If you’ve ever felt short of breath during hard training, you’ve probably wondered:
“Do I need an inhaler… or is there a natural alternative?”
They’re often mentioned together but peppermint oil and inhalers do VERY different things.
What Inhalers Are Designed For
Inhalers are medical treatments, primarily for people with conditions like asthma or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.
They work by:
-
Relaxing airway muscles
-
Physically widening the airways
-
Reducing airway resistance
If you have a diagnosed respiratory condition, inhalers are essential and shouldn’t be replaced.
Why Athletes Without Asthma Still Struggle to Breathe
Many athletes don’t have asthma but still feel:
-
Tight or restricted breathing
-
“Air hunger” during intense efforts
-
Gassed before muscles fail
This often comes down to how breathing feels, not a true blockage of the lungs.
That’s where peppermint oil comes in.
What Peppermint Oil Actually Does
Peppermint oil contains menthol, which activates cold-sensing receptors in the airways.
This:
-
Creates a cooling sensation
-
Increases the perception of airflow
-
Makes breathing feel clearer and easier
👉 Key point: Peppermint oil doesn’t open the lungs like an inhaler, it changes the sensation of breathing and how hard it feels.
The Real Difference
Inhalers
-
Medical treatment
-
Physically widen airways
-
Designed for diagnosed conditions
Peppermint Oil
-
Natural, non-drug compound
-
Improves perceived airflow
-
Can reduce perceived exertion (RPE) during exercise
They operate in completely different lanes.
Why Athletes Use Peppermint Oil
Athletes often choose peppermint oil because:
-
They don’t have asthma
-
They want a non-stimulant option
-
They feel breathing limits performance before muscles do
-
They want training to feel easier
Studies have shown peppermint supplementation can improve:
-
Breathing comfort
-
Perceived effort
-
Time to exhaustion
Sometimes, that’s enough to unlock better performance.
Final Takeaway
Peppermint oil isn’t an inhaler and it’s certainly not trying to be.
-
Inhalers treat medical airway issues
-
Peppermint oil optimises the breathing experience
For many athletes, improving how breathing feels is the difference between holding pace… or fading early.