Peppermint

Mentha × piperita

A natural hybrid with a fierce menthol kick — the most clinically validated herb for IBS and tension headaches.

At a glance

Sharp, cool, distinctly menthol over a green base. Tea is pale and bracing; the cooling sensation lingers on the breath.

  • IBS symptom relief (enteric capsules)
  • Tension-headache temple oil
  • Sinus steam inhalation
  • Bracing morning tea

Modern research

Tradition

Dried peppermint has been recovered from Egyptian pyramids dating to 1000 BCE. Botanically named in 1696 by John Ray as a natural hybrid of water mint and spearmint.

Modern evidence

Cochrane-level evidence supports enteric-coated peppermint oil for IBS, with a number-needed-to-treat around 3. Topical 10% peppermint oil reduces tension-headache pain comparably to acetaminophen.