Evidence supporting the use of: Peppermint leaf
For the health condition: Itching
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Peppermint leaf (Mentha × piperita) has a long history of traditional use for relieving itching (pruritus). Folk medicine practices have utilized peppermint extracts, ointments, and teas for topical application to alleviate various forms of itching, including those caused by minor skin irritations, insect bites, and rashes. The relief is largely attributed to the menthol content in peppermint, which imparts a cooling sensation upon application. This cooling effect is thought to distract from the sensation of itch by activating cold-sensitive TRPM8 receptors in the skin, thereby providing temporary symptomatic relief.
While there are some small clinical studies and case reports suggesting that peppermint oil or menthol-containing preparations may help reduce pruritus in certain conditions—such as chronic pruritus in hemodialysis patients—the evidence specifically for peppermint leaf (rather than isolated menthol or peppermint oil) is quite limited. Most available studies are preliminary, small-scale, or anecdotal in nature. The majority of scientific support pertains to topical menthol, rather than whole peppermint leaf extracts. Therefore, the primary justification for using peppermint leaf for itching remains traditional, with modest scientific support for related compounds.
Other ingredients used for Itching
Aloe veramyrobalan
betel
bisabolol
chamomile
turmeric
Japanese sophora
licorice root
marshmallow
Peppermint
scrophularia root
slippery elm bark
vitamin D
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
chickweed
typhonium
ferula assafoetida
yarrow
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
sheep's sorrel
camphor oil
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agrimony
Anamu
Abrus
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Alsonia scholaris
Argan nut oil
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
benzyl alcohol
Babchi
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Balsam
Barleria
Brazilian peppertree
Black Nightshade
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coconut oil
Colloid
Cinquefoil
Cocoa Butter
Carry Me Seed
Cornflower
Cajuput
Catechu
Cedar
Calamus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Castor Oil
Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Dendramine
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Emu Oil
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fang-Feng
Fleabane
Fringed Pink
Giant Blazingstar
Gardenia jasminoides
Golden Shower Tree
Homalomena
Houttuynia
Honey loquat syrup
Hydrocolloid
Henna
Indian Nightshade
Jewelweed
Jojoba Oil
Jessica's Sticktight
Ledebouriella
Lesser speargrass
Lichen
Lophira lanceolata
Lycopodium
Labrador Tea
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Lysimachia
Marsh Tea
Mallow
Malva sylvestris
Matico
Matapalo Tree
Mahonia
Marking Nut Tree
Macaranga indica
Oak
Onosma bracteatum
Pagoda Tree
Pulsatilla
Pepper Bark Tree
Pellitory
Plumbago zeylanica
Polygonum
Plectranthus amboinicus
Potentilla
Quisqualis
Rue
Rubus
Rhus glabra
Sabadilla
Spilanthes
Speedwell
Spanish Needle
Self-Heal
Sweet Annie
Spikenard
Salvia
Sensitive Plant
Snakeroot
Sanguisorba
Southernwood
Slippery Elm
Sagebrush
Semiaquilegia
Soapberry
Sandalwood
Scabrous Gentian
Sapindus mukorossi
Sumac
Sulfur
Sweet Bay
Storax
Sandy Everlasting
Tannins
Terpinen-4-ol
Thymol
Tea Tree Oil
Vervain
Wrightia tinctoria
Witch Hazel
Waltheria ovata
Winter Savory
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