Menthol is an alcohol derived from mint. It serves as an antiseptic and as a medicinal substance for itching and irritation. It has refreshing benefits and properties and is widely used in the food industry as well as in products with medicinal uses.
Contents
What menthol is used for
It comes from the Mentha Arvensis plant, from which its essences and active principles are extracted.
It is widely used in both products for human consumption, processed foods, chewing gum, and candies, as well as in cosmetics for health care.
It is included as an ingredient in toothpaste, mouthwashes or mouth rinses, and skin creams. In general, menthol is used for:
- Manufacturing toothpaste.
- Chewing gum.
- Candies.
- Mint oil.
- For drops to relieve nasal congestion.
- Creating creams to relieve skin itching.
- For mouthwashes.
- For the production of intimate gels.
- Treating mild or moderate pain.
- Eliminating itching.
- For acne.
Because menthol has refreshing properties, it works as a substance that relaxes and eliminates pain and congestion when ingested or applied to the skin. It can provide good sensations when you feel dry mouth or bad breath and is even used as part of medicines for photodermatosis or sun allergy. It also has more qualities that we will detail below.
Properties
- Refreshing.
- Analgesic.
- Antipruritic or for relieving skin itching.
- To treat cold sores.
- Eliminate infections such as vaginal, oral, etc.
Its formula and activity stimulate cold receptors in the human body. It inhibits the Ca++ current of neural membranes, and this produces the sensation of coolness in the mouth when chewing mint gum or when applying a menthol cream to the skin.
In addition, due to this blocker or inhibitor effect on neurological channels, it has an analgesic property that calms mild pain.
Its effects also make it a good ally in treating the symptoms of cold sores. Because it eliminates itching, it is present in creams similar to Acyclovir and other antiviral medications. A similar effect occurs with products for intimate hygiene care. Vaginal infections often cause itching and stinging. Products containing menthol provide comfort while eliminating pathogens.
Chemical formula and characteristics
- Menthol formula:
- Molar mass: 156.27 g/mol.
- Density: 890 kg/m³.
- Boiling point: 212 °C.
- Melting point: 31 °C.
It is referred to by IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) as (1R,2S,5R)-2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol.
There are various types of menthol, so let’s look at them in detail.
Types of menthol
- Chinese menthol.
- Davis.
- Crystallized or crystalline.
- Cream.
- Ointment or balm.
All of them come from mint, and depending on the brand, they contain varying amounts of menthol. Each one is intended for specific uses and may also contain other active principles that aid in treating symptoms such as cold, dryness in the airways, or skin itching and burning. Let’s explore each of them.
Chinese menthol
It is an ointment or balm originating from China, although it is now manufactured in different parts of the world.
The “Chinese” menthol is often identified with tiger balm. Under this name, it is used to delay ejaculation, although this effect or characteristic has not been proven to work.
But what Chinese menthol is used for is to reduce pain and inflammation in bruises, sprains, and to relieve muscle cramps. It also works as a balm for insect bites. With its refreshing effect, it reduces pain and provides a sense of well-being to the affected area.
It can also be used as a decongestant, similar to the uses of Vicks VapoRub, and in conjunction with certain properties of camphor.
Davis menthol
This is indicated for the treatment of the respiratory tract, as a nasal decongestant. Davis menthol is used for:
- Decongesting the nose.
- Relieving pain.
- Healing small wounds.
- Eliminating skin itching.
- Promoting hydration of dry and cracked lips.
In fact, this type is a brand from a laboratory. The so-called “Davis menthol” is produced in the United States and possesses the properties and benefits of original menthol as its composition contains it.
Crystallized or crystal form menthol
This compound comes from the oil of the Mentha Arvensis plant, traditionally known as mint. It has a transparent, solid, and hard crystalline form. Its melting point is 31 °C.
Like other menthols, it is refreshing, produces coolness, and relieves itching.
Crystallized menthol can be used both topically and orally, meaning it serves to treat skin problems as well as some gastrointestinal issues, nasal congestion, pain, and inflammation.
The most common way to use it is to dissolve menthol in alcohol. The concentration should be between 2% and 5%.
