Peppermint oil lowers blood pressure in just 20 days
Peppermint oil may have an unexpected benefit for people with mildly high blood pressure. Adults who took a small dose twice daily for 20 days saw their systolic blood pressure fall by an average of 8.5 mmHg, while a placebo group showed little change. Researchers say the inexpensive oil could eventually provide a simple additional option for managing elevated blood pressure.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Lancashire suggests that daily intake of peppermint oil may help lower mildly elevated blood pressure. The study involved 40 adults aged between 18 and 65 who were randomly assigned to either a group receiving peppermint oil or a group receiving a peppermint-flavored placebo.
After 20 days, the group taking the actual peppermint oil experienced an average reduction of 8.5mmHg in systolic blood pressure, compared to no significant change in the placebo group. Systolic blood pressure, the top number in a blood pressure reading, is a key indicator of cardiovascular health and is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and mortality.
The researchers emphasize that peppermint oil's low cost and minimal side effects make it a promising, low-cost alternative for managing prehypertension and stage 1 hypertension, which are significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
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- Peppermint oil lowers blood pressure in just 20 days sciencedaily.com
