Peppermint Oil Lowers Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is one of the world’s most common health problems and a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. In this small randomized controlled trial, researchers found that taking peppermint oil twice daily for 20 days reduced systolic blood pressure – the upper number in a blood pressure reading – by an average of 8.5 mmHg in adults with mildly elevated levels. Little change was seen among participants receiving a placebo.

Peppermint contains naturally occurring plant compounds, including menthol, that may affect the mechanisms controlling the contraction and relaxation of blood vessels. The researchers suggest that peppermint oil could potentially provide a simple and inexpensive approach for helping people with mildly raised blood pressure. The study involved only 40 participants and lasted less than three weeks, however, so larger and longer trials will be needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.

Nevertheless, research such as this illustrates the considerable potential of natural approaches to cardiovascular health. High blood pressure is routinely managed with pharmaceutical drugs, which are usually taken for life and can cause significant side effects. Nutritional and lifestyle measures capable of addressing cardiovascular risk factors therefore deserve serious scientific attention. Rather than viewing natural approaches merely as alternatives to conventional treatment, researchers should investigate systematically how they can contribute to preventing cardiovascular disease in the first place.

To check out Dr. Rath’s Cellular Health recommendations for high blood pressure, see this page on our website.