A £4 everyday item could help reduce blood pressure in less than three weeks, according to a new clinical trial. Researchers found that people who took a daily dose recorded an average fall in systolic blood pressure of 8.48 millimetres of mercury (mmHg).
High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects around one in three adults in the UK — roughly 14.4 million people. Although treatment usually involves lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication, a new study published in PLOS One suggests peppermint oil may also have a beneficial effect. UK-based researchers tested the oil on 40 volunteers aged 18 to 65 and reported an eight-point reduction in blood pressure over 20 days. A drop of that size could lower the risk of a heart event by around 16%.
As reported by Science Alert, Professor Jonnie Sinclair, from the University of Lancashire, said: “Our findings were very positive and they have significant clinical implications, especially given arterial hypertension is the most common preventable risk factor for cardiometabolic disease and the greatest single risk factor for global mortality.”
Everyone who took part in the trial had either pre-hypertension or stage one hypertension. Half of the participants were given 50 microlitres of pure peppermint oil mixed with 100 millilitres of water twice daily, while the remaining volunteers received a placebo.
Summing up the findings, the study stated: “The results of this trial suggest that peppermint supplementation could be a valuable tool in the management of pre-hypertension and stage 1 hypertension.”
Professor Sinclair added: “Peppermint oil is low in calories and price so it’s proved to be a very simple and cost-effective solution to potentially treat millions of people around the world.”
The team now intends to study peppermint oil over a longer period and in larger groups of participants. Further research will be needed to establish whether the extract could become a reliable drug-free option for managing hypertension.
High blood pressure is often described as a “silent killer” because it may cause few or no obvious symptoms. It happens when the force of blood against artery walls remains too high, making the heart work harder and gradually damaging blood vessels.
If it’s left untreated, high blood pressure can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and vascular dementia. It is believed around five million adults in the UK are living with undiagnosed high blood pressure.
Peppermint oil can be bought in stores across the UK, with prices ranging from between £4 and £12. The prices depend on the quantity, the oil’s purity, and its intended use.
