Myth-buster
Menthol ingestion showed a trend toward better endurance in a network meta-analysis — but failed to reduce core temperature, heart rate, or objective heat strain.
This analysis suggests menthol might offer a small perceptual edge in hot conditions, but it doesn't actually cool you down or lower physiological strain, so the practical benefit is uncertain and likely minor.
A network meta-analysis of different menthol administration routes found that swallowing menthol (ingestion) had a 76.1% probability of being the best option for endurance performance, but this was only a statistical trend, not a confirmed effect. Meanwhile, mouth rinsing showed a possible boost in mean power output, yet none of the routes significantly reduced core temperature, heart rate, or other measures of heat strain. The study highlights that any performance improvement is likely psychological rather than physiological, and the overall evidence remains too limited to recommend menthol as a reliable endurance aid.
Where this fits in the evidence
This is among the first studies we've indexed on Peppermint for Improved Endurance — treat it as an early signal until more research accumulates.
The study
- Systematic Review
- 2026-05-18
- Frontiers in nutrition
This is a plain-language summary of a research finding, not medical advice. Pillser surfaces research signals to help you decide what's worth investigating — always consult a qualified professional before changing what you take.