Peppermint: Clinical Applications
Welcome to the blog series Herb of the Month!
This week, we will be exploring the many benefits and clinical applications of the hardy, aromatic perennial known as Peppermint. It’s had deep roots in history throughout the ages as an herbal remedy for many different ailments. The most active constituent of peppermint oil is Menthol, menthone, cineol, and several other volatile oils. Additionally, it’s a hearty source of niacin, phosphorus, and zinc and is a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper, and manganese. Peppermint preparations are known to have carminative, anti-emetic, choleretic, anti-congestive, diaphoretic, antitussive, analgesic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, vulnerary, astringent, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, stimulant, anxiolytic, antihypertensive effects. Because of this herb’s versatile roles, Peppermint can be used alone or even combined with other herbs and dietary supplements to help bring out the synergistic and potent medicinal qualities.
Health Benefits of Peppermint
Migraines & Headaches
Migraines are one of the most common health conditions experienced worldwide. Roughly 1 billion people suffer from this disabling neurological condition. One 2015 study entitled “Efficacy and Tolerability of STOPAIN for a Migraine Attack” written by Andrea St. Cyr et al and published in the Frontiers in Neurology Journal aimed to determine whether a topical menthol (6%) gel applied to the base of the skull would help relieve a migraine attack. Topical treatments can be an appealing alternative to usual treatment due to their accessibility, low cost, lack of systemic side effects, and the fact that they bypass the gastrointestinal tract. The participants involved in the study had been diagnosed for 1 year with episodic migraine with or without auras, experiencing 1-10 attacks and no more than 15 total headache days per month. They were instructed to record their pain severity and associated symptoms within 1hr of headache onset and then apply the study gel, and then at other varying time points after administrating the gel. The study found a significant improvement in headache intensity by hour 2 after applying the gel. This shows promising potential for the gel, STOPAIN, to be an effective treatment for acute migraine attacks
Another recent study entitled “Comparing the Effect of Intranasal Lidocaine 4% with Peppermint Essential Oil Drop 1.5% on Migraine Attacks: A Double-Blind Clinical Trial,” written by Mahmood Rafieian-kopaei et al and published in the International Journal of Preventative Medicine Journal in 2019 was designed to compare the impact of intranasal lidocaine (4%) and peppermint essential oil (EO) drop (1.5%) on migraine attacks. Using nasal medicines is considered to treat headaches because it’s thought to be easier and more effective than other current treatment methods. In this double-blind, parallel, randomized controlled trial, 120 adult participants diagnosed with migraines were treated with intranasal lidocaine drop (4%), peppermint EO drop (1.5%), or placebo. Participants were asked to record their headache severity in four scales before taking the medicine, and then record their symptoms 5-15 mins after drop pouring. If their headaches persisted after 15 minutes, they were allowed a second dose of medicine. The study found that the headache intensity decreased in 41.5% of participants in the lidocaine group and 42.1% of participants in the peppermint oil group, but only 4.9% of participants in the placebo group expressed any reduction. Based on these findings, peppermint EO and lidocaine are able to considerably reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches, as well as relieve the pain of most migraine sufferers after 5 minutes following the medicine consumption.
Gastrointestinal Health
IBS
Peppermint, among other mints, has been used for centuries to treat gastrointestinal ailments. One 2018 clinical review entitled “Review article: The physiologic effects and safety of Peppermint Oil and its efficacy in irritable bowel syndrome and other functional disorders” written by Bruno P. Chumpitazi et al and published in the Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics Journal aimed to evaluate Peppermint oils effects on gastrointestinal health, as well as overall clinical use and efficacy. The authors of the review compiled 96 randomized placebo-controlled trials out of 2,800 manuscripts based on the keywords (used both individually and combined): peppermint, peppermint oil, pharmacokinetics, menthol, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, gallbladder, colon, transit, dyspepsia, and irritable bowel syndrome. They found that Peppermint oil had several mechanisms of action (smooth muscle relaxation, anti-microbial effects, anti-inflammatory activity, etc) that affected the esophageal, gastric, small intestine, gallbladder, and colonic physiology. The 96 studies confirmed its support when used for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia, childhood functional abdominal pain, and postoperative nausea. This review gives a clearer overall understanding of Peppermint oil and its multifaceted nature in regard to treating functional gastrointestinal disorders.
