Evidence supporting the use of: Peppermint leaf
For the health condition: Nausea and Vomiting
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.
Other ingredients used for Nausea and Vomiting
Allspicebamboo
myrobalan
benegut perilla (proprietary)
betel
black pepper
chamomile
chen pi
Coptis chinensis
fennel
fenugreek
ginger
gooseberry
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lovage
mint
orange
Peppermint
phytocannabinoids
sage
spearmint leaf
vitamin B6
watermelon
chickweed
tangerine
typhonium
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
alpinia galangal
hedychium spicatum
anise
swertia
Szechuan lovage
prickly ash
root tuber
chrysanthemum
flowering quince
dogwood
dioscorea
sweetgums
caraway
camphor oil
yerba mate
peach
horehound
Sichuan pepper
soursop
sea salt
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Asafoetida
Agarwood
Asam gelugor
Angostura
Arrowroot
Agrimonia pilosa
Amor seco
Asarum sieboldii
Atractylone
Black Seed
Buttermilk
Blue Flag
Bryonia
Bai Ji
Balsam
Bael
Butternut
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Banyan
black salt
Black Nightshade
Buddha's Hand
Borassus aethiopum
Bitter principals
banana
Black Hellebore
Balloon Flower
Bottle gourd
Cumin
Centaury
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Coriander
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Citron
Carvone
Cymbopogon Martini
Coca
Cubeb
Chirata
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Colocynth
cola nut
Dill
Doxylamine succinate
Evodia
English Horsemint
Elephant's Head
Embelia
Fernbush
False Calumba
Goldthread
Gentian
Gentianella alborosea
Gentianopsis barbata
Giant Blazingstar
Homalomena
Indian Ipecac
Javanese Long Pepper
Kukicha
Kola Nut
Loquat
Lime
Large-leaf Gentian
Lesser speargrass
Linden
Lotus
Large-Leaved Linden
Little ironweed
Mentha haplocalyx
Mandarin
Marjoram
Marsh Tea
Mace
Malva sylvestris
Matapalo Tree
Meadowsweet
Nardostachys
Natsudaidai
Ophiopogon
Osmanthus
Phragmites
Piper chaba
Pulsatilla
Pepper Bark Tree
Phthalides
Piper retrofractum
Polygonatum
Pimpinella
Persimmon
Plectranthus amboinicus
Quince
Rue
Rubus
Rubiaceae
Rose
Rhus coriaria
Stephania root
Sensitive Plant
Southernwood
Savory
Scabrous Gentian
Sweet Bay
Sassafras
Sweet Orange alcohol
Tarragon
Vervain
Vanilla
Yuzu
Yellow Nut Sedge
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