Peppermint is a hybrid mint, a cross between water mint and spearmint. Indigenous to Europe and the Middle East, the plant is now widely spread and cultivated in many regions of the world. Research for its potential as a short-term treatment for irritable bowel syndrome and digestive issues. Peppermint oil and leaves have a cooling effect when used topically for muscle pain, nerve pain, relief from itching, or as a fragrance. It also has mild antimicrobial properties. Various studies have been performed to determine its effectiveness against different types of bacteria and fungi.
These properties and the fresh cooling effect is due to its main components, menthol and menthone. Further components include methyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, limonene, beta-pinene and beta-caryophyllene.