Peppermint, Mentha × piperita, is a natural hybrid of water mint and spearmint, with a cool, sharp menthol flavour stronger than kitchen pudina. Its oil flavours toothpaste, chewing gum and sweets. Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules have good trial evidence for easing irritable bowel syndrome. India’s large menthol industry is based mostly on a different species, Mentha arvensis.
- Botanical name
- Mentha × piperita L.
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Tamil
- Peppermint
- Hindi
- Peppermint
- Parts used
- Leaf, Distilled oil
- Habit
- Peppermint hybrid; Tamil pudina is a shop word
- Last updated
- 2026-10-30
How to recognise Peppermint
It is a spreading perennial with square, often purplish stems and dark green, pointed, toothed leaves on short stalks.
Small lilac flowers grow in dense, tapering spikes.
Because it is a sterile hybrid, it rarely sets seed and spreads by runners.
Spearmint, Mentha spicata, the usual pudina of chutneys, has brighter green, almost stalkless leaves and a sweeter taste.
Crushed leaves give a sharp, cooling smell that is stronger and more menthol-heavy than spearmint.
Traditional use of Peppermint
European practice
Peppermint tea has been used for indigestion in Europe since the eighteenth century, when the hybrid was first recorded in England.
European practice
Modern notes on Peppermint
Several trials and reviews show enteric-coated peppermint oil reduces abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome.
Uttar Pradesh is a world centre of menthol production, mostly from Mentha arvensis, corn mint.
Peppermint safety
Peppermint can worsen heartburn and reflux. Do not put peppermint oil near the faces of infants and young children.
Ecology and sourcing
It arose where water mint and spearmint grew together in Europe and is now cultivated worldwide.
It spreads aggressively by runners and is best grown in a pot.
Its flowers attract bees and hoverflies.
It needs moist soil and partial shade, and dies back in very hot, dry weather.
Related plants
Also in Lamiaceae
Questions about Peppermint
Is Peppermint pudina?
Pudina usually means spearmint, Mentha spicata.
Does peppermint oil help IBS?
Yes, enteric-coated capsules have good evidence.
Where does menthol come from?
Mostly from Mentha arvensis, grown in Uttar Pradesh.
Can I use Peppermint in chutney?
Yes, but it is stronger than spearmint, so use less.
Sources
- Mentha × piperita L. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q156037 (Mentha × piperita)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.