Peppermint Tea

The peppermint originated as a naturally occurring hibred of water mint and spearmint. The exact date of this union is unknown, but the ancient Egyptians and likely, the Greeks, did use it. In Europe, the peppermint appeared in John Ray's book Methodus Plantarum Nova in 1682 and was listed in the London Pharmacopceia in 1721. From there, the peppermint's popularity skyrocketed. The Colonists used the plant as a medicine and in various confections and early candies. Today, peppermint holds a dual identity as a medicine for upset stomach, anxiety, and the common cold and is the center piece of cadies from the peppermint patty to hard candies.