Menthol is a famous organic compound extracted mainly from the oil of Mentha, a plant in the Mint family. It can be synthesized and used in many products as a scent or herb.
In addition, menthol is famous for its remedial property and cooling effect. Moreover, it is prominent in toothpaste, cough drops, cold remedies, lip balms, body balms, and mouthwashes. It is also used to treat bacteria or plaque in the mouth, cough, sore throat, and minor pains and aches.
Thus, it is clear that menthol oil offers a large number of benefits and helps in getting rid of many health issues. To help people lead a healthy lifestyle, Zandu launched an ayurvedic range of products under the tag name Zandu Care. There are a large number of products which are made to handle different types of issues of health with these products.
Now it is clear what menthol is, and let's find out more about this.
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List of Menthol Benefits
Skincare
Mint is used in all medicines to cure skin-related issues like scars and acne while offering a cooling effect to the skin. Its leaves have powerful antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat acne, thus lowering the rash and redness linked with acne outbursts.
Peppermint leaves contain a weighty amount of salicylic acid and vitamin A, which are beneficial for controlling sebum production and treating acne.
Mint leaf extract is useful for curing and stopping acne. Its menthol and natural antioxidants make mint leaves a great cleanser, toner, astringent, and moisturiser. Mint leaves also have many benefits, including toning, softening, and soothing dry skin.
Migraine or Headache relief
People face migraines or tension headaches for different reasons and often use a drug like acetaminophen to ease the pain. But peppermint oil extract may help to reduce the pain linked with tension-type headaches.
In a controlled human study, the researchers found no notable differences in points between acetaminophen and 10% peppermint oil in ethanol. In simple words, peppermint oil is great for curing some types of headaches or migraines.
Many factors behind migraines or headaches include dehydration, health lack, regular disease, and chemical exposure. However, menthol helps reduce acuity and adverse effects. Therefore, menthol also works for different headaches and conditions.
Reduces Muscle and Joint Pain
If you are seeking peppermint oil that is good for pain, then the answer is a total yes. Peppermint oil is a very helpful natural painkiller and muscle relaxant.
Peppermint oil has tonic, cooling, and relaxing properties. It is generally helpful in treating certain types of headaches.
According to a study, peppermint oil applied topically has pain break aids linked with fibromyalgia and myofascial pain settings. Among other herbal trials, peppermint oil, eucalyptus, capsaicin, and other oils may be helpful for headaches due to their topical analgesic effects.
To fully enjoy menthol's pain relief benefits, you can apply 2 to 3 drops topically to the part of the concern about three times daily. Additionally, you may wish to try adding five drops to a warm bath with Epsom salt or making your muscles rub. Mixing peppermint with lavender oil can ease muscle pain and relax your body.
Promotes Respiratory Health
Regular peppermint leaf intake is highly recommended for asthmatic patients as it is a good relaxant and stops chest pain. The potential of peppermint leaves is that they have anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it is also famous for stopping congestion of the throat, lungs, and bronchi and preventing respiratory problems like colds and asthma. Furthermore, menthol leaves' cooling properties help calm an irritating nose and throat and painful coughing and throat.
Allergies and Rhinitis are quite common among most people. This is another menthol health benefit as it helps stop the release of an irritating chemical, which deepens nasal signs caused by seasonal allergies or fever. Overdoing this may irritate the throat and nasal paths, so be careful not to overdo it.
Helps in reducing weight
Many people get confused about whether menthol is good for health. However, most people use it as a natural sweetener because it has low calories and lacks sugar. Menthol has a unique sweet and minty taste, making it a great add-on to smoothies, teas, or food dishes.
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Peppermint oil contains menthol, which can also help reduce hunger and intragastric pressure, making dieting and weight loss possible. It is a good idea to consult a dietitian to discuss weight loss programs, but peppermint leaves can also assist you with some dieting agendas.
Generally, people always begin with dieting and exercising. For some people who wish to lose weight, food control and binging can impact their success. Peppermint leaves may also help them reduce appetite. These products don't contain calories or fillers, such as sugar, so people who want something sweet can enjoy it without feeling guilty.
An anticancer agent with potential
Even though more studies are needed in this area, some lab studies have shown that peppermint may be an effective anticancer agent when combined with other drugs. (4) One such study shows that menthol inhibits the growth of prostate cancer by inducing the death of cells and regulating their function.
