Peppermint peps up running performance.

In the category of "believe it or not," researchers linked improved performance of physical activities to the odor of peppermint. Forty athletes performed a series of physical tasks under two conditions--without smelling peppermint odor and while smelling peppermint. The peppermint condition resulted in increases in running speed, handgrip strength, and number of push-ups, as compared to the odorless condition, but had no effect on performance of skill-based tasks such as basketball free throws. The performance effect may be linked to the psychological lift the smell of peppermint may provide. Perhaps the invigorating smell lowers ratings of perceived exertion.

It may take some creativity to figure out how to capitalize on the ergogenic effect of peppermint odor. Wear a potpourri around your neck? Pocket a bottle of peppermint oil and uncap and sniff when your energy is flagging? The results of the study may be significant enough to make it worth a try. Certainly this is one ergogenic aid in which there is no possibility of ill effects or doping scandal. It should pass the test of even the most stringent purists.

(Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology 2001, Vol. 23, No. 2, pp. 156)