What Is Peppermint?

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is a hybrid of watermint and spearmint that has been used in traditional European, Middle Eastern and Asian practices for centuries. It is one of the most widely consumed herbal teas in the world and has a long history of use as both a culinary herb and a traditional botanical.

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional before making changes to your diet or supplement routine.

Naturally Occurring Compounds

Peppermint contains a complex profile of naturally occurring compounds. The most well-known is menthol, the compound responsible for the characteristic cooling sensation that peppermint produces. Menthol is one of the most studied naturally occurring compounds in the mint family and is the primary reason for peppermint's distinctive sensory profile.

Peppermint also contains other naturally occurring compounds including menthone, menthyl acetate, rosmarinic acid and flavonoids. Together, these compounds contribute to peppermint's overall complexity as a whole food and its long history of use across many cultures.

A Long History of Culinary and Traditional Use

Peppermint has a long history of use in food and herbal traditions. It has been consumed as a tea or food ingredient after meals in many cultures, particularly in European, Middle Eastern and North African traditions where mint tea remains a daily ritual.

In traditional European herbal practices, peppermint has been valued as a cooling, settling herb. Its cooling character contrasts with warming botanicals like ginger and cayenne, which is why it has sometimes been used alongside them in traditional formulations. This traditional use is well documented, though the mechanisms by which peppermint's naturally occurring compounds interact with the body continue to be studied.

Peppermint and Ginger: A Contrasting Pairing

Peppermint and ginger both have long histories of traditional use, but they have very different sensory profiles. Ginger is a warming root, while peppermint is a cooling herb. Their contrasting warming and cooling characteristics can make them complementary ingredients in traditional botanical formulations.

Further reading: What Is Ginger? · Natural Ways to Support Healthy Digestion

Peppermint in Our Range

Rather than offering peppermint only in isolation, we use it as a companion ingredient alongside other whole-food botanicals.

• Polar Spark — Cayenne & Peppermint — a two-ingredient blend combining the cooling character of peppermint with the warmth of cayenne.

Further Reading

• What Is Ginger?
• Natural Ways to Support Healthy Digestion
• Natural Ways to Support Healthy Blood Flow