Ease Menstrual Pains
Components found in peppermint will help reduce "menstrual pain'' power and negative impact. Some women suffer from dysmenorrhea, which is marked by severe menstrual cramps. Due to its anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing properties, peppermint can help in easing painful cramps, according to a study. After taking peppermint extract, the study concluded that the pain, severity, and clinical signs and symptoms decreased.
Further testing is still necessary to determine whether peppermint can be used as a substitute for anti-inflammatory medications.
In addition, peppermint has very few side effects and may be an effective natural remedy for menstrual cramps.
Increases Energy
With menthol use, you can get the job done if you wish to feel more energetic during the day. A study shows peppermint oil can help fight and improve exercise performance.
Moreover, menthol helps relax bronchial smooth muscles, increases ventilation and oxygen concentration in the brain, and reduces blood lactate levels, providing an energy boost.
Aids In Dental Care
One of the other great health benefits of menthol is its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Hence, it works against plaque formation, cleanses the teeth, keeps healthy gums, and helps eliminate bad smells. These uses make it a helpful and important ingredient in manufacturing mouthwash and toothpaste. Moreover, it can also offer relief from inflammation and toothache caused by gingivitis.
Although this benefit can temporarily ease certain signs, it should not replace seeking professional help when necessary. It is mainly for maintaining good dental hygiene.
Rids Stress And Fear
The aroma of peppermint oil promotes relaxation, eliminates stress, and improves memory retention. It induces a state of alertness and helps clarify a person's thinking process. Furthermore, this oil is claimed to enhance an individual's athletic ability, improve cognitive functions, and significantly increase pain thresholds. It even works to eliminate anxiety or fear-based stress from the body.
Improve Focus and Concentration
Peppermint will help you gain more focus and attention and improve energy levels. According to one study, peppermint oil extract can improve energy levels. Another study proves peppermint may have many helpful mental effects.
It is found that peppermint essential oil can influence both subjective and objective measures of human behaviour and cognitive function. The effect of peppermint leaves may be similar, although this study focused on essential oils.
Peppermint's refreshing properties can help us overcome midday fatigue. Despite needing more testing, peppermint has been found to increase concentration later in the day in many people.
Possible Side Effects of Menthol
Here are the possible side effects of menthol:
Skin Irritation at the Application Site
Menthol creams, gels, and oils applied topically to the skin can cause some users redness, mild itching, or irritation. These effects are generally minor, but if they worsen or persist beyond 3-4 days of stopping menthol usage, medical guidance is advised.
Blistering, Swelling and Increased Pain Locally
In rare cases, a few individuals may develop fluid-filled blisters, swelling, or sudden increased pain at the area of usage, indicating a possible allergy. These warrant prompt medical attention to assess the causes and prevent the progression of localised damaging effects.
Facial or Body Rashes
In highly sensitive people, the generalised spread of itchy red patches or hives on skin away from the application site may occur, signifying wider allergic reactions to menthol or added product ingredients. Antihistamines or immune-modulating drugs may be needed for treatment in such cases.
Breathing Difficulties
Inhaling menthol can irritate airways in some people with underlying asthma or respiratory conditions, causing wheezing, dry cough or shortness of breath immediately after use. Seeking emergency care is vital for severe reactions compromising normal breathing.
Rapid Swelling of Mouth, Throat or Tongue
Though rare, rapid swelling inside the mouth or throat soon after oral menthol lozenges or toothpaste intake can indicate life-threatening anaphylaxis. Other accompanying symptoms may include dizziness, flushed skin, or fainting. Urgent medical care is crucial to stabilise breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Facts About Menthol
- Menthol is a waxy, crystalline organic compound derived from mint oils or prepared synthetically.
- It has a refreshing minty aroma and cooling properties on the skin.
- Menthol causes a cold, burning sensation when applied topically by activating cold-sensitive TRPM8 receptors.
- It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties that relieve pain, itching and irritation.
- Menthol has been used in traditional medicine to treat digestive issues, nausea, sore throats, and oral problems.
- It is widely used in topical pain relief balms, creams, sports rubs, and as a food flavouring agent.
- Menthol is a common ingredient in cough and cold remedies for its decongestant effects and soothing vapour action.
- It demonstrates antibacterial and antifungal abilities against certain microbes, aiding the treatment of infections.
- Inhaling menthol promotes easier breathing by relaxing airway muscles.
- Despite its benefits, it can cause irritation, swelling, and allergies in some people.
