Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Peppermint oil has been used both traditionally and in modern clinical settings to manage nausea and vomiting. Scientifically, its most established use is for symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, but there is some evidence supporting its effectiveness for nausea, particularly postoperative and pregnancy-related nausea. The proposed mechanism involves menthol, the active compound in peppermint oil, which may relax gastrointestinal smooth muscle and reduce spasms, potentially alleviating nausea. Several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews suggest that inhaled peppermint oil may reduce the severity of postoperative nausea compared to placebo, though results are mixed and some studies show no significant effect. For chemotherapy-induced or pregnancy-related nausea, the evidence is more limited and inconsistent.

Historically, peppermint has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for digestive complaints, including nausea. However, the scientific validation for its use in this context remains modest. Leading guidelines and meta-analyses typically rate the quality of evidence as low to moderate, often due to small sample sizes, heterogeneous study designs, and potential for placebo effects. Overall, while peppermint oil may offer mild benefit for some individuals, it should not replace standard antiemetic therapies, especially in severe cases. More rigorous, large-scale studies are needed to determine its true efficacy and optimal administration routes.

More about Peppermint
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Other ingredients used for Nausea and Vomiting

Other health conditions supported by Peppermint

Products containing Peppermint

Metagenics Intesol® Enteric Coated
Integrative Therapeutics Y Formula