45% of the peppermint and spearmint oil produced in this country is used for flavoring chewing gum - another 45% is used in dentifrices (toothpaste, mouth wash, etc.) with the remaining 10% used in the confectionery pharmaceutical, liqueur, and aroma therapy industries.
The genus Mentha is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region. Mint or Mintha, is named after the Greek nymph Minthes, who was turned into a mint plant by Proserpine, the jealous wife of Pluto, for casting covetous eyes on the philandering god of the underworld.
Proserpine gained her revenge by turning Minthes into a herb where she would be forever trampled under people's feet. To keep people treading on her forever, Proserpine gave Minthes eternal freshness and fragrance.