62 THE NEW ZEALAND FAMILY HERB DOCTOR, 
AROMATICS AND CARMINATIVES. 
This class of remedies expels wind from the stomach and. 
bowels. It will be seen that they principally consist of 
aromatics, which nearly all have this property. 
PEPPERMINT (Menroa PEprErita). 
This plant grows almost anywhere. A root ofit introduced 
into a garden will spread all over itin time. Those who have 
seen the spearmint will not fail to identify the peppermint, as it 
is almost identical, the only difference being that it has darker: 
leaves and flowers, and a little different smell. With these 
distinctions the two plants may be described together 
as being perennial herbs, with creeping roots. The 
lower stems of the peppermint shoot out along the 
ground, growing leaves which strike independent roots, and 
spread in all directions. The leaves are about two inches long ; 
light green in the spearmint, and dark green in the peppermint. 
The flowers in the former are white, tinged with purple; in the 
latter, they are purple. It grows about a foot high. Although 
it is the essential oil and essence that are used as carminatives, 
which, no doubt, is the best form, still the herb may be used 
for the same purpose. A handful of the leaves, infused in a 
cupful of water, will relieve a windy stomach. Small doses 
may be given to babies; a teaspoonful or so for very young 
ones. The essence of peppermint is also good to rub on as a 
liniment for headaches. Painted on burns it soothes and 
removes the pain. The essence of spearmint is a valuable 
remedy when applied to external piles. Altogether the 
family of mints, of which there are several members, aro 
highly beneficial as carminatives ; also in colds and as gentle 
stimulants. 
CARRAWAY SEEDS (Carum Carut.) 
A good many of our readers will remember, with a certain 
amount of pleasure, the small comfits prepared by covering the 
seeds with sugar in the revolving pan of the confectioner. It 