In reality, it is the same type, just that depending on its formula, it may appear in a solid or liquid state.
Menthol in cream, ointment, or balm form
It is generally referred to in all these ways. There are some differences in its formulation, as a more liquid or thicker form favors its application on the chest, under the nose, or as a body cream.
The use of almost all of them is the same, although you should always check its composition to avoid possible side effects and contraindications.
Uses in cosmetics
This section is very interesting because menthol is included in a wide range of cosmetic products and skin care products for both men and women.
Menthol, with its isolated chemical structure or in mint form, is a key ingredient in many creams that refresh and soothe the skin. Specifically, a men’s cream that contains it is Loreal Men Expert or the after-sun cream for post-sun use.
Also, mint extract or the essence of Mentha Arvensis is included, along with a well-known medicinal plant for its soothing properties, such as calendula oil for the face. While it refreshes and minimizes discomfort in the skin, it also promotes healing and recovery of the dermal tissue.
Side effects of menthol
Most people do not have any adverse reactions when using it, but some individuals may be sensitive to it. The side effects of menthol when applied to the skin include dermatitis or irritation, typically when in direct contact with the Mentha Arvensis plant.
As for its adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract, they are caused by an increase in gastric juices. Its active principles boost secretion, and if consumed for an extended period, it can lead to gastritis. In this case, you should stop using it. It is important not to ingest pure menthol. It is very toxic and can lead to death. Take special care with peppermint essential oil. Always dilute it for consumption since its concentration is very high, and the body cannot absorb it normally.
Contraindications
- Direct contact with mucous membranes.
- Children under 3 years old.
- Skin infections.
- Inflammation.
- Open wounds.
- Treatment with rubefacient drugs.
- Avoid simultaneous use with analgesic creams.
Always avoid direct contact with mucous membranes as it is highly irritating.
Young children under 3 years old are advised against using it as it is dangerous for their health.
If you wish to apply it to the skin, always ensure that there is no open wound or infected skin tissue. The contraindications for menthol in this regard are clear. It should not be used on inflammatory dermatosis, inflamed areas, or areas with viral, bacterial, or fungal infections.
Uses of menthol during pregnancy
If you are pregnant, you should only use it topically. This method is safe and compatible with pregnancy, although you should always exercise caution and apply it to the skin for the shortest time possible.
Currently, there are no studies on pregnancy and menthol, so the recommendation is always to be careful. After giving birth, the same applies. Menthol during breastfeeding can be applied topically, but the less time it is used, the better.
Where to buy it?
It is relatively easy to obtain. Menthol is available for purchase in many stores, including pharmacies, herb shops, and supermarkets. However, in supermarkets, the quality is usually lower, and as a result, its effects are less pronounced.
I suffered a strong contusion on my ankle, with a scrape, break, and huge swelling. Obviously painful, which forced me to take anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics, and ointments. The important thing is that I found a Chinese menthol that I had from some time ago; I started using it, and “surprise,” it relieves, relaxes, and apparently is reducing the swelling.
The truth is, for small pains from bumps, contusions, etc., menthol works very well. Thank you very much for your experience, Iván.
I had been coughing for several days, and at times during the day, I had a sore throat and some difficulty breathing. I was treated with antibiotics and other medications that did help alleviate the discomfort, but not completely. Yesterday I started using a product that includes menthol, applying it as a cream to my chest – the well-known Vick. Additionally, my boyfriend made me some honey and menthol candies – he’s very creative and knows a bit about these products. I tried them and felt much better… I can breathe well.
I grew up watching my grandmothers and mother use David menthol and Vick Vaporub… even my nieces use it! It’s really good. I recommend it.
I personally, in the case of itching or coughing, eat a little bit, and goodbye discomfort. It also works for dryness on the feet and elbows and acne!
Does it help with hemorrhoids?
It’s better to buy a specific cream, as it will contain anti-inflammatory substances and others for itching, among which there’s probably a small amount of menthol.
I have dark spots on my face from acne. If I start using David menthol, will I see any results? Will it help improve it?
For acne marks, it’s better to use a cream with glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or a depigmenting agent. They will be much more effective.