Peppermint essential oil is obtained by distilling the plant Mentha piperita, hybrid mint resulting from the cross between water mint (Mentha aquatica) and spearmint (Mentha spicata) The exact origin of this natural hybridization is not known, but it is believed to have occurred in Europe several centuries ago. Peppermint is then grown in many parts of the world. 2. Top 10 Benefits of Peppermint