Peppermint is a hybrid mint- a cross between Water mint (Mentha aquatica) and Spear mint (Mentha spicata).

The plant, indigenous to Europe, is now widespread in cultivation throughout all regions of the world. It is found wild occasionally with its parent species.

Peppermint has a long tradition of medicinal use, with archaeological evidence placing its use at least as far back as thousand of years ago. Tea, Ice creams, tooth paste, confectionery and chewing gum are flavored using mint.

Peppermint can also be found in some shampoos and soaps, which give the hair a minty scent and produce a cooling sensation on the skin. Used in this way, it has been known to help with insomnia.

Peppermint flowers are large nectar producers and a mild, pleasant flavored can be produced if there is a sufficient number of plants and flowers.

Peppermint oil has a high concentration of natural pesticides, mainly menthone.