Mentha arvensis L.

Peppermint (Mentha arvensis) is a herb 0.5-1 meter tall of the Lamiaceae family, originating from Europe and the Middle East around the Mediterranean, brought by the Spanish to the Malay Peninsula and Singapore. Its refreshing leaves have been a popular tea and salad seasoning ingredient since the 16th century. Peppermint is also traditionally believed to relieve headaches, sinusitis, and menstrual cramps.

Grows well in places at elevations of 100-700 m above sea level. Prefers humid areas, rainfall 2,000-4,000 mm/year, full light intensity, temperature 20-30 ºC, loose soil conditions, well-drained, soil pH 5.5-7. Not tolerant of drought and waterlogged conditions. 

• Roots strong fibrous.
• Stem square shaped, purplish-green, sympodial branching.
• Leaves egg-shaped or elliptical, dark green with reddish veins, tapering tip and base leaf edges serrated and rough surface.
• Flowers small, bell-shaped, growing in clusters, circling at leaf axils. Has 4 corolla lobes, light purple or white in color. 
• Seeds small and black in color. In Indonesia, rarely produces seeds.

Propagated vegetatively through cuttings (tip cuttings, stem cuttings, and stolon cuttings). 

Menthol, menthone, methyl acetate, phenolics, rosmarinic acid, flavonoids (eriocitrin, luteolin and hesperidin), isomenthone, neomethylacetate, piperitone, pulegone, limonene.

Relieves itching from allergies, sinusitis,headache, sore throat, addresses bloating, maintains dental health, relieves menstrual cramps, has analgesic, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial activity. 

• Take several mint leaves, wash thoroughly with running water and drain.
• Place the leaves on a tray, cover with a black cloth and dry in the sun until evenly dry (leaves crumble easily when crushed).
• Once dry, grind the leaves into powder form.
• Store in a closed, airtight container and place in a cool location

Wild mint