Posted on 05/19/2026 8:39:40 PM PDT by Red Badger
Peppermint oil is a concentrated extract made from the leaves of the peppermint plant (Mentha × piperita), a hybrid of watermint and spearmint. Rich in natural compounds such as menthol and flavonoids, it is widely used in foods, medicines, and aromatherapy for its cooling sensation and potential health benefits. Credit: Shutterstock
Peppermint oil lowered blood pressure in adults with mild hypertension during a 20-day study, offering a potentially inexpensive and effective treatment option.
New research suggests that daily peppermint oil supplements may help reduce mildly elevated blood pressure.
Researchers at the University of Lancashire found that taking 100 microliters (about 0.0034 fluid ounces) of peppermint oil twice a day for 20 days lowered systolic blood pressure, the top number in a blood pressure reading, by an average of 8.5 mmHg.
The study, published in PLOS One, points to a potentially simple, affordable, and well-tolerated approach for helping people manage slightly elevated blood pressure.
Researchers Highlight Potential Alternative to Medication
Lead author Dr. Jonnie Sinclair, Reader in Sport and Health Sciences, said, “High blood pressure is one of the biggest causes of heart disease and death worldwide, and it costs a huge amount of money to treat. Although medicines are commonly used to treat it, it’s not always clear how well they work in the long term, and they can cause unwanted side effects.”
Peppermint contains compounds such as menthol and flavonoids. In the study, 40 adults between the ages of 18 and 65 were randomly divided into two groups. Participants with prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension who took a small daily dose of peppermint oil showed improvements, while those given a peppermint-flavored placebo without the active oil experienced little change.
In addition to systolic blood pressure, researchers also monitored body measurements, blood test results, diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number in a blood pressure reading), heart rate, mental well-being, and sleep quality.
Study Suggests Simple Treatment With Global Potential
Dr. Sinclair added, “Our findings were very positive, and they have significant clinical implications, especially given arterial hypertension is the most common preventable risk factor for cardiometabolic disease and the greatest single risk factor for global mortality.
“Peppermint oil is low in calories and price, so it’s proved to be a very simple and cost-effective solution to potentially treat millions of people around the world.”
Reference:
“Effects of peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) oil on cardiometabolic outcomes in patients with pre- and stage 1 hypertension: A placebo randomized controlled trial” by Jonathan Sinclair, Benjamin Sant, XuanYi Du, Gareth Shadwell, Stephanie Dillon, Bobbie Butters and Lindsay Bottoms, 23 April 2026, PLOS ONE.
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0344538
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I looked up the Caribbean Crazy Ants ... those are too big for the ones we have had.
The ones we have/had are super tiny, black, and don’t march in lines ... they’re in more of a scattered pattern.
Sounds like the ones we have too!...........
Yep, that’s how big ours are.
They hide in the winter and come out in spring. From somewhere...........
Have a jug of that. Used sparingly since we have pets..................
“Have a jug of that. Used sparingly since we have pets..................”
Safe after it dries.
For many years I have used UDDERMINT Uddercream Linament 600ml | Deeply Soothing Udder Mint Cream with 35% Japanese Peppermint Oil Extract. It’s the same cream I use on the dairy cows.
Massaging with UDDERMINT eases muscle and joint pain. It’s a trusted and effective solution that provides cooling relief and support healthy skin and muscles. Infused with natural peppermint oil, this fast-absorbing cream delivers a refreshing sensation, making it ideal for use on tired muscles, joints, and skin.
I have found nothing better for sore muscles.
I’ve tried others, and they are not the same. Japanese Peppermint Oil has something in it from the plant that is not in the other brands I have tried.
For a while it was hard to get in the USA so I ordered the Japanese Peppermint Oil and blended it with other liniments.
WARNING... DO NOT GET THE UDDERMINT CREAM ON YOUR PRIVATE PARTS OR IT WILL STING!
My mother used that when she worked at a dairy...........
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