Peppermint essence (Mentha × piperita) has a long history of use for digestive complaints, including nausea and vomiting. Scientifically, its active component, menthol, is believed to exert a relaxing effect on the gastrointestinal smooth muscle by blocking calcium channels, which may help relieve spasms and discomfort that contribute to nausea. Several clinical studies have investigated peppermint oil’s efficacy, particularly in the context of postoperative nausea, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and pregnancy-related nausea.

A 2013 randomized controlled trial published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that inhalation of peppermint oil reduced the severity of postoperative nausea in patients after surgery. Some studies have also shown benefit for peppermint oil aromatherapy in managing nausea in pregnant women, though results are mixed and often limited by small sample sizes and methodological variability. The evidence is more robust for peppermint oil used as an inhalant or aromatherapy, rather than for oral ingestion in this context.

While systematic reviews acknowledge potential benefits, they also highlight the need for larger, high-quality studies to confirm efficacy and to establish optimal dosing and safety guidelines. Thus, there is moderate scientific validation for the use of peppermint essence in supporting relief from nausea and vomiting, particularly in specific clinical settings.