Peppermint is a hybrid of watermint and spearmint, and its history dates back to ancient Greece and Rome. The Romans used peppermint as a digestive aid and even as a perfume! They also believed it could stimulate the mind and body.
The use of peppermint spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, where it was used to flavor food and drinks. Monasteries even cultivated peppermint in their gardens, using it to make medicines and potpourri. Who knew monks were such fans of peppermint?