IBS in particular is a chronic functional bowel disorder that is common in about 10-15% of the US population. Some of the common symptoms experienced during an IBS flair are abdominal pain or discomfort, abdominal bloating, constipation, diarrhea, a sensation of incomplete evacuation, pain at evacuation, the passage of gas or mucus, and urgency of bowel movement. Another clinical trial entitled “A Novel Delivery System of Peppermint Oil Is an Effective Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms” written by Brooks D. Cash et al and published in the 2015 Digestive Diseases and Sciences Journal aimed to evaluate the efficacy of highly purified Peppermint when used in participants with moderate to severe IBS. The participants were instructed to take 2 capsules (of either Peppermint oil or an identical placebo) between 30 and 90 minutes before breakfast, lunch, and dinner. After 4 weeks, participants in the Peppermint oil group experienced greater improvement in their symptoms and provided rapid relief.
Nausea
Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are very common symptoms many women experience in the first trimester. Healthcare providers and midwives have sought out the use of complementary therapies to bypass the use of pharmaceuticals in early pregnancy, such as through the use of aromatherapy. One 2013 study published in the Journal of Natural Sciences Research written by Rania Mahmoud Abdel Ghani and Adlia Tawfik Ahmed Ibrahim and entitled, “The Effect of Aromatherapy Inhalation on Nausea and Vomiting in Early Pregnancy: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial,” aimed to study the effects of mixed essential oil inhalation on nausea and vomiting in the first trimester. They gathered 100 pregnant women with single fetuses, free from any medical disorders, who had nausea and/or vomiting, required anti-emetics, and were not hospitalized. The participants were asked to use the predefined essential oils twice a day, prior to napping or sleeping, and record any episodes of nausea and number of vomit within twelve hours starting from inhalation of fragrance daily for three days. They found that nausea and vomiting episodes decreased after the third day compared with the baseline assessment. They also experienced heightened energy levels, and decreased fatigability.
On the other hand, nausea, vomiting, and retching are among the most common adverse effects of chemotherapy. Not only does it lead to fluid-electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, weight loss, and physiological effects caused by poor drug absorption and/or decreased elimination from kidneys, but it also has a negative effect on the patient’s social life, work life, daily activities, and psychological well-being. A recent 2021 study entitled “The Effects of Peppermint Oil on Nausea, Vomiting and Retching in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: An Open Label Quasi–Randomized Controlled Pilot Study” written by Nuriye Efe Ertürk and Sultan Taşcı and published in the Complementary Therapies in Medicine Journal investigated the effects of peppermint oil on the frequency nausea, vomiting, retching and the severity of nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The participants were asked to apply one drop of the aromatic mixture on the spot between their upper lip and their nose – three times a day for the five days following their chemotherapy sessions, in addition to the routine antiemetic treatment. The control group only underwent routine antiemetic treatment. The study found that Peppermint oil significantly reduced the frequency of nausea, vomiting, retching, and the severity of nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Dyspepsia
Functional dyspepsia is described as an “upper abdominal discomfort, described as burning sensation, bloating or gassiness, nausea, or feeling full too quickly after starting to eat.” Many allopathic and herbal therapies have been tried but resulted in limited success. The 2019 review entitled “Peppermint Oil in Conjunction with Caraway Oil: Remedy for Functional Dyspepsia?” written by Wasim Jafri and Muhammad Kamran and published in the Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research reviewed and discussed the role of Peppermint oil (in combination with Caraway oil) in the use of dyspeptic individuals. Dyspepsia is a complex condition involving visceral hypersensitivity, reduced gastric accommodation and emptying, active Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, abnormal small intestinal motility, and psychological disorders. The study emphasizes that prolonged treatments with many drugs typically used end up losing their efficacy. They found that there were many studies that highlighted the synergistic effect of the Peppermint oil and Caraway oil blend to help control the variety of symptoms associated with the condition. However, studies are still lacking on the long-term benefits of this blend. In addition, the therapeutic effect of Peppermint oil used isolated for dyspepsia is still unknown and requires further studies.
