Evidence supporting the use of: Peppermint leaf
For the health condition: Nausea and Vomiting

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Synopsis

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

Peppermint Leaf for Nausea and Vomiting: Scientific Evidence

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) leaf has a long history of use for digestive complaints, including nausea and vomiting. In modern times, its use is primarily supported by scientific studies involving peppermint oil, which is derived from the leaf. The active constituents, such as menthol, are thought to act on smooth muscle in the gastrointestinal tract, exerting antispasmodic effects that may help alleviate symptoms of nausea.

Clinical research on peppermint's effectiveness for nausea is mixed but promising in some contexts. Several randomized controlled trials have investigated peppermint oil aromatherapy for postoperative nausea, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and pregnancy-related nausea, with some studies showing modest reductions in symptoms compared to placebo. For example, a 2013 study published in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine found that peppermint aromatherapy reduced postoperative nausea in women after C-section. However, results across studies are not entirely consistent, and effects tend to be modest.

It is important to note that most clinical studies have used peppermint oil rather than peppermint leaf directly, and that peppermint oil capsules are enteric-coated to avoid gastrointestinal irritation. The evidence for peppermint leaf tea or other leaf preparations is less robust, but traditional and anecdotal use persists. Overall, peppermint is considered a low-risk intervention for mild nausea, with best evidence for peppermint oil rather than leaf.

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