Clinical Studies on Menthol
1. Topical Menthol for Pain Relief: In a clinical study, topical menthol and placebo were applied to the hand, wrist, and forearm of slaughterhouse workers suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and general elbow and forearm pain. The application, conducted by a blinded research assistant, used 2.5 mL per 500 cm² with light strokes without force. The treatment was administered at the end of the lunch break, allowing for a 3-hour testing period. Pain intensity was recorded at 1, 2, and 3 hours post-application, and participants were asked about any adverse events during each assessment, ensuring comprehensive pain evaluation.
2. Topical Menthol for Chronic Pain: Clinical studies show that topical menthol gel reduces chronic pain from carpal tunnel syndrome by 31% (1.3 points on a 0-10 VAS scale), achieving a moderate effect size (Cohen’s d ≥ 0.50). A 1-point change on this scale is considered a minimal clinically significant change in chronic pain, highlighting the potential of menthol as an effective pain relief option. Compared to placebo, menthol reduced pain and improved patient-reported outcomes (GROC) for hand/wrist pain. This suggests that topical menthol may be a viable alternative to oral painkillers, offering pain relief without high systemic side effects.
Menthol Uses
Menthol oil has many uses, and you can use it anytime. It is mostly used for dental treatments, sore throats, itching, bad smells, and many more. Secondly, it is commonly used in hair treatments as it helps reduce hair loss and improve hair growth.
Moreover, if you wish to get rid of a large number of problems, such as joint pain, migraines, respiratory issues, and other body pain, this menthol oil is very helpful. If you are looking for ayurvedic products, then consult Zandu care experts to learn more.
What Are Menthol Ayurvedic Products?
One of the products made from menthol is menthol crystals. There are many benefits of using menthol crystals for our health. It improves the overall quality of our lives by reducing diseases like nausea and hair loss. In addition, it also acts as a home freshener and natural pesticide, helping in getting rid of razor burn, sore throat, and more.
The Bottom Line
This blog mentions the benefits of menthol and its ayurvedic products. You can try out Menthol oil if you are suffering from any issues. This oil will help you eliminate some other problems you have never noticed. Then what are you waiting for?
Try this menthol oil and prepare to live a healthy life without worries.
FAQs
1. What is menthol, and where does it come from?
Menthol is a natural organic compound primarily extracted from the oil of Mentha, a plant in the mint family. It is known for its cooling effect and remedial properties. Menthol can also be synthesized and is commonly used in various products like toothpaste, cough drops, and lip balms for its soothing effects.
2. What are the main benefits of menthol for skin care?
Menthol has powerful antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that effectively treat skin-related issues like acne and scars. It helps reduce redness and rash associated with acne outbreaks, and its natural antioxidants make it an excellent cleanser, toner, astringent, and moisturiser, promoting soft, toned, and soothed skin.
3. Can menthol help with headaches or migraines?
Yes, menthol, particularly peppermint oil, can help relieve tension headaches and migraines. Studies have shown that the topical application of peppermint oil may be as effective as some over-the-counter painkillers for reducing headache symptoms due to its cooling and relaxing properties.
4. How does menthol help with muscle and joint pain?
Menthol has cooling, tonic, and muscle-relaxing properties, making it an effective natural painkiller. Applying peppermint oil topically can help alleviate muscle pain and discomfort associated with fibromyalgia and myofascial pain. For maximum relief, apply a few drops directly to the affected area or add it to a warm bath.
5. Is menthol good for respiratory health?
Yes, menthol promotes respiratory health by acting as a relaxant and helping to clear congestion in the throat, lungs, and bronchi. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with asthma or colds, as it helps soothe nasal passages, reduces inflammation, and prevents respiratory problems.
6. Does menthol aid in weight loss?
Menthol can aid in weight management by acting as a natural sweetener with low calories and no sugar. Peppermint oil, which contains menthol, may help suppress appetite and reduce intragastric pressure, making it easier for those on dieting programs to control their food intake and reduce cravings.
7. Can menthol be used as an anticancer agent?
Preliminary lab studies suggest that menthol may have anticancer properties, particularly in inhibiting the growth of prostate cancer cells by inducing cell death and regulating cell function. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and explore menthol’s potential as an anticancer agent.
References:
- Mint is used in all medicines to cure skin-related issues like scars and acne while offering a cooling effect to the skin. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)
- Peppermint oil extract may help to reduce the pain linked with tension-type headaches.(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)
- Promotes Respiratory Health. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)
- Even though more studies are needed in this area, some lab studies have shown that peppermint may be an effective anticancer agent when combined with other drugs. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)
