These aromatic perennial herbs are distributed mostly in the Northern hemisphere. In India, it is largely confined to North India in the States of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana.
Temperate to tropical climate is suited for plant growth. Sunny weather
with moderate rain is conducive to its luxuriant growth. A deep soil,
rich in humus which can retain moisture, is suitable for mint cultivation.
Mint is used for flavouring meat, fish, sauces, soups, stews, vinegar,
tea, tobacco and cordials. The mint oil is used for the production of
natural menthol, dementhalised oil is for flavouring mouth washes, tooth
paste and pharmaceutical preparations.
In medicine, it is used against stomach disorders, rheumatism, in ointments
for headaches, in cough drops, inhalations etc. The oil and dried plants
are antiseptic, carminative, refrigerant, stimulant and diuretic.