How to Treat Nausea Naturally: Peppermint

Written By Lotte May
Founder of Comfort Crate & Cancer Advocate

Peppermint has long been a staple in traditional medicine, but for those undergoing cancer treatment, it is a powerful ally against chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). This post explores the science behind why peppermint works and provides practical, gentle ways to incorporate it into your daily routine during treatment.

The Science: How Peppermint Calms the Stomach

The primary active ingredient in peppermint is menthol. Menthol acts as a natural calcium channel blocker in the smooth muscles of the digestive tract. By blocking calcium, it prevents the over-contraction and cramping of the stomach lining that often triggers the sensation of nausea. This antispasmodic effect allows the stomach to relax, enabling bile to break down food more efficiently and helping the digestive system move more smoothly.

3 Effective Ways to Use Peppermint for Nausea

1. Peppermint Tea: The Soothing Ritual
Peppermint tea is one of the gentlest ways to settle a queasy stomach. The warmth of the water combined with the menthol vapours can provide immediate relief.

• Tip: If you find the taste too sharp, add a squeeze of lemon and a teaspoon of honey to help coat the throat and sweeten the brew.

2. High-Concentration Mint Sweets
When you are on the go or in the treatment chair, keeping mint sweets nearby can be a lifesaver. Look for varieties that contain real peppermint oil rather than just artificial flavouring. Sucking on a mint helps stimulate saliva production, which can also help combat "chemo mouth" (the metallic taste often associated with treatment).

3. Peppermint Essential Oils (Aromatherapy)
Aromatherapy is an excellent non-invasive way to manage nausea. You can use a diffuser, but there are other direct methods to try:

• Cold Compress: Add 2-3 drops of peppermint oil to a cool, damp cloth and place it across your forehead or the back of your neck.
• Bath Soak: Add 5-10 drops to a warm bath to help relax the whole body and ease fatigue.

Safety Note: Always use a carrier oil (like coconut or almond oil) before applying essential oils to the skin, and always perform a patch test first, as chemo can make skin more sensitive.

The Complete Support Solution: Managing nausea is just one piece of the puzzle when navigating treatment. Our Ultimate Chemo Kit is designed to be your all-in-one companion. It includes The Ultimate Guide to Managing Chemo Side Effects with a dedicated chapter on Natural Nausea Remedies, plus peppermint-infused essentials, ginger treats, and acupressure tools to help you tackle treatment days with more comfort and less anxiety.

Further Reading and Natural Support:

• Comfort Crate: Pressure Points for Nausea
  Learn how to find the Nei-Kuan point on your wrist to help suppress nausea manually.
• Comfort Crate: The Power of Ginger
  Explore how ginger works alongside peppermint as one of the best natural nausea remedies.
• Cancer Research UK: Alternative Therapies for Sickness
  Evidence-based information on using herbal remedies and aromatherapy alongside clinical anti-emetics.

About the Author: Lotte May is a stage 4B Hodgkin Lymphoma survivor and founder of Comfort Crate. She uses her background to research to provide patients with practical evidence-based tools for side effect management. Read more about her mission.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for support and guidance only. It does not replace the advice of your medical team.