High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular disease, prompting researchers to search for simple, safe ways to help control it.
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A new clinical trial suggests peppermint oil may be one promising option, after its use was linked to a notable drop in blood pressure over a short period.
Researchers in the United Kingdom conducted a trial involving 40 people aged between 18 and 65, all of whom were either in the prehypertension stage or the first stage of hypertension.
Half the participants received 50 microliters of pure peppermint oil mixed with 100 milliliters of water twice daily for 20 days, while the other half received a placebo.
The results showed that participants who took peppermint oil experienced an average drop in systolic blood pressure the higher number in a blood pressure reading of 8.48 mmHg compared to the placebo group.
Diastolic blood pressure, the lower number in the reading, also dropped by an average of 4.57 mmHg, while resting heart rate was about 8.92 beats per minute lower compared to the other group, after statistical adjustments.
Researchers believe one possible explanation for this effect may be linked to menthol, a compound found in mint. They believe menthol may help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, though this mechanism still requires further research to confirm.
Jonny Sinclair, a sports and health scientist from the University of Lancashire, said the study's results were "very positive" and carry important clinical implications, noting that high blood pressure is among the leading preventable risk factors linked to cardiovascular and metabolic disease and death worldwide.
These findings come amid growing interest in non-drug approaches to help lower blood pressure. Dietary changes and exercise can help control it, but sticking to these measures can be difficult for some people. Blood pressure medications are also effective, though adherence to them can be a challenge for some patients.
However, the researchers stress that the trial's results are not yet sufficient to recommend using peppermint oil to treat high blood pressure. The study involved a limited number of participants and lasted only 20 days, and used a specific type of peppermint oil at a particular dose.
Sinclair said peppermint oil's low cost and ease of use could make it an interesting option if future studies confirm its effectiveness, noting the need for longer trials involving larger numbers of participants, with regular blood pressure monitoring.
Experts warn against using peppermint oil as a substitute for doctor-prescribed blood pressure medications, since the available evidence remains limited, and treatment should not be changed or medications stopped without medical consultation.
