Peppermint Oil Lowered Blood Pressure by 8 Points in Just 20 Days, Trial Finds
Staying in mint condition.
Researchers from the University of Lancashire have found that peppermint oil may offer a natural approach to managing elevated blood pressure. In a clinical trial published in PLOS One, participants who consumed daily peppermint oil experienced an average reduction of 8.48 millimeters of mercury in systolic blood pressure—the top number in a blood pressure reading—over just three weeks. This finding is particularly significant since a reduction of this magnitude can decrease the risk of heart events by approximately 20 percent.
The study involved 40 volunteers aged 18 to 65 with either pre-hypertension or stage 1 hypertension. Half received 50 microliters of pure peppermint oil mixed with water twice daily, while the other half received a placebo. Beyond the systolic pressure improvement, the peppermint group also demonstrated a diastolic pressure reduction of 4.57 mmHg and a resting heart rate that was nearly 9 beats per minute slower than the control group.
Scientists believe menthol, a key compound in peppermint, may trigger chemical reactions that relax blood vessels and enhance circulation. Researchers suggest the oil could serve as an affordable, low-calorie supplement for managing hypertension. However, experts caution that larger, longer-term studies are needed before recommending peppermint oil as a standalone treatment. Individuals should consult their healthcare provider before attempting any new remedies for blood pressure management.
Originally reported by Sciencealert →
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