Mentha piperita is the scientific name for the peppermint plant, but it is also called White and/or Black Peppermint, American Peppermint and Northern Mint. Everyone is familiar with the aroma of peppermint - and its distinct and powerful flavor. It contains a unique essential oil not found in any other mint plants. It is comprised of the following:

·           Up to 2.5% of the unique essential oil that is mainly menthol;

·           Between 10 and 30 percent menthone;

·           Up to 10% menthyl esters;

·           Monoterpene derivatives including piperitone, pulegone and methofurane;

·           A small percentage (0.1%) of jasmone that yields the minty scent;

The active chemicals in peppermint become more concentrated when grown in regions that provide long, bright and warm days in summer. Besides the essential oils in peppermint, the leaves are also used as medicinal agents, especially in the form of teas brewed from them.

Peppermint leaves are used to assist you with the following:

·           Relief from pains on the skin and in the mouth;

·           Treatment for colitis pain;

·           Alleviation of pains associated with colic;

·           Settling upset stomachs;

·           and more!

Do not boil the leaves while preparing teas. Instead, gently add boiled water to the leaves in your cup and allow to steep to desired strength.