In addition to their important culinary uses, the mints, including peppermint and spearmint, are used in both traditional medical systems and in modern pharmaceuticals. Menthol, which an ingredient in many medicines, is extracted from mint plants. The mints are also widely used as digestive aids in the form of teas.     

Important Phytochemicals 

Antioxidants: Anethole, caffeic acid, carvacrol, chlorogenic acid, eugenol, hesperidin, luteolin, myrcene, p-coumaric acid, rosmarinic acid, rutin, thymol, vanillin

Others: Cineole, coumarin, hesperidin, limonene, menthol, menthone, pinenes    

Medicinal Properties 

Certain mints, especially peppermint, have some of the most potent antioxidant activities of all spices. These include rosmarinic acid, which inhibits atheromatous plaque formation in the arteries. Mints also contain limonene, that provides protection against some cancers.