Peppermint leaf (Mentha × piperita) has a long history of use in traditional medicine for treating respiratory ailments, including rhinitis. In folk and herbal medicine, peppermint has been used to help relieve symptoms associated with nasal congestion, runny nose, and sinus discomfort, largely owing to its menthol content. Menthol is thought to provide a cooling sensation and may subjectively improve the feeling of airflow in the nasal passages, which can be comforting for those with rhinitis.

However, scientific evidence specifically supporting peppermint leaf’s effectiveness in the treatment or management of rhinitis is limited. Most of the available data focus on menthol or peppermint oil as inhaled vapors rather than the leaf itself. Studies have shown that menthol can produce a sensation of improved nasal airflow, but objective measures (such as airflow resistance) do not show actual decongestion. There is insufficient clinical evidence from well-controlled human trials to confirm a direct therapeutic effect of peppermint leaf for rhinitis.

In summary, while peppermint leaf is traditionally used for rhinitis, and menthol may offer symptomatic relief, these uses are primarily justified by tradition rather than strong scientific validation.