Stressed? Peppermint can help! (2024)

Jodi Schulz<schulzj@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -

We all know stress can have negative effects. The next time you or a child you know is feeling stressed, remember the research on peppermint.

Stressed? Peppermint can help! (1)

Stress is inevitable. Adults feel it all the time – at work, in the grocery store, in traffic and even at home. Kids also feel the effects of stress. Especially with the end of school drawing near, it’s no surprise to hear that kids taking end-of-the year tests to show their knowledge gained over the past several months are feeling the pressure. For many kids, that can be very stressful. There are all sorts of tips, tricks and old wives tales to help kids remember things they have been taught and lower their stress levels, but have you ever wondered if research actually backs up any of them?

One trick you may have heard of is kids eating peppermint candy during tests. Could it actually be true that peppermint helps them perform better while reducing their stress? Research says yes!

Furthermore, a study on the effects of peppermint and cinnamon on drivers conducted by the Wheeling Jesuit University showed remarkable results that included:

  • Peppermint is associated with decreased anxiety and fatigue while driving.
  • Peppermint and cinnamon are associated with decreased frustration and greater levels of alertness while driving.

Remember, the next time you or a child you know is facing a stressful situation, consider that research says peppermint can help! Peppermint candy, tea or oil can be just what you need to find your focus and ease anxiety.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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Stressed? Peppermint can help! (2024)

FAQs

Stressed? Peppermint can help!? ›

Peppermint oil can also be diffused to reduce stress and anxiety, says both Bhalsod and Anderson-Haynes. Research has found that peppermint essential oil inhalation significantly reduces anxiety of patients with heart attacks in the emergency department.

Does peppermint relieve stress? ›

It has a calming and numbing effect, and is often used to treat headaches, skin irritation, nausea, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, flatulence, and anxiety associated with depression. It is also an ingredient in chest rubs used to treat symptoms of the common cold.

How to release stress from the body? ›

Reduce Stress in 10 Minutes and Improve Your Well-Being
  1. Be active—Take a dance break! ...
  2. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
  3. Write three things you are grateful for.
  4. Check in with yourself—take time to ask yourself how you are feeling.
  5. Laugh!

What is the best way to deal with stress? ›

Eat healthy, exercise, get plenty of sleep, and give yourself a break if you feel stressed out. Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.

Where do you apply peppermint oil for stress? ›

One of the most common areas to apply essential oils for stress relief is on the wrist. This area is easy to access and can be rubbed together to release the aroma of the oil. Simply apply a few drops of your preferred essential oil to the inside of your wrist and massage gently.

Why does peppermint calm me down? ›

Mentha piperita is an aromatic herb with analgesic and tranquilizing effects. The analgesic effect of peppermint can be due to its main compounds like Carvone, Limonene, and Menthol. Menthol in peppermint affects Kappa Opioid receptors and soothe the pain in return.

What does peppermint do for mental health? ›

Researchers state that peppermint contains Menthol, Limonene, and Carvone which contain tranquillizing as well as analgesic effects, that work against stress. The aroma released after the brewing of the tea also attenuates the anxiety level.

How to stop anxiety fast? ›

Distract yourself

Whenever you're experiencing anxious thoughts, doing something that 'fills your mind' and needs complete focus can be a good distraction. Small things like leaving the room or going outside can be effective. One other technique that some people use when calming their anxiety is counting backwards.

Where is stress stored in the body? ›

The stomach is one of the most common places people hold stress. Stress in the abdomen/stomach usually manifests itself in maldigestion, changes in appetite, and even stomach pain. If you're someone who tends to resist change or feels like you don't have power over their life, you might hold stress in your stomach.

What are the physical signs of stress? ›

These effects might include:
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Panic attacks.
  • Blurred eyesight or sore eyes.
  • Sleep problems.
  • Fatigue.
  • Muscle aches and headaches.
  • Chest pains and high blood pressure.
  • Indigestion or heartburn.

What are 5 emotional signs of stress? ›

Warnings signs of stress in adults may include:
  • Crying spells or bursts of anger.
  • Difficulty eating.
  • Losing interest in daily activities.
  • Increasing physical distress symptoms such as headaches or stomach pains.
  • Fatigue.
  • Feeling guilty, helpless, or hopeless.
  • Avoiding family and friends.
Jun 9, 2023

What happens if you stress a lot? ›

Stress symptoms can affect your body, your thoughts and feelings, and your behavior. Knowing common stress symptoms can help you manage them. Stress that's not dealt with can lead to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, obesity and diabetes.

Can peppermint oil relax you? ›

Peppermint oil can also be diffused to reduce stress and anxiety, says both Bhalsod and Anderson-Haynes. Research has found that peppermint essential oil inhalation significantly reduces anxiety of patients with heart attacks in the emergency department.

When not to use peppermint oil? ›

Peppermint oil should not be applied to the face of infants or young children because serious side effects may occur if they inhale the menthol in the oil. Little is known about whether it's safe to use peppermint oil during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Does peppermint oil calm nerves? ›

The results of a study showed that peppermint can reduce anxiety in patients with myocardial infarction [19]. Another study showed that peppermint reduces anxiety during childbirth [20].

Does sniffing peppermint help anxiety? ›

Highlights. Reducing patients' anxiety is one of the treatment priorities of cardiac patients. Aromatherapy can positively regulate emotions. Peppermint can reduce anxiety in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Does peppermint scent help with anxiety? ›

Results indicated a significant decrease in anxiety after the intervention (P < 0.001) in the intervention group. Such a difference was not significant in the control group. Conclusion: Peppermint essential oil inhalation significantly reduces anxiety of patients with acute coronary syndrome in emergency department.

Does peppermint tea calm anxiety? ›

Peppermint tea is also known as one of the best teas for potentially helping with anxiety. For many people, anxiety and stress can upset their digestive system. Peppermint is often used to calm anxiety and promote regular, healthy digestion.

Is lavender or peppermint better for anxiety? ›

Lavender essential oil has been used as a treatment for anxiety in humans, while peppermint has been known to improve attention/concentration. There have been published studies showing a correlation between lavender essential oil inhalation and decreased anxiety-like behaviors in rats.

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