Peppermint

Mentha x piperita

Evidence: Moderate

Peppermint is the classic after-dinner botanical, and its lead compound, L-menthol, explains why. Menthol gently relaxes the smooth muscle of the digestive tract, the basis for peppermint's long-standing reputation for easing tension, a sense of fullness and trapped gas after eating. It also delivers that unmistakable cooling freshness.

We include a measured amount of peppermint as part of the formula's digestive-comfort botanicals. It is one of the best-characterised herbs in gastroenterology research, with a clearly described mechanism and an attractive tolerability profile.

PubMed indexes over 2,600 peer-reviewed papers on peppermint.

Selected study

Scarpellini E, Broeders B, Schol J, et al. The Use of Peppermint Oil in Gastroenterology. Current Pharmaceutical Design. 2023;29(8):576-583. doi:10.2174/1381612829666230328163449

Study summary

Study type: Narrative review drawing on human and pre-clinical studies of peppermint oil and menthol in the digestive tract.

Observed benefits across the literature reviewed:

• Consistent smooth-muscle-relaxant and antispasmodic effects through the digestive tract.
• Reported easing of post-meal discomfort and a feeling of fullness.

Mechanisms: Menthol blocks calcium channels and activates the cold-sensing TRPM8 receptor on digestive smooth muscle, easing tension and dampening visceral sensitivity.

Safety: An attractive safety profile, with mild and transient effects such as a warm sensation when non-coated forms are used.

Evidence strength: A well-described mechanism with supportive human data, drawn here from a narrative review.