PENNY-ROYAL MINT.
Méntha Pulègium.—Pouliot, Fr.—Poley, Ger.
Is a native of watery places. It is easily propagated by parting the roots in Spring. They succeed best in a strong, moist soil, and when planted on the edges of rivulets, ponds, &c. Penny-royal has a warm, pungent flavor, somewhat similar to Mint, but more acrid, and less agreeable both in taste and smell. It possesses the general properties of other mints, but is supposed to be of less efficacy as a stomachic. This herb is less frequently used now for medicinal purposes than formerly.
PEPPERMINT.
Méntha labitàta.—Menthe, Fr.—Munze, Ger.
A native of watery places in various parts of the world. This variety has a more penetrating smell than any of the other Mints, and a much stronger and warmer taste. It may be increased with facility by young offset plants or shoots, or by parting the roots in Spring, or by planting cuttings during any of the Summer months, in a moist soil. Peppermint is much cultivated for medicinal purposes, as well as for distillation; its stomachic and carminative qualities render it useful in flatulent cholics, hysteric affections, and retchings, in which it acts as a cordial. The Essence of Peppermint was formerly considered an elegant medicine; and a cordial is made from this plant which is by many people much admired.
