Peppermint oil may lower systolic blood pressure, study finds

A study published in PLOS One by researchers at the University of Lancashire suggests that daily peppermint oil consumption may help reduce mildly elevated blood pressure. The placebo-controlled trial involved 40 adult participants, aged 18 to 65, who were diagnosed with prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension.

Participants in the intervention group received 100 microliters of peppermint oil twice daily for 20 days. This group experienced an average reduction in systolic blood pressure of 8.5 mmHg. In contrast, the control group, which received a peppermint-flavored placebo, showed no meaningful change.

Lead researcher Dr. Jonnie Sinclair noted that while standard medications are widely used to treat hypertension, they can cause side effects and long-term adherence can be difficult. The study also monitored secondary metrics, including diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, sleep quality, and mental well-being, to evaluate the broader physiological effects of the botanical compounds.