Peppermint – valued by the ancient Greeks

Peppermint oil is extracted from the stems, leaves and flowers of the peppermint plant which is widespread in Europe, Asia and North America. In addition to menthol, peppermint oil also contains other essential oils such as cineole and menthone.

The medicinal use of peppermint and other mint plants probably dates back to the herbal medicine of ancient Greece, where peppermint leaves were traditionally used, amongst other things, in  the form of inhalation to alleviate symptoms of the upper respiratory tract and coughs. Peppermint oil is suitable for treating a wide range of conditions, including mild headaches.