The myth that peppermint makes you smarter, is false, but there are benefits to the scent of peppermint. Although, eating peppermint flavored candies is not as beneficial as actually smelling the peppermint before the test.
Peppermint in many forms such as tea, candy, and oil can be used to help improve mental awareness. The menthol “stimulates the Hippocampus area of the brain which controls mental clarity and memory. The odor triggers you to wake up and pay attention.” This explains why many people believe that peppermint makes you smarter, when really it makes you more alert.
Peppermint also has the ability to improve athletic performance as well as helping to improve reaction times.
Overall, peppermint can improve your mental awareness but, no, it does not actually make you smarter.