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Small trial finds peppermint oil linked to lower blood pressure in adults with mild hypertension

A study of 40 participants observed a reduction in systolic blood pressure after a 20-day regimen of peppermint oil.

Updated Aug 24, 2026 · 00:33 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • University of Lancashire researchers reported that taking 100 microliters of peppermint oil twice daily for 20 days reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 8.5 mmHg in participants with prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension.
  • The findings derive from a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 40 adults published in the journal PLOS One.
  • Researchers suggest the low-cost oil could serve as an accessible supportive option, though broader long-term efficacy remains to be established in larger cohorts.

Key facts

  • A randomized controlled study published in PLOS One examined the effects of peppermint oil on 40 adults aged 18 to 65 with prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension.[ScienceDaily]
  • Participants taking 100 microliters of peppermint oil twice daily for 20 days experienced an average systolic blood pressure decrease of 8.5 mmHg, whereas the placebo group showed no meaningful change.[ScienceDaily]
  • The research was led by Dr. Jonnie Sinclair of the University of Lancashire and also evaluated secondary metrics including diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, blood markers, sleep quality, and mental well-being.[ScienceDaily]

What remains uncertain

  • The long-term safety, sustained efficacy, and generalizability of the findings across larger and more diverse populations remain unverified given the small sample size of 40 participants over a 20-day duration.[ScienceDaily]

Sources