Peppermint Oil Shows Promise for Lowering Blood Pressure in 20-Day Clinical Trial
核心洞察
A UK clinical trial of 40 adults with elevated or stage 1 hypertension (搜索) found peppermint oil reduced systolic blood pressure by 8.48 mmHg versus placebo over 20 days.
Diastolic blood pressure fell by 4.57 mmHg and resting heart rate by roughly 8.92 beats per minute after statistical adjustments.
Researchers attribute the effect to menthol, which may relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, though the mechanism requires further study.
A new clinical trial conducted by researchers in the United Kingdom suggests that peppermint oil may offer a simple, low-cost option for lowering blood pressure, with notable reductions observed in just 20 days. The findings arrive amid growing interest in non-drug approaches to blood pressure management, as high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular disease.
The trial involved 40 people aged between 18 and 65, all of whom were either in the prehypertension stage or the first stage of hypertension (搜索). Half of 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, 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 suggest 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 (搜索), described the study's results as "very positive" and said they 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.
The 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.
Despite the promising results, the researchers stress that the trial's findings 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.