Another study entitled “Efficacy and tolerability of a fixed combination of peppermint oil and caraway oil in patients suffering from functional dyspepsia” also aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the blend of Peppermint oil and Caraway oil in participants with functional dyspepsia. The study used a total of 96 out-patients asked to take one capsule twice daily of the blend or the placebo for 28 days. By the end of the 28 days, the average intensity of pain reduced by 40% versus the baseline and by 22% in the placebo group. In addition, pressure, heaviness, and fullness had a 43% reduction versus a 22% for the placebo group. Overall, the results demonstrated the efficacy of the Peppermint oil and Caraway oil blend for the treatment of dyspepsia.
Additional Health Benefits of Peppermint
Skin & Hair Health
Pruritus (itchiness) is the most frequently heard skin complaint. Although generally considered benign, it can also be a symptom of an underlying condition. In one study entitled “Effectiveness of topical peppermint oil on symptomatic treatment of chronic pruritus” published in the 2016 Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology Journal by Lotfy T Elsaie et al, they aimed to assess the efficacy of Peppermint oil applied topically to treat chronic pruritus. The study included 50 participants diagnosed with chronic pruritus due to hepatic, renal, or diabetic causes and divided them into two groups of 25 participants. Group 1 was instructed to hydrate their skin and then apply the topical Peppermint oil, while Group 2 was instructed to apply petrolatum topically by hand, twice daily for 2 weeks. Overall they found that the topical treatments of chronic pruritus with Peppermint oil were effective, easy to use, safe, cheap, and more acceptable for those whose topical and systemic treatments tend to be irritating, contraindicated, or less well tolerated.
Another study published in the 2016 Microvascular Research Journal by Daniel H. Craighead and Lacy M. Alexander entitled “Topical menthol increases cutaneous blood flow” sought to characterize the microvascular effects of topical menthol(Peppermint) and ilex(Holly) application. There were 3 separate protocols conducted to examine the menthol and ilex-mediated changes in the skin blood flow. They found that menthol applied topically, with or without ilex, increases skin blood flow. This could potentially help with hair growth, as increased blood flow may help stimulate your scalp.
Muscle Pain & Inflammation
The active constituent in Peppermint oil, Menthol, has been used as a natural pain reliever since ancient times. The 2018 review entitled “The role and mechanism of action of menthol in topical analgesic products” written by J. V. Pergolizzi Jr MD et al and published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics reviews the basic science, clinical efficacy, and safety related to the pain-relieving attributes of menthol. At the time the review was being conducted, results were limited to preclinical studies, clinical trials, and reviews published within 5 years, which only gave them 31 reports. The review emphasizes that as a topical agent, menthol acts as a counter-irritant due to its cooling effect and ability to initially stimulate nociceptors and then desensitize them. Topical use of menthol appears safe for a variety of painful conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, neuropathic pain, and migraines. The review hopes that the continued modern understanding of menthol as a natural analgesic can help broaden the search for replacements for opioid analgesics.
Another recent 2021 study entitled “Anti-osteoarthritis potential of peppermint and rosemary essential oils in a nanoemulsion form: behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological evidence” written by Mojgan Mohammadifar et al and published in the BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies Journal aimed to evaluate the effect of nanoemulsion containing Peppermint and rosemary essential oils in rats with osteoarthritis. The study assigned 36 male rats into 6 different groups: Control (saline injection into the knee), osteoarthritis (intra-articular injection of 2 mg monosodium iodoacetate), and four groups of osteoarthritis treated with nanoemulsion gel, nanoemulsion solution, Rosemary, and Peppermint essential oil gel, or diclofenac sodium. The rats were topically given a dose of 1 ml daily. At the end of their study, they found that the nanoemulsion containing the essential oils of Peppermint and Rosemary helped to reduce osteoarthritis pain via increasing antioxidant capacity. In addition, it helped to improve the histopathological features of the rats’ knee joints.
Cough, Cold, & Sore Throat
The use of herbs for treating respiratory ailments has been a common practice worldwide for thousands of years. The 2011 study published in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal by Eran Ben-Arye et al and entitled “Treatment of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Primary Care: A Randomized Study Using Aromatic Herbs” investigated the clinical effects of aromatic essential oils in patients with upper respiratory tract infections. There was a spray used on 60 patients (26 in the study group and 34 in the control group) that contained the essential oils of five plants (Eucalyptus citriodora, Eucalyptus globulus, Mentha piperita, Origanum syriacum, and Rosmarinus officinalis). They were asked to apply it 5 times a day for 3 days. The results found that the spray brought a significant and immediate improvement in symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (sore throat, hoarseness, cough, etc) due to the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the spray.
