Peppermint has a long tradition of being used to relieve headaches. In 1898, the King’s American Dispensatory stated that fresh, crushed peppermint can relieve headaches. Over a century later, the European Medicines Agency describes a “well-established use” of liquid or semi-solid peppermint preparations applied to the forehead and temples to relieve headache, attributing this effect to a “prolonged cold sensation” and analgesic effect on the skin.
Studies have also demonstrated that local application of peppermint essential oil can significantly increase blood flow of capillaries in the forehead and induce muscle relaxation, pain relief and mental relaxation, leading to significant improvements in headache intensity.
Peppermint and its main active constituent menthol are therefore key ingredients in our Headease Tea (without the isolated menthol) and in our Headease Balm.