One study on the effects of Peppermint oil was done by Dr. Bryan Raudenbush - Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia, supported by grants from NSF and NASA. Another study was by Alan Hirsch, M.D., neurologist, psychiatrist and the founder of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago and Human Neuro-Sensory Laboratory in Washington D.C.
Jean Valnet, M.D., studied peppermint's effect on the liver and respiratory systems. Dr. William N. Dember of the University of Cincinnati studied peppermint's ability to improve concentration and mental accuracy.

These Studies and others show that just smelling Peppermint has amazing properties including:
Decrease in Fatigue by 25 % Decrease in Perceived Temporal Workload by 22 % Increase in Vigor by 13 % Decrease in Perceived Frustration by 13 % Decrease in Perceived Effort by 12 % Increase in Perceived Performance by 9 % Decrease in Perceived Physical Workload by 8 % Increase in Strength by 6 % Increase in Number of Push-Ups by 6 % Increase in Speed (400 Meter Run 1.5 Seconds Faster)

OTHER IMPROVEMENTS: Stops bad breath. Inhibits the growth of certain bacteria. Relaxes muscles. Soothes stomach upset, stimulates digestion. Alleviates headaches. Improves energy and mental clarity. Improves accuracy and attention during tedious visual tasks.
KEEP ALERT AT THE WHEEL! Peppermint is associated with decreased anxiety and fatigue while driving.
Peppermint is the most effective natural treatment for IBS - Menthol, the principle ingredient in Peppermint stops muscle spasms including those in the lower gastrointestinal area. It stops the absorption of sugar in the upper intestine which keeps blood sugars lower. This amazing oil stops a series of physiological reactions and allows food to pass properly through the intestine. It reduces abdominal pain and bloating, flatulence, frequency of bathroom trips and even stomach rumbles.

APPETITE SUPRESSANT: NATURAL APPETITE CONTROL - In this and additional studies, they evaluated hunger levels during peppermint inhalation vs. non-inhalation, in addition to actual food consumption and dietary evaluation (e.g., fat intake, caloric intake, vitamin and mineral intake, etc.) over a period of two weeks. Results indicate participants who were exposed to peppermint consumed nearly 3000 fewer total calories from saturated fat, total fat and sugar each week. That’s about 23% less calories based on 1800 calories/day diet for 7 days. Participants also rated their hunger level significantly lower during peppermint inhalation. According to Alan Hirsch, M.D., inhaling aromas can help you loose weight. The most effective aromas for curbing appetite are neutral sweet smells such as peppermint. Dr. Hirsch designed and performed a study (published in 1995*) in which the participants were given inhalers with peppermint. In this study, Dr. Hirsh found that his test subjects who used their inhalers frequently, lost nearly five pounds a month. Inhaling the scents works because, as Dr. Hirsch states: “inhaling odors has a direct effect on the satiety center in the brain, which is the area that tells your body when you’ve had enough to eat.” In a similar study at the Human Neuro-Sensory Laboratory in Washington, D.C., the subjects were asked to inhale assigned scents (peppermint, banana, and green apple) three times for 5 minutes before eating. At the end of a six month trial, the participants lost an average of 19 pounds.