🌿 Peppermint

Mentha × piperita

herbs Perennial herb (hybrid of watermint and spearmint) Lamiaceae

☀️ Sun

Full sun to partial shade

💧 Water

Consistent moisture; more water-needy than most mint varieties

🗺️ Zones

USDA zones 3-11

🧪 Soil pH

6.0-7.0 (prefers moist, rich, well-drained soil)

🪴 Soil Type

Rich, moist, well-draining; pH 6.0-7.5

📏 Spacing

18-24 inches (container or root barrier essential)

📐 Height

18-36 inches

⏱️ Maturity

60-90 days from transplant

🍴 Edible Parts

🍽️ Leaves

Key:🤝 Grows well together❌ Keep apart☀️ Sun needs💧 Water🗺️ Hardiness zone

🤝 Companions (3)

🤝 Cabbage/Brassicas

Strong menthol scent repels cabbage moths, aphids, and flea beetles.

🤝 Nettle

Nettle increases peppermint's essential oil content; classic biodynamic pairing.

🤝 Tomatoes

Repels aphids and whiteflies from tomatoes.

⚠️ Keep Apart (1)

⚠️ Chamomile

Peppermint may inhibit chamomile's essential oil production.

💊 Medicinal Uses

Conditions Treated

💊 IBS and digestive spasms (the strongest antispasmodic mint for gut) 💊 Nausea and vomiting (including motion sickness and morning sickness , but use sparingly) 💊 Tension headaches (topical application to temples) 💊 Respiratory congestion and sinusitis (menthol decongestant) 💊 Muscle pain and nerve pain (cooling analgesic) 💊 Gallbladder complaints (stimulates bile flow) 💊 Bad breath (strongest antimicrobial mint) 💊 Itching and hives (cooling, antihistamine-like activity)

Preparation Methods

Digestive tea: 1-2 tsp dried peppermint steeped 10 min; for IBS, bloating, nausea
Enteric-coated capsules: For IBS , peppermint oil in enteric form bypasses stomach to reach intestines
Headache balm: 2-3% peppermint essential oil in carrier oil; apply to temples (avoid eyes)
Steam inhalation: 1-2 drops essential oil in hot water for sinus congestion
Tincture: 1:5 in 60% alcohol; 1-2ml for digestive spasms
Foot bath: Peppermint infusion for tired, hot, swollen feet

Active Compounds

⚗️ Menthol (30-55%) ⚗️ Menthone ⚗️ Menthyl acetate ⚗️ 1,8-cineole ⚗️ Rosmarinic acid

⚠️ Safety

HIGH ALERT: Do NOT use near face of infants/young children , can cause laryngospasm and respiratory arrest. Avoid with GERD/heartburn (relaxes esophageal sphincter). Avoid in large amounts during pregnancy. May reduce milk supply in nursing mothers. Do not apply undiluted essential oil to skin. Do not take essential oil internally without enteric coating for GI issues.

📜 History & Folklore

🏛️ Ancient

Not recognized as a separate species until the 17th century (John Ray, 1696). Before then, treated under general mint uses.

🏰 Medieval

Not distinguished from other mints in early medieval texts. By late medieval period, recognized as the superior medicinal mint. Used in 'stomach plasters' and 'comforting cordials.'

🌿 Folk Medicine

Became the dominant medicinal mint by the 18th century. Eclectic physicians used it for 'spasmodic conditions,' neuralgia, and digestive 'torpor.' Used as a 'diffusive stimulant' in herbal formulas to enhance absorption of other herbs.

🛒 Buy Seeds & Plants

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds Johnny's Selected Seeds Botanical Interests True Leaf Market Burpee Territorial Seed Company

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