Could Peppermint Oil Help Lower Blood Pressure?

A small new study suggests peppermint oil may do more than freshen breath or calm an uneasy stomach.

Researchers at the University of Lancashire found that adults with mildly elevated blood pressure who took a small dose of peppermint oil twice daily for 20 days saw their systolic blood pressure drop by an average of 8.5 mmHg.

High blood pressure is one of the most common health problems worldwide.

It also tends to sneak up quietly. Many people feel fine, but the pressure inside their blood vessels is still higher than it should be. Over time, that extra force can strain the heart, damage blood vessels, and raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious problems.

The study, published in PLOS One, included 40 adults between the ages of 18 and 65 who had either prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension.

Participants were randomly placed into two groups. One group took 100 microliters of peppermint oil twice a day. The other group took a peppermint-flavored placebo that did not contain the active oil.

After 20 days, the peppermint oil group had a meaningful drop in systolic blood pressure. The placebo group saw little change.

While this wasn’t a large study, and the test duration wasn’t particularly long since peppermint oil is inexpensive, widely available, and generally easy to use for many people, it’s a great adjunct treatment to pursue.

Additionally, peppermint contains compounds such as menthol and flavonoids that may influence blood vessel function, inflammation, and smooth muscle relaxation. That could help explain why researchers saw changes in blood pressure, though more research is needed to understand the mechanism and whether the effect holds up in larger, longer studies.

Peppermint oil may be another low-cost tool that helps lower blood pressure, especially for people in the early stages of elevation.

Of course, that’s in addition to participating in regular movement… better sleep…eating less ultra-processed food..maintaining a healthy weight…having more potassium-rich whole foods…consuming less alcohol…better stress management…engaging in strength training… and more!

The Promise Underneath it All

The promising part of this study is that it points toward something practical and accessible. Not everyone can afford expensive therapies. Not everyone wants to jump straight to another prescription if their blood pressure is only mildly elevated. And many people need more options that fit into daily life.

Peppermint oil may deserve more study for that reason.

For now, patients should be careful, especially if they have reflux, take blood pressure medication, are pregnant, have liver or gallbladder issues, or are already using essential oils or concentrated supplements. “Natural” does not automatically mean risk-free.

Still, the finding is worth watching.

A small amount of peppermint oil, taken consistently, appeared to help lower systolic blood pressure in this group of adults with mild hypertension.

That does not settle the question.

But it does make the question more interesting.