As mentioned before, many studies have shown that Peppermint has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, mostly due to its active constituent Menthol. In a 2008 study entitled “Impact of menthol inhalation on nasal mucosal temperature and nasal patency” published in the American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy by Lindemann J et al, they assessed the effect of inhaling menthol on airflow improvement in the nasal cavity. They found that the menthol directly stimulates the cold receptors, entailing the participant to feel a sensation of having a clearer nose. Therefore, inhaling the steam from peppermint tea could potentially help you feel as though your breathing is easier if you were sick.
Final Recommendations
Here are Nancy’s Peppermint recommendations from Fullscript:
Some Precautions with Peppermint Use:
People with G6PD deficiency. People with a specific enzyme deficiency, called G6PD deficiency, should avoid using peppermint as an extract or oil in aromatherapy.
People taking certain medications. Peppermint oil aromatherapy can inhibit an enzyme called CYP3A4, which is responsible for breaking down many types of medication. If you’re taking any prescription medications, please consult with me first before using peppermint oil.
Children and babies. You should avoid applying peppermint oil to the faces or chests of babies and young children.
Pets. Peppermint aromatherapy can be toxic to pets whether applied to the skin, used in diffusers or licked up in the case of a spill.
It’s also important to remember that peppermint essential oil is very concentrated and should always be diluted properly before topical use. Only a few drops of essential oil are needed for diluting in an ounce of carrier oil.
There is also no “one size fits all” when it comes to recommending Peppermint. Because of this, Nancy recommends Booking a 15 Minute Discovery call if you’re interested in taking this wonderful herb. It’s important to consult with a registered clinical herbalist or natural health practitioner trained in clinical herbalism for more resistant and deeper set health issues. They will be able to give a more tailored suggested serving and daily frequency based on your age, gender, body weight, and any present medical conditions.
Remember to join us each month as we explore the history, personality, clinical application, and more of Nancy’s favorite plants. Get a snippet of the properties and practical uses of these herbs and how they supported the health of our ancestors as well as how they can support us in our present day.
Other Resources:
Welcome to the blog series Herb of the Month!
This week, we will be exploring the many benefits and clinical applications of the hardy, aromatic perennial known as Peppermint. It’s had deep roots in history throughout the ages as an herbal remedy for many different ailments. The most active constituent of peppermint oil is Menthol, menthone, cineol, and several other volatile oils. Additionally, it’s a hearty source of niacin, phosphorus, and zinc and is a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper, and manganese. Peppermint preparations are known to have carminative, anti-emetic, choleretic, anti-congestive, diaphoretic, antitussive, analgesic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, vulnerary, astringent, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, stimulant, anxiolytic, antihypertensive effects. Because of this herb’s versatile roles, Peppermint can be used alone or even combined with other herbs and dietary supplements to help bring out the synergistic and potent medicinal qualities.
Health Benefits of Peppermint
Migraine & Headache
Migraines are one of the most common health conditions experienced worldwide. Roughly 1 billion people suffer from this disabling neurological condition. One 2015 study entitled “Efficacy and Tolerability of STOPAIN for a Migraine Attack” written by Andrea St. Cyr et al and published in the Frontiers in Neurology Journal aimed to determine whether a topical menthol (6%) gel applied to the base of the skull would help relieve a migraine attack. Topical treatments can be an appealing alternative to usual treatment due to their accessibility, low cost, lack of systemic side effects, and the fact that they bypass the gastrointestinal tract. The participants involved in the study had been diagnosed for 1 year with episodic migraine with or without auras, experiencing 1-10 attacks and no more than 15 total headache days per month. They were instructed to record their pain severity and associated symptoms within 1hr of headache onset and then apply the study gel, and then at other varying time points after administrating the gel. The study found a significant improvement in headache intensity by hour 2 after applying the gel. This shows promising potential for the gel, STOPAIN, to be an effective treatment for acute migraine attacks
Another recent study entitled “Comparing the Effect of Intranasal Lidocaine 4% with Peppermint Essential Oil Drop 1.5% on Migraine Attacks: A Double-Blind Clinical Trial,” written by Mahmood Rafieian-kopaei et al and published in the International Journal of Preventative Medicine Journal in 2019 was designed to compare the impact of intranasal lidocaine (4%) and peppermint essential oil (EO) drop (1.5%) on migraine attacks. Using nasal medicines is considered to treat headaches because it’s thought to be easier and more effective than other current treatment methods. In this double-blind, parallel, randomized controlled trial, 120 adult participants diagnosed with migraines were treated with intranasal lidocaine drop (4%), peppermint EO drop (1.5%), or placebo. Participants were asked to record their headache severity in four scales before taking the medicine, and then record their symptoms 5-15 mins after drop pouring. If their headaches persisted after 15 minutes, they were allowed a second dose of medicine. The study found that the headache intensity decreased in 41.5% of participants in the lidocaine group and 42.1% of participants in the peppermint oil group, but only 4.9% of participants in the placebo group expressed any reduction. Based on these findings, peppermint EO and lidocaine are able to considerably reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches, as well as relieve the pain of most migraine sufferers after 5 minutes following the medicine consumption.
