns dark red, and they do not suffer serious damage.

Uses of Peppermint

Peppermint is a major economic mint. Its leaves can be used as a vegetable, eaten either cold-tossed or stir-fried, and in Europe it is commonly used to make tea. It can also be used in sauces, beverages, cold dishes, and in the cooking of sword beans, potatoes, or fish, and it is also used when making desserts.

In industry, it can also be used as a fragrance for soap. The essential oil extracted from it is an important flavoring oil in candy, pharmaceuticals, and toothpaste. It is also used extensively in chewing gum production. When used medicinally in tropical regions, the leaf juice is used together with onion to suppress vomiting, and the essential oil can be used as a deodorant and carminative.

Skin benefits of peppermint essential oil: increases skin elasticity, fights aging, sensitivity, fades scars and stretch marks, and can eliminate blocked toxic accumulations in the body, thereby improving eczema, ringworm, scabies, and itching. It cools and soothes itching, inflammation, and burns, and can also soften the skin. It can instantly suppress fever and promote sweating, with excellent effects in treating colds; psychological effects: it can soothe anger, hysteria, and fear.