Peppermint was first discovered growing in an English field of spearmint in the seventeenth century. This natural hybrid was then cultivated for the fragrant oil found in its leaves and flowering tops. Many found its effects to be soothing. To this day, peppermint is one of our most popular herbs and has a variety of uses throughout the world. Peppermint was first discovered growing in an English field of spearmint in the seventeenth century. This natural hybrid was then cultivated for the fragrant oil found in its leaves and flowering tops. Many found its effects to be soothing. To this day, peppermint is one of our most popular herbs and has a variety of uses throughout the world.