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.
New research suggests that daily use of peppermint oil may help lower mildly elevated blood pressure. Scientists from the University of Lancashire discovered that participants who took 100 microliters of peppermint oil twice daily for 20 days experienced an average reduction of 8.5mmHg in their systolic blood pressure, the top number in a blood pressure reading.
This simple and inexpensive treatment could potentially benefit millions of people worldwide who suffer from slightly elevated blood pressure, which is a significant cause of heart disease and death globally. Lead author Dr. Jonnie Sinclair, Reader in Sport and Health Sciences, explained that high blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality.
While medications are often used to treat hypertension, their long-term effectiveness and side effects can be concerning. Peppermint oil, on the other hand, contains natural compounds such as menthol and flavonoids that may offer a safer alternative. The study involved 40 adults aged 18-65, randomly assigned to either receive peppermint oil or a placebo.
The peppermint oil group showed significant improvements in blood pressure, while the placebo group showed no notable changes. The researchers also examined other factors like body measurements, blood tests, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, mental well-being, and sleep quality. Dr. Sinclair emphasized that peppermint oil is low in calories and cost, making it a cost-effective solution for potentially treating millions of people.
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