Peppermint oil and leaves are common in alternative medicine. The most common uses for peppermint are in tea and oils for headaches, gastrointestinal problems and nausea, as well as for the relief of cold symptoms. Peppermint is associated with weight loss but doesn't involve drinking tea. According to the New York Times, there is some evidence to suggest that sniffing peppermint may decrease a person's appetite. Some products combine peppermint with other ingredients as a type of aromatherapy to aid in weight loss.
Function
Peppermint is one of the oldest types of herbs used in natural medicine. Traditionally, the leaves go in teas to help soothe the stomach and relieve pain in the body. Peppermint oil has topical uses to relieve joint and muscle pain. The website Medline Plus says that peppermint is also sometimes used as a stimulant to help burn calories and increase the metabolism.
Effects on Weight
Some weight loss products available on the market include peppermint. Certain versions are to smell and not to take internally. The New York Times explains smelling a strong scent like peppermint can overload your sense of smell and reduce your appetite. With a decreased appetite you eat less food over time. Calorie reduction will ultimately lead to weight loss, although it takes eating 3,500 fewer calories to lose one pound.
Evidence
There is conflicting evidence as to whether smelling peppermint is a viable weight loss method. The New York Times reports that a 2008 Wheeling Jesuit University study of 40 people found that sniffing peppermint led to a 1,800 calorie reduction per person over five days. Participants smelled the peppermint every two hours. Still, there is skepticism as to whether this method can work in the long-term. Mark Friedman of the Monell Chemical Senses Center told the Times that weight loss will likely stop once the body gets used to the scent.
Considerations
Sniffing peppermint isn't enough to lose weight. With your doctor's consent, you may use peppermint products in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Cutting down on portions is just one of the keys to weight loss. According to the New York Times, frequent users of any scent may get accustomed to it over time. As a result, the peppermint may lose its appetite-suppressant qualities. If you have allergies, use peppermint with caution, and discontinue use if you start breaking out into a rash, have frequent headaches or have breathing difficulties. Medline Plus recommends using caution when consuming peppermint orally, although occasional use is safe.
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