Saed News: Researchers have found that daily consumption of peppermint oil for 20 days can reduce mild blood pressure.
According to SAEDNEWS, researchers at the University of Lancashire found in a new study that daily consumption of peppermint oil may help reduce mild blood pressure. In this 20-day study, participants’ systolic blood pressure (the upper number) decreased by an average of 8.5 mmHg.
According to Health News, high blood pressure is one of the leading causes of heart disease and death worldwide. It occurs when blood exerts excessive force against the walls of blood vessels, and if left uncontrolled, it can damage the heart, kidneys, and brain.
Treating high blood pressure imposes significant costs on healthcare systems. Although common medications exist for its treatment, it is not always clear how effective they are in the long term, and they may sometimes cause unwanted side effects.
Researchers at the University of Lancashire, in a new study published in the journal PLOS One, examined the effect of peppermint oil on individuals with mild hypertension.
In this study, 40 adults aged 18 to 65 were randomly divided into two groups:
Group 1: consumed 100 microliters (a few drops) of peppermint oil twice daily for 20 days;
Group 2: received a placebo with mint flavor but without the active ingredient.
Dr. Jonnie Sinclair, the lead author of the study and professor at the University of Lancashire, said: “Our findings were very positive and have important clinical implications.”
The results showed:
Systolic blood pressure (the upper number) in the group that consumed peppermint oil decreased by an average of 8.5 mmHg;
No significant change was observed in the placebo group.
Researchers also examined other indicators, including diastolic blood pressure (the lower number), heart rate, mental health, and sleep quality of participants.
Peppermint oil contains beneficial compounds such as menthol and flavonoids. These compounds help dilate blood vessels and reduce inflammation, which can lower blood pressure.
Dr. Sinclair concluded: Peppermint oil is low in calories and inexpensive; therefore, it can be a simple and affordable promising solution for millions of people worldwide.
Important notes:
This study was conducted on individuals with mild blood pressure (pre-hypertension or stage 1 hypertension);
Any supplement, including peppermint oil, should be taken under medical supervision;
Peppermint oil is concentrated and its unsupervised use may cause heartburn, acid reflux, or interactions with certain medications;
This oil should not be taken orally without dilution or medical consultation.
