The history of the introduction of peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.) in Imperial Russia

Abstract

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.) has been and remains one of the most widely used herbs for medicinal purposes since its discovery. It is used in cosmetics, personal care products, food and pharmaceutical products both because of its taste and aromatic properties. In addition, mint is used for non-medical purposes, which makes its cultivation economically feasible. Information about the introduction of peppermint in Russia since the beginning of the XVIII century is scattered and / or incomplete. The purpose of this work is to provide an extensive descriptive overview of the introduction to the cultures of this species in imperial Russia (from the beginning of the XVIII century to the October Revolution). Archival and historical documents on the cultivation of medicinal herbs and the development of peppermint culture in Imperial Russia, virtual herbariums of the V.L. Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University were studied.