Peppermint: What Do We Really Know?

Modern research gives us a more nuanced picture of peppermint than simply saying that “mint is healthy.”

For digestive symptoms, especially those associated with IBS, peppermint oil has relatively good clinical support. There is also evidence for its topical use in tension-type headache.

For many other suggested benefits, however, the evidence is still developing. Laboratory studies show interesting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other biological effects, but a result in cells or animals does not automatically mean that the same effect has been demonstrated in people.

It is also important to know which peppermint preparation was actually studied. Results obtained with a standardized peppermint oil capsule cannot automatically be applied to peppermint tea, an alcoholic extract or any other peppermint product.

Peppermint preparations have generally been well tolerated in clinical studies when used appropriately, although peppermint oil can sometimes cause mild unwanted effects such as heartburn.