Refreshing and soothing peppermint: Mentha piperita

It is quite inconspicuous in appearance, rather unspectacular, so to speak. And yet, it is impossible to imagine life without it. In a way, it often provides first aid. Since it is available almost everywhere and in all conceivable variations, its services can always be called upon. We are talking about 'Mentha x piperita', or peppermint.

It has been known since 1696, when the plant was discovered by chance by the biologist John Ray. The British took a great liking to this herb and included it as a favourite in their kitchen recipes. Interestingly, this type of mint is probably a random cross between water mint and wood mint. These two species have far less healing power than Mentha piperita, as their menthol content is lower. The accidentally discovered hybrid enjoyed rapid success thanks to its exceptionally spicy flavour – which gave it its pepper-like name – strong aroma and other properties, making it the number one home remedy.

Unlike chamomile tea, which takes some time getting used to, mint is much more pleasant to the taste and is therefore also preferred by children. Apart from its soothing effect on the stomach, peppermint tea is an excellent thirst quencher. In summer, it is practically indispensable as iced tea, either mixed with black tea and a little lemon, or on its own. In many African countries, tea is considered the national drink and the various sophisticated recipes are in a class of their own.

Those who enjoy exploring new flavours can experiment with fresh or dried mint in various salad, vegetable or meat recipes. Dried mint is the best alternative to freshly harvested mint. Tea bags are not ideal as they are often pre-flavoured, and the potency of the plant is lost through processing and storage.

Mint has a cooling effect, which is why its oil is often used to treat colds, either as a rub or in an aroma lamp. The scent is said to stimulate the mind and keep the spirit alert. Peppermint sweets can be found in almost every handbag, glove compartment or kitchen cupboard – they have probably saved many a date by ensuring fresh breath and thus a certain degree of confidence. Since the invention of chewing gum, the mint flavour has consistently been a favourite for casual jaw exercise. A famous English sweet is filled with mint and is popular not only after 8 p.m. The trend for Easter bunnies and Santa Clauses is towards dark chocolate flavoured with mint – the possibilities are endless.

Mint is not very demanding. It usually thrives in the garden and reproduces vigorously. However, it may be useful to slow down its expansion somewhat by placing barriers in the ground, which is easy to do as it has very shallow roots. Once harvested, the plant can be hung in bunches in a dry, warm place and then stored in small bags for the cold season. Peppermint retains its aroma and active ingredients for quite a long time, even when dry.

In fact, there is a peppermint museum in Eichenau, a municipality in Upper Bavaria, Germany. The plant was cultivated there until 1950, and the museum provides information on its cultivation, processing, use and mythology.

According to Greek mythology, Minthe was a nymph who was loved by Hades, the god of the underworld. There are different versions of the legend, but ultimately, the beautiful woman is transformed into a plant: mint. Mint was also believed to have protective properties. In ancient times, people would rub their dining tables with mint after meals to eliminate unpleasant odours, as well as for cleansing and protection. Since Ovid published his tale of Zeus and Hermes travelling incognito, mint has also come to symbolise hospitality. According to the story, an old couple rubbed their table with fresh mint for two strangers who turned out to be Zeus and Hermes. In return, their house was transformed into a temple.

© 'Refreshing and soothing peppermint: Mentha piperita. An inconspicuous herb and a symbol of hospitality': An article by Pressenet (translated by Izabel Comati), 11/2025. Image credit: Glass of peppermint tea, CC0 (Public Domain Licence).