Peppermint oil lowers high blood pressure
A new British clinical trial has revealed that taking a daily dose of peppermint oil can lower systolic blood pressure by 8.48 millimeters of mercury in just 20 days, compared to a group that received a placebo. The study’s results were published in the journal PLOS One and conducted by researchers from Lancaster University on 40 volunteers aged between 18 and 65.
The researchers explained that all participants suffered either from prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension. Half of them received 50 microliters of pure peppermint oil mixed with 100 milliliters of water twice daily, while the other half received a placebo in the same manner.
In addition to the reduction in systolic blood pressure, the peppermint oil group showed improvements in several other health indicators, according to the statistical analysis of the trial:
• A reduction of approximately 20 percent in the risk of heart attack for every 10-point drop in systolic blood pressure.
Sports and health scientist Johnny Sinclair from Lancaster University stated that the team’s findings were highly positive and carry important clinical implications, particularly since arterial hypertension is the most significant preventable risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and the single most dangerous threat to global mortality rates.
Researchers suggest that menthol, a compound found in peppermint oil, may trigger a chemical reaction that relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow, although this hypothesis requires further studies to confirm definitively.
Peppermint extract has long been used to alleviate stomach pain and bloating, and is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Previous research had suggested a potential role for peppermint in lowering blood pressure, prompting the research team to delve deeper into this area.
Although the trial was limited in size and relatively short in duration, researchers cautioned against hastily replicating the results without consulting a specialist, as the experiment relied on a specific type of peppermint oil, a particular dosage, and a specific patient group.
The researchers indicated that the next step involves testing this effect over a longer period and with a larger sample of participants, along with more regular monitoring of blood pressure, to clarify whether peppermint oil represents a natural and effective treatment for hypertension, especially given its low cost and wide availability.
