Herba Menthae
Peppermint

Source:
The above-ground part of Mentha haplocalyx Briq. (Fam. Labiatae).

Distribution:
Mainly in Chinese provinces such as Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Hunan and Jiangxi.

Harvest & Processing:
Cut off above-ground parts on sunny days in summer and autumn when leaves or flowers flourish; dry under the sun or in shaded areas.

Description:
Stem quadrangular (four-angled), with opposite (borne in pairs at each node) branches; outer surface purplish-brown or pale green; pubescent (covered with short, soft hairs) at the angled edges; internodes 2-5 cm long; brittle; broken surface white, with hollow pith. Leaves opposite, with short petioles; blades shrivelled and curled; when intact and smoothed out, blades broad and lanceolate (lance-head shaped), oblong and elliptical, or ovate (eggshaped in outline and attached at the broad end), 2-7 cm long, 1-3 cm wide; upper surface dark green, underside greyish-green; both sides sparsely pubescent; underside marked with dented gland dots. Verticillasters axillary (growing at axil); calyx campanulate (bell-shaped), apex 5-toothed; corolla pale purple. Odour: with a distinctive fresh fragrance after being rubbed; taste: mint-like and acrid.

Indications:
1. Colds and fever, sore throat, pharyngitis, cough
2. Early stages of measles
3. Dyspepsia, abdominal distension
4. Pruritus.

Chemical Composition:
Contains 1% - 2% essential oils, in which 65% - 90% is (-) - menthol.