Peppermint Oil for Urinary Retention

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: TriHealth Inc.

Disqualifiers: Asthma, Seizure disorder, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 1 hour

17 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial is testing whether the smell of peppermint oil can help new mothers who are having trouble urinating after childbirth. Researchers hope to see if peppermint oil can help these women urinate on their own and reduce the need for catheters. Peppermint oil has been studied for its effects on nausea, vomiting, and anxiety in various populations, including pregnant women and postoperative patients.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What data supports the effectiveness of peppermint oil vapors for urinary retention?

While there is no direct evidence for peppermint oil vapors treating urinary retention, peppermint oil has shown therapeutic benefits for other urinary issues, such as preventing kidney stones and improving symptoms of overactive bladder. This suggests it might have potential benefits for urinary retention as well. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is peppermint oil safe for use in humans?

Peppermint oil is generally considered safe for use in humans, but high doses of pulegone, a component of peppermint oil, have been shown to cause bladder issues in rats. It's important to use peppermint oil in recommended amounts to avoid potential risks. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

How does the peppermint oil treatment for urinary retention differ from other treatments?

Peppermint oil treatment for urinary retention is unique because it uses peppermint oil vapors, which may have antispasmodic and nephroprotective effects, potentially helping to relax the bladder muscles and improve urine flow. This approach is different from standard treatments that often involve medications or procedures to physically relieve retention. ^{1 2 3 5 8}

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for English-speaking women over 18 who've recently given birth at Bethesda North Mom Baby Unit and are having trouble urinating on their own. They must be able to use the toilet normally, without a bedpan. Women with peppermint allergies, asthma, active herpes lesions, or seizure disorders cannot participate.

Inclusion Criteria

Recently gave birth

Admitted to Bethesda North Mom Baby Unit

English speaking

Exclusion Criteria

You are allergic to peppermint.

I cannot use the toilet and need a bed pan.

I have a seizure disorder.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants are exposed to vapor of peppermint oil or placebo to resolve urinary retention

1 hour

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for resolution of urinary retention and patient satisfaction

1 hour

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Mineral Oil
• Peppermint oil vapors

Trial Overview The study is testing if inhaling peppermint oil vapors helps postpartum women urinate more easily compared to inhaling mineral oil (placebo). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of these two treatments and monitored for how well they can pee without help and their satisfaction levels.

Participant Groups

Group I: Peppermint Oil Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Subjects will be exposed to vapor of peppermint oil

Group II: Placebo Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Subjects will be exposed to vapor of placebo (mineral oil)

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

TriHealth Inc.

Lead Sponsor

Trials

103

Recruited

54,100+

References

1. Pakistan pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Prophylactic and curative potential of peppermint oil against calcium oxalate kidney stones. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mode of action of pulegone on the urinary bladder of F344 rats. [2022]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Delayed release peppermint oil capsules (Colpermin) for the spastic colon syndrome: a pharmacokinetic study. [2021]

4. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pumpkin Seed Oil Extracted From Cucurbita maxima Improves Urinary Disorder in Human Overactive Bladder. [2022]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Randomized controlled trial for Salvia sclarea or Lavandula angustifolia: differential effects on blood pressure in female patients with urinary incontinence undergoing urodynamic examination. [2022]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pharmacological Evaluation of Mentha piperita Against Urolithiasis: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study. [2022]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Essential oil terpenes: adjunctive role in the management of childhood urolithiasis. [2010]

8. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Impact of Selected Essential Oils Applied to Non-Woven Viscose on Bacteria That Cause Lower Urinary Tract Infections-Preliminary Studies. [2023]