Evidence supporting the use of: Peppermint
For the health condition: Headache (tension)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Peppermint oil is supported by scientific evidence for use in treating tension-type headaches. The primary active ingredient, menthol, has a well-documented physiological effect: it creates a cooling sensation on the skin and can relax underlying muscles. Multiple randomized controlled trials have found that topical application of peppermint oil (typically a 10% solution in ethanol) to the forehead and temples can significantly reduce headache intensity in patients with tension-type headaches. These studies suggest that peppermint oil works by stimulating cold receptors, leading to increased blood flow and muscle relaxation, as well as by modulating pain signals.

A notable study published in Cephalalgia (1996) demonstrated that peppermint oil was as effective as acetaminophen in reducing headache pain when applied topically. The German Commission E, a regulatory body overseeing herbal medicines, has approved peppermint oil for tension-type headache based on both traditional use and clinical evidence.

Overall, peppermint oil is considered a safe and effective first-line option for mild to moderate tension headaches, especially for those seeking non-pharmacological approaches. However, it should not be ingested or applied near the eyes, and care should be taken to avoid skin irritation. The evidence for its use is robust, though most studies focus on topical application rather than oral use.

More about Peppermint
More about Headache (tension)

Other ingredients used for Headache (tension)

Aconite
Aerva lanata
Agastache
Albizia
alpinia galangal
Amor seco
Anemone
Angelica
Asarum heterotropoides
ashwagandha
aster root
atractylone
avens
Baccharoides anthelmintica
bael
balsam
bayleaf
black cumin
Black Hellebore
black salt
black seed
Black willow
blackboard tree
blackthorn
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
borassus palm
borneol
Broussonetia
Butea monosperma
cajuput
Camellia sinensis
Campylandra fimbriata
Carthamus
cayenne pepper
Centipeda
chamomile
chickweed
Chinese silkvine
chrysanthemum
cinquefoil
citron
Clerodendrum indicum
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coca
cola nut
commiphora
Corydalis
cucumber
Dichrostachys glomerata
divi-divi
dragonhead
elephant\'s head
Erodium cicutarium
Evodia
fernbush
ferula assafoetida
feverfew
Galangal
Gardenia jasminoides
ginger
Gnaphalium
Greek mountain tea
Hempnettle
henna
Herb Robert
Horsemint
Indian bael
Indian coraltree
Indian fagonia
Indian frankincense
kudzu
labrador tea
Large-leaved linden
lavender
Ledebouriella
lemon
Lesser speargrass
licorice root
ligustilides
linalool
linden
Litsea
Loranthus
lotus
Macaranga indica
magnesium
mallow
Malva sylvestris
Matapalo Tree
Meadowsweet
Mentha haplocalyx
Menthol oil
Moringa
Morning glory
Morus
Mountain mahogany
Mustard
Nardostachys
Nymphaea nouchali
Onosma bracteatum
Osha
Osmanthus
paeoniflorin
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
passionflower
passionflower
peony
Peppermint
Pimpinella
Piper chaba
Plectranthus amboinicus
Pluchea
poppy
Premna
Pulsatilla
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
Rubiaceae
rue
sage
Sagebrush
Salvia
Sandalwood
schizonepeta
Sedanenolide
Self-Heal
Semecarpus anacardium
Sensitive Plant
Sophora
Spanish Needle
Stereospermum
Storax
Sweet Bay
Szechuan lovage
Tamarind
Triphala
turmeric
turmeric
Vervain
Water Pepper
Waterhyssop
Willow
Winter Begonia
Winter Savory
Wintergreen
Yerba buena
Zingerone