[1] Mints are commonly believed to soothe the stomach given their association with natural byproducts of the plant genus Mentha.

[3][4][5] The production of mints as a discrete food item can be traced back to the 18th century with the invention of Altoids.

Scotch mints were traditionally spheroids, more recently moving toward a larger, discoid shape.

[citation needed] In addition to breath freshening, mints that actually contain peppermint oil or extract have been popular in helping with digestion after a meal.

[2] According to the German Commission E Monograph, real peppermint oil or extract has been used for cramp-like complaints in the gastrointestinal tract.