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PEPPERMINT
(Mentha piperita)
mint, lamb mint
Description:
Perennial, spreading by creeping rootstocks. Square stems, 2 ft.
tall., purplish, branching near summit. Strongly scented, opposite
leaves, on short petioles, are ovate-lanceolate, sharp-toothed
edges, pointed apex. Numerous purple-pink flowers, in terminal
spikes, generally dense but sometimes loose or interrupted. Widespread
throughout Europe and the U.S. except in the north in moist soils,
cultivated.
EDIBLE,
MEDICINAL: Tops of plants are distilled to produce peppermint
oil which is used in pharmacy, cordials, liquors and flavoring.
Helps in nervousness, insomnia, cramps, coughs, migraine, poor
digestion, heartburn, nausea, a salve or bath additive for itching
skin.
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