Of all the mints, peppermint is the mint that is thought of most. It is also the strongest mint of the mint family. Few herbs are as versatile, effective, safe and easy to grow as peppermint.

Peppermint grows best in zones 5 through 9, though I have had no problem growing in Zone 4A. I always make sure that come spring, I plant a few extra stems in with the yearly new growth, just so that I have enough of it on hand. This is one of the 4 mints that I use in my soap and other products.

Any interesting growing technique that comes from all mint is that you can grow it in a glass of water. Merely cut a green stem, put it in a glass with water and leave it. In a few weeks' time you’ll see roots develop and then replant. Of course, mint is difficult to contain since once it gets comfy, it grows and spreads. I keep my plants in raised beds though the roots can be so strong that vines tend to shoot from the sides of my boxes.

Peppermint is well known for being a digestive aid and is the herb to use for relieving nausea and gas. As an antispasmodic, it helps relax muscles, stomach cramps and spasms. Peppermint is also a common ingredient in chewing gum and mouthwash, not to mention toothpaste. Because of the anodyne properties, peppermint is used to reduce pain of headaches, stings, toothache and wood ticks hate it, as do chiggers. The strong aroma alone repels rodents. I grow mint around my chicken coop and run to keep out mice and snakes.

Two of my favorite ways to use it, outside of my products, is to freeze it in ice cubes or make mint water, a refreshing drink when it comes to summer heat, but one can use the leaves in salads, pesto's and soup. Tinctures, tonics, even tooth powder can easily be made when combined with other herbs like green tea and basil, or chamomile and feverfew. Mint water for chickens kills parasites.

Alongside peppermint, other well-known mints are spearmint, apple, lemon, orange, mojito, chocolate, pineapple and ginger mint.