Peppermint is used in candy and sweet treats for adults and kids alike, but it also has medicinal uses.

The scientific name is Mentha x piperita, and is often just called "mint". Peppermint originally came from Europe, but can now be found in backyards and gardens all over the world, as well as growing in the wild.

Believe it or not, humans have been using peppermint plant oil for almost ten thousand years….and peppermint, which is a hybrid of two plants, has therefore been referred to as the “world’s oldest medicine.” You'll find it in pretty much every brand of toothpaste, for the clean taste and smell that it adds.

The modern peppermint plant is actually a hybrid of two original wild plants - water mint and spearmint - and has stronger medicinal properties than either of the two originals; the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

New studies are showing that traditional wisdom about this plant was right on target. Read on for more uses and benefits of this wonderful, spicy-smelling essential oil.