Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a hybrid mint, a cross between the watermint(mentha aquatica)and spearmint(mentha spicata). The plant, indigenous to Europe, is now widespread in cultivation throughout all regions of the world. It is an invasive species in the Great Lakes region.

Peppermint has a high menthol content, and is often used as a flavouring in tea, ice cream, confectionery, chewing gum, and toothpaste. The oil also contains menthone and menthyl esters, particularly menthyl acetate.