The scent and taste of herbs and spices are significantly influenced by the essential oils they contain. For instance, peppermint oil can be detected by smell even in a dilution of 1:1.5 million and by taste in a dilution of 1:4 million. The purported positive effects of herbs and spices on food and the human body are often associated with the essential oils they contain. Consumers increasingly view herbs and spices as components of a healthy diet. This perception is partly due to the growing acceptance of natural healing methods, the positive attributes of herbs and spices mentioned in magazines and cookbooks, and the advertising of herbal remedies for a variety of ailments.