Botanical Name: Mentha x piperita L.

Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae).

Synonyms: brandy mint; balm mint.

Origin: Native to India. Cultivated in central and southern Europe, North and South America, Asia, almost worldwide. A sterile hybrid between M. aquatica and M. spicata. Oil is produced mostly in the USA, England, France, Italy, Russia, India, China, Germany. Peppermint growing in northern regions, including Black Mitcham peppermint are superior quality.

Botanical Description: A perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to 1-meter (3.3 ft) high with underground runners by which it's easily propagated. It has erect green stalk and leaves with white flowers (white mint) or a reddish-brown stalk and dark green serrated leaves with reddish-brown flowers (black mint).

Oil Extraction: Essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the flowering plant. The oil is a pale yellow to pale olive-green mobile liquid. Redistilled oils are generally colorless. Yield 3 to 5%.

Aroma Profile: The top note is very fresh, grassy and buttery. The middle note is strong, grassy-minty, with a deep balsamic-sweet undertone. Dry out is sweet, clean.

Major Constituents: Menthol (29 to 50%), menthone (16 to 25%), menthyl acetate (5%), isomenthone, menthofuran, piperitone.

Adulterants: Spearmint oil, cornmint oil, synthetic menthol.

Regulatory Status: GRAS 182.20

Aromatherapy: Cooling, vitalizing, refreshing.

Blends well with: Lavender, rosemary, lemon, eucalyptus, marjoram, sage, lime, lavandin.

Safety Data: Non-toxic. A mild skin irritant and allergen. Avoid during pregnancy.