Mint Mentha

Mint (Mentha), a genus of Labiata (q.v.), natives of sub-tropical and temperate regions, the number of species being indeterminate owing to variation and hybridism. They have square stems; opposite, aromatic leaves; small flowers in verticillasters (q.v.), often crowded into terminal spikes; and pale, sub-equal, corolla-lobes. Among British species are M. viridis (Spearmint), used for sauce; M. Piperita (Peppermint), cultivated for its volatile oil; and M. Pulegium (Pennyroyal), employed in female disorders. The stearoptene, or camphor, dissolved in the volatile oil of varieties of M. arvensis, is the menthol, or Chinese oil of peppermint, now largely used for neuralgia.