Medicinal mint (M. piperita L.) is a hybrid of M. spicata (curly mint) and M. aquatica (water mint). It grows naturally in Europe, Canada and the United States of America. In Turkey, it is a cultivated plant. It is cultivated in temperate climates in America, Europe and Asia. Medicinal mint is a perennial herb and its upper part usually disappears in autumn and reappears in spring. Medicinal mint is a long day plant.
The main roots are rhizome-shaped, fringe roots are developed. Most of the roots are located in the first 20-30 cm of the soil. The fringe roots can reach 80-100 cm deep. Depending on care conditions and variety, the stem can reach 30-80 cm in length. The stem is green and purplish coloured. The stem that reaches the maximum length stops its development by forming flowers at the shoot tip. Leaves are arranged opposite each other on the stem nodes. It is used internally for digestive system problems such as bloating and flatulence, bile duct and gastrointestinal tract cramps, irritated colon syndrome, cough and cold treatment, oral and pharyngeal mucosa inflammation. It is used externally as inhalation for coughs and colds, muscle contractions and cramps, neuralgia. The essential oil content of the plant is 1-2 % and can reach up to 3.5 %.
Other compounds: Menthol, menthone, menthyl acetate, limonen