Gastrointestinal Health
IBS
Peppermint, among other mints, has been used for centuries to treat gastrointestinal ailments. One 2018 clinical review entitled “Review article: The physiologic effects and safety of Peppermint Oil and its efficacy in irritable bowel syndrome and other functional disorders” written by Bruno P. Chumpitazi et al and published in the Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics Journal aimed to evaluate Peppermint oils effects on gastrointestinal health, as well as overall clinical use and efficacy. The authors of the review compiled 96 randomized placebo-controlled trials out of 2,800 manuscripts based on the keywords (used both individually and combined): peppermint, peppermint oil, pharmacokinetics, menthol, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, gallbladder, colon, transit, dyspepsia, and irritable bowel syndrome. They found that Peppermint oil had several mechanisms of action (smooth muscle relaxation, anti-microbial effects, anti-inflammatory activity, etc) that affected the esophageal, gastric, small intestine, gallbladder, and colonic physiology. The 96 studies confirmed its support when used for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia, childhood functional abdominal pain, and postoperative nausea. This review gives a clearer overall understanding of Peppermint oil and its multifaceted nature in regard to treating functional gastrointestinal disorders.
IBS in particular is a chronic functional bowel disorder that is common in about 10-15% of the US population. Some of the common symptoms experienced during an IBS flair are abdominal pain or discomfort, abdominal bloating, constipation, diarrhea, a sensation of incomplete evacuation, pain at evacuation, the passage of gas or mucus, and urgency of bowel movement. Another clinical trial entitled “A Novel Delivery System of Peppermint Oil Is an Effective Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms” written by Brooks D. Cash et al and published in the 2015 Digestive Diseases and Sciences Journal aimed to evaluate the efficacy of highly purified Peppermint when used in participants with moderate to severe IBS. The participants were instructed to take 2 capsules (of either Peppermint oil or an identical placebo) between 30 and 90 minutes before breakfast, lunch, and dinner. After 4 weeks, participants in the Peppermint oil group experienced greater improvement in their symptoms and provided rapid relief.
Nausea
Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are very common symptoms many women experience in the first trimester. Healthcare providers and midwives have sought out the use of complementary therapies to bypass the use of pharmaceuticals in early pregnancy, such as through the use of aromatherapy. One 2013 study published in the Journal of Natural Sciences Research written by Rania Mahmoud Abdel Ghani and Adlia Tawfik Ahmed Ibrahim and entitled, “The Effect of Aromatherapy Inhalation on Nausea and Vomiting in Early Pregnancy: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial,” aimed to study the effects of mixed essential oil inhalation on nausea and vomiting in the first trimester. They gathered 100 pregnant women with single fetuses, free from any medical disorders, who had nausea and/or vomiting, required anti-emetics, and were not hospitalized. The participants were asked to use the predefined essential oils twice a day, prior to napping or sleeping, and record any episodes of nausea and number of vomit within twelve hours starting from inhalation of fragrance daily for three days. They found that nausea and vomiting episodes decreased after the third day compared with the baseline assessment. They also experienced heightened energy levels, and decreased fatigability.
