Evidence supporting the use of: Peppermint leaf
For the health condition: Headache (tension)
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.
Other ingredients used for Headache (tension)
ashwagandhawaterhyssop
black cumin
Indian frankincense
chamomile
cucumber
turmeric
turmeric
feverfew
ginger
greek mountain tea
kudzu
lavender
lemon
licorice root
magnesium
moringa
passionflower
passionflower
peppermint oil
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
sage
schizonepeta
triphala
chickweed
Indian bael
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
commiphora
blackboard tree
peony
lingusticum wallichii
morus
chrysanthemum
wintergreen
menthol oil
aster root
cayenne pepper
Avens
Agastache
Angelica
Asarum heterotropoides
Albizia
Aconite
Aerva lanata
Anemone
Acetylsalicylic acid
Amor seco
Atractylone
Black Seed
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Bael
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Black willow
black salt
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Black Hellebore
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cinquefoil
Citron
Cajuput
Coca
Campylandra fimbriata
Centipeda
Corydalis
Carthamus
cola nut
Clerodendrum indicum
DIVI-DIVI
Dragonhead
Dichrostachys glomerata
Erodium cicutarium
Evodia
Elephant's Head
Fernbush
Gnaphalium
Gardenia jasminoides
Galangal
Henna
Herb Robert
Hempnettle
Horsemint
Indian Coraltree
Indian Fagonia
Lotus
Mustard
Mallow
Poppy
Sophora
Sandalwood
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Peppermint leaf
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Afterbirth Pain
Appetite (deficient)
Belching
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bronchitis
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps and Spasms
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion
Insect Repellant
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Rhinitis