What Can You Cook With Peppermint?

The Origins of Peppermint

Peppermint, scientifically known as Mentha x piperita, is a hybrid mint — a cross between watermint and spearmint. Originally native to Europe and the Middle East, it has been cultivated globally for many centuries. Its unique flavor profile makes it a popular ingredient in a variety of cuisines, candies, and beverages, while its strong aroma lends itself to many uses in household products, cosmetics, and medicinal remedies.

Other Names for Peppermint

If you’ve ever wondered whether peppermint goes by any other name, the answer is a resounding yes! Due to its widespread use and cultural significance, peppermint has picked up various monikers around the world. Some of these include brandy mint and balm mint. In scientific circles, it’s often referred to as M. balsamea Willd in acknowledgement of its primary parent plant, the watermint.

The Health Benefits of Peppermint

Peppermint isn’t just famous for its delightful aroma and invigorating taste. It also boasts numerous health benefits that have been recognized in both traditional and modern medicinal practices. One of the most well-known uses of peppermint is its ability to soothe digestive issues. According to a study published on the US National Library of Medicine, peppermint has been found effective in alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The menthol found in peppermint leaves has also been used widely as a remedy for cold and flu symptoms, providing relief for coughs, congestion, and respiratory issues. Peppermint’s antibacterial properties have made it popular in dental care products, and studies, such as one from the Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine, hint at its potential role in preventing and treating oral infections.

Beyond these uses, peppermint oil may provide pain relief, improve concentration and memory, and even demonstrate potential as a natural insecticide. However, more research is needed in these areas to definitively establish these benefits.

With such a rich history and wide-ranging uses, there’s no doubt that peppermint has earned its spot in our gardens, our kitchens, and our medicine cabinets alike.