Scientists Discover Cheap, Natural Remedy for High Blood Pressure
Key Points:
- A 20-day study by the University of Lancashire found that taking 100 microliters of peppermint oil twice daily lowered systolic blood pressure by an average of 8.5 mmHg in adults with mild hypertension.
- The randomized controlled trial involved 40 adults aged 18 to 65 with prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension, showing significant improvements in blood pressure among those taking peppermint oil compared to a placebo group.
- Researchers highlight peppermint oil as a simple, affordable, and well-tolerated alternative to conventional hypertension medications, which can have side effects and uncertain long-term efficacy.
- The study also monitored other health indicators such as diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, mental well-being, and sleep quality, emphasizing the broad potential benefits of peppermint oil supplementation.
- Lead author Dr. Jonnie Sinclair emphasized the global importance of accessible hypertension treatments, noting peppermint oil's low cost and calorie content as advantages for widespread use.