ABSTRACT
References .......................................................................................................................... 128
The mint family (Labiatae or Lamiaceae) is composed of many species grown commercially
for their oils or leaves, including basil, lavender, peppermint, sage, spearmint, and rosemary.
Not only are such species desired for their flavors and fragrances, but many have been used
for centuries as folk remedies and at present they are regaining mainstream acceptance for
their medicinal properties (Brown, 1995; Beckstrom-Sternberg and Duke, 1996; Newall et al.,
1996). One example is peppermint, considered to provide relief for a wide range of ailments,
from tension headaches to irritable bowel syndrome (Blumenthal, 2003).