On the other hand, nausea, vomiting, and retching are among the most common adverse effects of chemotherapy. Not only does it lead to fluid-electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, weight loss, and physiological effects caused by poor drug absorption and/or decreased elimination from kidneys, but it also has a negative effect on the patient’s social life, work life, daily activities, and psychological well-being. A recent 2021 study entitled “The Effects of Peppermint Oil on Nausea, Vomiting and Retching in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: An Open Label Quasi–Randomized Controlled Pilot Study” written by Nuriye Efe Ertürk and Sultan Taşcı and published in the Complementary Therapies in Medicine Journal investigated the effects of peppermint oil on the frequency nausea, vomiting, retching and the severity of nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The participants were asked to apply one drop of the aromatic mixture on the spot between their upper lip and their nose – three times a day for the five days following their chemotherapy sessions, in addition to the routine antiemetic treatment. The control group only underwent routine antiemetic treatment. The study found that Peppermint oil significantly reduced the frequency of nausea, vomiting, retching, and the severity of nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Dyspepsia
Functional dyspepsia is described as an “upper abdominal discomfort, described as burning sensation, bloating or gassiness, nausea, or feeling full too quickly after starting to eat.” Many allopathic and herbal therapies have been tried but resulted in limited success. The 2019 review entitled “Peppermint Oil in Conjunction with Caraway Oil: Remedy for Functional Dyspepsia?” written by Wasim Jafri and Muhammad Kamran and published in the Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research reviewed and discussed the role of Peppermint oil (in combination with Caraway oil) in the use of dyspeptic individuals. Dyspepsia is a complex condition involving visceral hypersensitivity, reduced gastric accommodation and emptying, active Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, abnormal small intestinal motility, and psychological disorders. The study emphasizes that prolonged treatments with many drugs typically used end up losing their efficacy. They found that there were many studies that highlighted the synergistic effect of the Peppermint oil and Caraway oil blend to help control the variety of symptoms associated with the condition. However, studies are still lacking on the long-term benefits of this blend. In addition, the therapeutic effect of Peppermint oil used isolated for dyspepsia is still unknown and requires further studies.
Another study entitled “Efficacy and tolerability of a fixed combination of peppermint oil and caraway oil in patients suffering from functional dyspepsia” also aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the blend of Peppermint oil and Caraway oil in participants with functional dyspepsia. The study used a total of 96 out-patients asked to take one capsule twice daily of the blend or the placebo for 28 days. By the end of the 28 days, the average intensity of pain reduced by 40% versus the baseline and by 22% in the placebo group. In addition, pressure, heaviness, and fullness had a 43% reduction versus a 22% for the placebo group. Overall, the results demonstrated the efficacy of the Peppermint oil and Caraway oil blend for the treatment of dyspepsia.
Additional Health Benefits of Peppermint
Skin & Hair Health
Pruritus (itchiness) is the most frequently heard skin complaint. Although generally considered benign, it can also be a symptom of an underlying condition. In one study entitled “Effectiveness of topical peppermint oil on symptomatic treatment of chronic pruritus” published in the 2016 Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology Journal by Lotfy T Elsaie et al, they aimed to assess the efficacy of Peppermint oil applied topically to treat chronic pruritus. The study included 50 participants diagnosed with chronic pruritus due to hepatic, renal, or diabetic causes and divided them into two groups of 25 participants. Group 1 was instructed to hydrate their skin and then apply the topical Peppermint oil, while Group 2 was instructed to apply petrolatum topically by hand, twice daily for 2 weeks. Overall they found that the topical treatments of chronic pruritus with Peppermint oil were effective, easy to use, safe, cheap, and more acceptable for those whose topical and systemic treatments tend to be irritating, contraindicated, or less well tolerated.
Another study published in the 2016 Microvascular Research Journal by Daniel H. Craighead and Lacy M. Alexander entitled “Topical menthol increases cutaneous blood flow” sought to characterize the microvascular effects of topical menthol(Peppermint) and ilex(Holly) application. There were 3 separate protocols conducted to examine the menthol and ilex-mediated changes in the skin blood flow. They found that menthol applied topically, with or without ilex, increases skin blood flow. This could potentially help with hair growth, as increased blood flow may help stimulate your scalp.
