MENTHA PIPERITA. 
165 
neighbourhood of London. It flowers from the latter end of July 
to September. Peppermint bears a great resemblance to spearmint, 
for which it has been often nf)istaken, but may be distinguished 
from the latter by the leaves being much broader, and having short 
footstalks, whereas in the latter the leaves are narrower, and 
stand almost sessile on the stems. 
The root of peppermint is creeping and fibrous; the stems rise to 
the height of from two to three feet, in form quadrangular, often of 
a purplish colour, somewhat hairy, and branched ; the leaves stand 
opposite on short footstalks, and vary both in length and breadth, are 
orate, acute, serrated, of a dark green on the upper surface, the 
under side is piile, and the mid-rib studded with short hairs ; the 
flowers terminate the stem and branches in solitary interrupted 
bluntish spikes, the lowest whorls are move distant, and sometimes 
form smaller spikes ; the bracteas are lanceolate and fringed ; the 
flower-stalks vary, being generally perfectly smooth, but occasionally 
slightly hirsute ; the calyx is slender, and divided into five acute 
segments, which are fringed, and of a deep purplish colour; the 
corolla is funnel-shaped, of a purple colour; the lilaments are awl- 
shaped ; the gerraen is superior, four-lobed, and supports a slendes 
style, longer tl^an the corolla, crowned with a bifid stigma. 
Sensible Qualities, &c. Peppermint has a fragrant smell, 
slightly approaching to that of camphor 3 taste hot and aromatic, 
exciting first a sensation of heat in the mouth, which is succeeded by 
a coldness; both smell and taste are increased by exsiccation. The 
watery infusion of the plant is of a reddish colour, which grows brown 
by the addition of sulphate of iron ; by distillation with water, it 
yields a considerable quantity of essential oil, of a very pungent fiery 
taste, and smelling strongly of the plant. This essential oil contains 
a considerable proportion of camphor; it is soluble in spirit of wine, 
and in the proportion of one part of the former, to eight or ten of 
the latter, forms the essence of peppermint, often used for making 
extempore peppermint water. 
Medical Uses, &c. Peppermint is the most powerful of the 
mints, and from its hot and pungent qualities^ proves an excellent 
carminative and stimulant ; hence it is in general use in all flatulent 
disorders, to obviate nausea and griping ; it is also much used as a 
vehicle for other medicines, to disguise their taste and smell. 
Off, The Plant. 
Off, Pp. Aqua Menthae Piperitse, L. E. D. 
Oleum Menthae Piperita, L, E. D. 
Spiritus Menthae Piperitae, L. E. 
