Peppermint
Scientific Name: Agones flexousa
Native To: Peppermint is native to Central and Southern Europe and was first cultivated in England.
Culinary Uses: Peppermint is a hybrid mint used extensively in the flavoring of ice creams, candy, chewing gum and toothpaste. It is excellent in the kitchen for desserts and mint concoctions.
Flavor and Taste: Peppermint has a very strong menthol flavor and scent with peppery undertones.
Nutritional Notes: The healing properties of peppermint largely involve its ability to relax the muscles. Peppermint also helps digestion by causing the smooth muscles around the intestines to relax, and thus decreasing the chance for spasm.