Botanical name: Mentha piperita L.
Family name: Lamiaceae
Identification No.: SDACH/HG/313
Vernacular names:
- Hindi: Pudina
- English: Peppermint
- Marathi: Pudina
- Tamil: Pudhina
- Telugu: Pudina
Habitat & Distribution:
Widely cultivated in temperate regions including parts of North India (Uttar Pradesh, Punjab); prefers moist, well-drained soils.
Morphology
- Herbaceous, aromatic plant
- Leaves: Opposite, lanceolate, deep green with serrated margins
- Flowers: Purple, borne in terminal spikes
- Stem: Square-shaped, reddish tinge
Varieties:
- Black peppermint
- White peppermint
Substitute/Adulterant:
Mentha arvensis (Japanese mint) is commonly used as a substitute
Phytochemicals:
- Menthol
- Menthon
- Menthofuran
- Rosmarinic acid
- Flavonoids
- Tannins
Raspanchaka
- Rasa: Tikta (bitter), Katu (pungent)
- Guna: Laghu, Ruksha
- Virya: Sheet
- Vipaka: Katu
- Prabhava: Hridya, Srotoshodhaka
Dosha Shamakta: Pitta and Kapha shamaka
Karma – Rogaghnata:
- Shwasahara
- Krimighna
- Shoolaprashamana
- Hridya
- Grahaniroga hara
Amayika Prayoga/Therapeutic Uses:
External:
- Used in balms for headache, muscular pain
- Inhaled for nasal decongestion
Internal:
- Used for indigestion, nausea, IBS
- Acts as carminative and mild analgesic
- Herbal teas for common cold and fever
Part used: Leaf, essential oil
Dose:
- Fresh juice: 5–10 ml
- Powdered leaf: 1–2 g
- Oil: 1–3 drops (with carrier oil for external use)
Yoga/Formulations:
- Pudina Ark
- Mint oil capsules
- Herbal teas
IUCN Status: Not evaluated
Research updates
1. 2020 – Clinical study on peppermint oil in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) treatment.
2. 2021 – Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of Mentha piperita essential oil validated in vitro.
3. 2023 – Peppermint tea showed mild anxiolytic and cognitive-enhancing effects in healthy volunteers.
