There are several species of the mentha arvensis perennial herb that can grow to 3 feet in height, spreading due to their underground 'runners'. Peppermint plant has hairy leaves with serrated edges and purple spiked flowers. Peppermint Japanese is known for its high menthol content. It is so high in fact that menthol crystals sometimes form right on the leaves.

Mints are sobering and clear headed herbs, aloof, even. In mythology they are descended from a nymph called Mentha, who had surrendered to Pluto's desires. His jealous wife Persephone (or according to some accounts, her mother Demeter), disgusted and enraged, stomped the poor nymph into the ground and punished her with infertility. Peppermint is a hybrid between common Garden Mint and Watermint and is indeed sterile. She reproduces by means of creeping rhizomes - and rather prolifically at that. Peppermint and has been used for food and medicine for millennia; from China to Egypt, evidence of its use goes back thousands of years. It is still a popular herbal home remedy and provides flavouring for dozens of products from chewing gum to chocolate and cigarettes, to name but a few. Peppermint oil is excellent for keeping creepy crawlies in check. Mice, rats, cockroaches and ants all detest the scent. A few drops on their pathways will surely deter them.