Today, peppermint is promoted for irritable bowel syndrome, other digestive problems, the common cold, sinus infections, headaches, and other conditions. Peppermint oil is promoted for topical use for problems like headache, muscle aches, joint pain, and itching.

Peppermint is a common flavoring agent in foods and beverages, and peppermint oil is used as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics. Peppermint has been used for health purposes for several thousand years. Records from ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt mention that it was used for digestive disorders and other conditions.