Mentha piperita (peppermint) is ‘plant of the year 2004’

Mentha piperita (peppermint) has been voted ‘medicinal plant of the year 2004’ by a German jury based at the University of Würzburg. The plant was awarded the title thanks to its varied uses. Mentha piperita is used for its antispasmodic, carminative, cholagogue, antiseptic and cooling actions. The leaves are most frequently used to treat complaints of the gastrointestinal tract, and it is the essential oil for irritable bowel syndrome, the common cold and myalgia. Mentha piperita is, of course, also popular as tea, in candies, chewing gums and other sweets, and in toothpaste.

Ärzte Zeitung, 5 December 2003