PENNY-ROYAL MINT PEPPERMINT. 



143 



PENNY-ROYAL MINT. 



Mentha Pulegium. — Pouliot. Fr. — Poley, Ger. 



Is a native of watery places. It is easily propagated by 

 parting the roots in Spring. They succeed best in a strong, 

 moist soil, and when planted on the edges of rivulets, ponds, 

 &c. Penny-royal has a warm, pungent flavor, somewhat sim- 

 ilar to Mint, but more acrid, and less agreeable both in taste 

 and smell. It possesses the general properties of other mints, 

 but is supposed to be of less efficacy as a stomachic. This 

 herb is less frequently used now for medicinal purposes than 

 formerly. 



PEPPERMINT. 



Mentha labitata. — Menthe, Fr. — Munze. G-er. 



A native of watery places in various parts of the world 

 This variety has a more penetrating smell than any of the 

 other Mints, and a much stronger and warmer taste. It may 

 be increased with facility by young offset plants or shoots, or 

 by parting the roots in Spring, or by planting cuttings during 

 any of the Summer months, in a moist soil. Peppermint is 

 much cultivated for medicinal purposes, as well as for distilla- 

 tion ; its stomachic and carminative qualities render it useful 

 in flatulent cholics, hysteric affections, and retchings, in which 

 it acts as a cordial. The Essence of Peppermint was formerly 

 considered an elegant medicine : and a cordial is made from 

 this plant which is by many people much admired. 



