Peppermint Helps with Headaches to Weight Loss

Deborahlise Mota

Published on June 22, 2014 by Deborahlise Mota

Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) oil and tea is a powerful herb that can help with numerous conditions—from headaches to nausea to weight loss.

Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) throughout history is a highly regarded herb for soothing digestion. In clinical studies, Peppermint demonstrated significant effects in the treatment of nausea, specifically postoperative symptoms. Not only is it an anti-nauseant/antiemetic and digestive aid, but Peppermint is also a potent analgesic.

The essential oil* of peppermint has long been applied topically to the forehead and temples for the treatment of headaches.

In a double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover study with 40 patients, peppermint oil was trialed in comparison to acetaminophen in relieving headaches. Topical application of the oil to the forehead and temples every 15 minutes for a total of 3 applications, results were measured every 15 minutes for the first 60 minutes.

The data confirmed the topical peppermint oil application was equally as effective as a 1-g oral acetaminophen dose in relieving headache, and the combination of the two was significantly more effective than either treatment alone.

The essential oil of peppermint has also been used topically for arthritis, rheumatism, muscle soreness, as well as promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation of sprains and strains. Topically, it is a simple remedy to assist in reduction of fever in children, and skin inflammation such as hives. The oils ability to relieve mental fatigue, it one the reasons it improves concentration and mental accuracy.

Researcher, Alan Hirsch, MD, studied peppermint’s ability to directly affect the brain’s satiety center, which triggers a sense of fullness after meals. Studies concluded that the constituents in peppermint helps reduce appetite, and can be used in promoting weight reduction.

*Please take note that peppermint essential oil is extremely concentrated, with one drop of oil equal to 26 cups of peppermint tea. The internal use of peppermint essential oil is never recommended unless it is certified pure therapeutic grade, such as doTerra cptg oils.