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The Basic Facts of Peppermint

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Peppermints can be pain-relievers, decorations, ornaments, candies, presents, toothpastes, soaps, and gum all in one. They are harmless and has a soothing yet refreshing taste. Although peppermint is a candy, it is not just any kind of candy. All of them contain some sort of peppermint flavoring because the flavoring gives off an invigorating scent and also cures a few medical issues. Basic facts about peppermint, health related details, where it is grown, and its history are important when identifying why peppermint has the effect that it does.
Peppermints are made from mint plants which contain menthol. Menthol is a white substance that smells like mint, and provides a cooling sensation (Feigl, 2013, para. 1). It is a common ingredient in many other substances as well. The plant has tiny, purple flowers and grows extremely well in moist soil that contains a high percentage of decomposed plant matter (Craker, 2013, para. 2-3). The process in which the oil that contains the menthol is "extracted" from the plant's leaves is called steam distillation. Menthol is used in many common products, like cough medicines, perfumes, and cigarettes. (Craker, 2013, para. 5). Mentha Piperita, more commonly known as peppermint, is widely considered the "King of all mints" because the taste of the menthol is very strong and refreshing (“Mentha Peperita: The plant and its uses”, n.d., para. 2) (Feigl, 2013, para. 1).
Most peppermints are healthy because they are reliably fat-free and

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