Where Does Sage Have the Strongest Evidence?

Sage has been investigated in several human clinical studies, but the strength of evidence differs considerably between uses. One of the most promising areas is menopausal symptoms. In a randomized placebo-controlled trial, a standardized fresh sage extract reduced...

What Gives Sage Its Power?

Sage contains several groups of natural compounds, and – just like peppermint – its extracts and essential oil are chemically quite different. Alcoholic and hydroalcoholic extracts of Salvia officinalis are particularly rich in polyphenols. One of the most important...

Why Does Peppermint Feel Cold?

Peppermint can make your mouth or skin feel cool even though it does not actually lower their temperature. The key compound behind this characteristic sensation is menthol, the major active component of peppermint essential oil. Menthol interacts with sensory pathways...

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...

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...