Where Does Peppermint Have the Strongest Evidence?

Peppermint has been studied for many possible health effects, but the scientific evidence is not equally strong for all of them.

The best clinical evidence concerns peppermint essential oil for digestive problems, particularly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Clinical trials using specially formulated peppermint oil capsules have reported improvements in symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating and discomfort. Research also suggests a role in functional dyspepsia, sometimes using peppermint oil together with caraway oil.

Another researched area is tension-type headache. Studies of peppermint oil applied to the skin have reported reductions in headache intensity, an effect mainly linked to menthol.

Other possible applications – including stress, anxiety, supportive care and cardiometabolic effects – have also been investigated, but the evidence is less consistent. Research on alcoholic or aqueous peppermint extracts in humans is much more limited than research on peppermint essential oil.