Peppermint Herb
Mentha piperita L.
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is one of four plants that has the largest harveting area in Poland. Medicinal part of the plant is peppermint leaf (Menthae piperitae folium) which contains essential oil (main ingredients – menthol), flavonoids, bitter substances and tannins. Besides having taste attributes, peppermint leaf products are used in medicine to help with digestive disorders like indigestion and bloatness. Moreover, the peppermint leaf works cholagogue, antispasmodic and antiemetic in travel sickness and during pregnancy. It can also be used externally in the form of an oil, as it has relaxing and analgesics properties. Peppermint can only be given to childern 4 years and older.