Peppermint leaf (Mentha × piperita) has a long history of traditional use for the relief of coughs, particularly those that are spastic or associated with bronchial irritation. In folk medicine, peppermint tea and inhalations have been used to soothe the throat and calm coughing fits. The spasmolytic (muscle-relaxing) and mild anesthetic properties of menthol, a primary constituent of peppermint, are believed to contribute to this effect by relaxing the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract and suppressing cough reflexes. Scientific evidence specifically supporting peppermint leaf for spastic cough is limited and largely indirect. Most clinical research has focused on menthol, often in the form of vapor or lozenges, rather than the leaf itself. Studies have shown that menthol can have a subjective soothing effect on the throat and may decrease the urge to cough, but robust clinical trials are lacking, particularly for spastic coughs. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recognizes peppermint leaf’s traditional use for "symptomatic relief of mild digestive disorders and coughs associated with cold," but this is based on long-standing usage rather than strong clinical data. In summary, the historical and widespread use of peppermint leaf for coughs supports its traditional use, though scientific evidence is weak and does not meet modern standards for efficacy in treating spastic coughs.