Evidence supporting the use of: Peppermint leaf
For the health condition: Headache (tension)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Peppermint leaf (Mentha × piperita) and its derivatives—most notably peppermint oil—have a documented history of use for headache relief, particularly tension-type headaches. Modern clinical evidence primarily supports the topical application of peppermint oil rather than ingestion of the leaf itself. Several randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that applying a 10% peppermint oil solution to the forehead and temples can significantly reduce headache intensity in people with tension-type headaches, providing efficacy similar to acetaminophen in some studies. The proposed mechanism involves menthol, a principal constituent of peppermint, which exerts a cooling sensation, desensitizes nociceptors, and promotes muscle relaxation, all of which may relieve headache symptoms.

While much of the scientific focus is on peppermint oil, peppermint leaf shares some of the same active compounds and has been used in traditional European medicine for headache. However, there is less direct evidence supporting the consumption or use of peppermint leaf (as opposed to the oil) for this purpose. The clinical evidence for topical peppermint oil provides moderate scientific support for the general use of peppermint in tension headaches, justifying a rating of 3. Notably, major medical and herbal references including the German Commission E and European Medicines Agency recognize topical peppermint oil for tension headache relief. Oral or tea preparations made from peppermint leaf are less well studied for this indication and are not standard therapy.

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