Peppermint essential oil for improved cognitive function

A double-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical trial was conducted with 24 healthy individuals as study participants. Study participants were given placebo capsules or capsules containing either 1 or 2 drops of peppermint essential oil. Participants were asked to perform a number of tasks designed to test cognitive function and assessed for mental fatigue.

The researchers found that peppermint essential oil had a positive effect on cognition during the execution of difficult mental tasks. In addition, peppermint essential oil significantly reduced cognitive fatigue.

Reference:
Kennedy D, Okello E, Chazot P, et al. Volatile Terpenes and Brain Function: Investigation of the Cognitive and Mood Effects of Mentha × Piperita L. Essential Oil with In Vitro Properties Relevant to Central Nervous System Function. Nutrients. 2018;10(8). pii: E1029. doi: 10.3390/nu10081029.

Tea tree oil on wound healing

A small study found that the use of tea tree essential oil accelerates wound healing. This was partly attributed to its ability to prevent wound infection.

Read the abstract here.

Curcumin extract and fennel essential oil for irritable bowel syndrome

A group of Italian and Belgian researchers studied 211 individuals with irritable bowel syndrome. They tested the efficacy of a curcumin extract and fennel essential oil. All study participants took two capsules containing 42 mg of curcumin and 25 mg of fennel essential oil twice daily with meals for 30 days. After 30 days, the participants took two capsules once daily with a meal. Surveys were administered before and after taking the experiment and contained questions regarding bowel regularity and quality of life.

At the conclusion of the study, the researchers found that there was significant improvement in bowel regularity and quality of life in the study participants as a whole.

Scientific abstract is here.

Reference
Di Ciaula A, Portincasa P, Maes N, et al. Efficacy of bio-optimized extracts of turmeric and essential fennel oil on the quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Ann Gastroenterol. 2018;31(6):685-691.doi: 10.20524/aog.2018.0304

Peppermint essential oil and cognitive function

A recent double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical trial involving 24 individuals found peppermint essential oil had a positive effect on cognition during the execution of difficult mental tasks. In addition, peppermint essential oil significantly reduced cognitive fatigue.

Read the abstract here.

Reference: Kennedy D, Okello E, Chazot P, et al. Volatile Terpenes and Brain Function: Investigation of the Cognitive and Mood Effects of Mentha × Piperita L. Essential Oil with In Vitro Properties Relevant to Central Nervous System Function. Nutrients. 2018;10(8). pii: E1029. doi: 10.3390/nu10081029.