Muscle Pain & Inflammation
The active constituent in Peppermint oil, Menthol, has been used as a natural pain reliever since ancient times. The 2018 review entitled “The role and mechanism of action of menthol in topical analgesic products” written by J. V. Pergolizzi Jr MD et al and published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics reviews the basic science, clinical efficacy, and safety related to the pain-relieving attributes of menthol. At the time the review was being conducted, results were limited to preclinical studies, clinical trials, and reviews published within 5 years, which only gave them 31 reports. The review emphasizes that as a topical agent, menthol acts as a counter-irritant due to its cooling effect and ability to initially stimulate nociceptors and then desensitize them. Topical use of menthol appears safe for a variety of painful conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, neuropathic pain, and migraines. The review hopes that the continued modern understanding of menthol as a natural analgesic can help broaden the search for replacements for opioid analgesics.
Another recent 2021 study entitled “Anti-osteoarthritis potential of peppermint and rosemary essential oils in a nanoemulsion form: behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological evidence” written by Mojgan Mohammadifar et al and published in the BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies Journal aimed to evaluate the effect of nanoemulsion containing Peppermint and rosemary essential oils in rats with osteoarthritis. The study assigned 36 male rats into 6 different groups: Control (saline injection into the knee), osteoarthritis (intra-articular injection of 2 mg monosodium iodoacetate), and four groups of osteoarthritis treated with nanoemulsion gel, nanoemulsion solution, Rosemary, and Peppermint essential oil gel, or diclofenac sodium. The rats were topically given a dose of 1 ml daily. At the end of their study, they found that the nanoemulsion containing the essential oils of Peppermint and Rosemary helped to reduce osteoarthritis pain via increasing antioxidant capacity. In addition, it helped to improve the histopathological features of the rats’ knee joints.
Cough, Cold, & Sore Throat
The use of herbs for treating respiratory ailments has been a common practice worldwide for thousands of years. The 2011 study published in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal by Eran Ben-Arye et al and entitled “Treatment of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Primary Care: A Randomized Study Using Aromatic Herbs” investigated the clinical effects of aromatic essential oils in patients with upper respiratory tract infections. There was a spray used on 60 patients (26 in the study group and 34 in the control group) that contained the essential oils of five plants (Eucalyptus citriodora, Eucalyptus globulus, Mentha piperita, Origanum syriacum, and Rosmarinus officinalis). They were asked to apply it 5 times a day for 3 days. The results found that the spray brought a significant and immediate improvement in symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (sore throat, hoarseness, cough, etc) due to the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the spray.
As mentioned before, many studies have shown that Peppermint has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, mostly due to its active constituent Menthol. In a 2008 study entitled “Impact of menthol inhalation on nasal mucosal temperature and nasal patency” published in the American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy by Lindemann J et al, they assessed the effect of inhaling menthol on airflow improvement in the nasal cavity. They found that the menthol directly stimulates the cold receptors, entailing the participant to feel a sensation of having a clearer nose. Therefore, inhaling the steam from peppermint tea could potentially help you feel as though your breathing is easier if you were sick.
Final Recommendations
Here are Nancy’s Peppermint recommendations from Fullscript:
Some Precautions with Peppermint Use:
People with G6PD deficiency. People with a specific enzyme deficiency, called G6PD deficiency, should avoid using peppermint as an extract or oil in aromatherapy.
People taking certain medications. Peppermint oil aromatherapy can inhibit an enzyme called CYP3A4, which is responsible for breaking down many types of medication. If you’re taking any prescription medications, please consult with me first before using peppermint oil.
Children and babies. You should avoid applying peppermint oil to the faces or chests of babies and young children.
Pets. Peppermint aromatherapy can be toxic to pets whether applied to the skin, used in diffusers or licked up in the case of a spill.
It’s also important to remember that peppermint essential oil is very concentrated and should always be diluted properly before topical use. Only a few drops of essential oil are needed for diluting in an ounce of carrier oil.
There is also no “one size fits all” when it comes to recommending Peppermint. Because of this, Nancy recommends Booking a 15 Minute Discovery call if you’re interested in taking this wonderful herb. It’s important to consult with a registered clinical herbalist or natural health practitioner trained in clinical herbalism for more resistant and deeper set health issues. They will be able to give a more tailored suggested serving and daily frequency based on your age, gender, body weight, and any present medical conditions.
Remember to join us each month as we explore the history, personality, clinical application, and more of Nancy’s favorite plants. Get a snippet of the properties and practical uses of these herbs and how they supported the health of our ancestors as well as how they can support us in our present day.
Other Resources: