Black Peppermint

Medicinal Uses

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves | Edible Uses: Condiment  TeaLeaves - raw or cooked. A strong peppermint flavour, they are used as a flavouring in salads or cooked foods[2, 27, 105]. This plant should not be used by pregnant women, see the notes above on toxicity. An essential oil from the leaves and flowers is used as a flavouring in sweets, chewing gum, ice cream etc[183]. A herb tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves[21, 183].

Cultivation

Succeeds in most soils and situations so long as the soil is not too dry[1, 200]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. A sunny position is best for the production of essential oils, but plants also succeed in partial shade. Prefers a slightly acid soil[16]. A commonly grown herb[4], it is often cultivated commercially for its essential oil[61]. This is the black form of peppermint and it is said to produce a superior essential oil, making it the preferred choice as a food flavouring and for medicinal purposes. The oil is of better quality when the plant is grown on dry soils[115]. Most mints have fairly aggressive spreading roots and, unless you have the space to let them roam, they need to be restrained by some means such as planting them in containers that are buried in the soil[K]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. The flowers are very attractive to bees and butterflies[24]. A good companion for growing near cabbages and tomatoes, helping to keep them free of insect pests[20]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233].

Known Hazards

In large quantities this plant, especially in the form of the extracted essential oil, can cause abortions so should not be used by pregnant women.

Habitats

A natural hybrid, M. aquatica x M. spicata, found in moist soils in ditches, waste places etc[9].