#Note/Permanent #Cognition/MentalFatigue/Mitigation #Nutrition/PeppermintOil Peppermint essential oil, derived from Mentha × piperita L., has been shown to effectively combat mental fatigue and improve cognitive performance[^1]. To use peppermint essential oil as a mental fatigue mitigation method, consider the following guidelines: ##### When to use: - Consume peppermint essential oil 1-3 hours before a mentally demanding task or when you need a cognitive boost. ##### How to use: - Ingest a single dose of 50-100 μL (45-90 mg) of peppermint essential oil capsulate orally. - Take the capsules with a glass of water or milk to aid absorption. ##### Effects on mental fatigue: - Improves accuracy and reaction time on cognitively demanding tasks. - Enhances performance on tasks requiring working memory and executive function. - Reduces subjective feelings of mental fatigue, particularly during prolonged cognitive tasks. ##### Duration of effects: - The beneficial effects on cognitive performance and mental fatigue are most prominent 1-3 hours after ingestion. ##### Potential side effects: - Peppermint essential oil is generally well-tolerated when used in recommended doses. However, some people may experience mild digestive discomfort, such as heartburn or nausea. - If you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications, consult your healthcare provider before using peppermint essential oil. The cognitive benefits of peppermint essential oil are attributed to its high content of menthol and menthone, which exhibit cholinesterase inhibitory properties, increasing the availability of acetylcholine in the brain. Additionally, these compounds modulate GABAA and nicotinic receptors, contributing to improved cognitive function and reduced mental fatigue. [^1]: [Volatile Terpenes and Brain Function: Investigation of the Cognitive and Mood Effects of Mentha × Piperita L. Essential Oil with In Vitro Properties Relevant to Central Nervous System Function. Nutrients, 10(8), 1029.](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10081029)