Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Mint, particularly in the form of peppermint (Mentha piperita), has a long history of use for gastrointestinal ailments, including nausea and vomiting. Scientifically, peppermint oil contains menthol, which has antispasmodic properties that can help relax smooth muscle in the digestive tract. Several clinical studies and systematic reviews have explored the efficacy of peppermint in managing nausea, especially in settings like postoperative recovery and chemotherapy-induced nausea.

For example, a 2016 randomized controlled trial found that inhalation of peppermint oil reduced postoperative nausea in some patients, though results across studies have been mixed and often limited by small sample sizes or methodological weaknesses. The most consistent evidence supports the use of peppermint oil capsules for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but this is a different indication. There is also traditional and anecdotal support for using peppermint tea or aromatherapy to relieve mild nausea.

Overall, while there is some preliminary scientific evidence and plausible mechanisms supporting mint’s use for nausea, the quality and quantity of evidence remain modest. Major clinical guidelines do not universally endorse peppermint for nausea, and its effectiveness may vary between individuals and types of nausea. Thus, the evidence rating is moderate to low (2 out of 5), reflecting the need for more rigorous, high-quality trials.

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