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Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Getting the latest healthcare news for you
A small daily dose of peppermint oil dropped systolic blood pressure by 8.5 mmHg in just 20 days, a new study finds. Researchers at the University of Lancashire say the inexpensive, natural remedy could be a simple option for people with mildly elevated readings. The placebo group, by contrast, saw little to no change.
Peppermint oil could have a surprisingly practical role in managing blood pressure. A study published in PLOS One by researchers at the University of Lancashire found that taking just 100 microliters of peppermint oil twice daily for 20 days reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 8.5 mmHg in adults with prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension. The placebo group, which received a peppermint-flavored oil without the active compounds, showed no meaningful change.
The researchers credit peppermint's natural compounds — particularly menthol and flavonoids — for the effect. Beyond blood pressure, the team also tracked diastolic readings, heart rate, body measurements, blood markers, mental well-being, and sleep quality.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: High blood pressure is the leading preventable risk factor for cardiometabolic disease and the top single contributor to global mortality. A low-cost, well-tolerated natural option — even as a complement to existing treatments — could have significant reach, especially in resource-limited settings.
