Peppermint aromatherapy may reduce post-operative nausea after a cesarean section, reports a new study.
Aromatherapy is a term that refers to several methods that deliver essential oils to the body. Essential oils are usually mixed with a "carrier" oil, usually a vegetable oil, or diluted in alcohol before being applied to the skin, sprayed in the air, or inhaled.
In the recent study, women undergoing cesarean section were randomly assigned to three groups. The first group inhaled peppermint essential oil, the second group inhaled a placebo essential oil and the third group was put on standard anti-nausea medication.
Women rated their nausea after the cesarean section on a six point scale. Women who inhaled peppermint had a significant reduction in nausea compared to the women in other groups.
Further research on this topic is warranted before a conclusion can be made.
For more information about peppermint, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements database.
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