When we hear the word “menthol”, we often associate it to something that provides a cooling sensation – whether that’s a balm, ointment, toothpaste, or gum. There’s just something about menthol that offers a soothing and refreshing feeling.
But what really is menthol? Where does it come from? Can we make our own DIY products with it? And is it even natural in the first place? In this blog, you’ll learn all about menthol and how to use it in your own homemade, all-natural products.
What Are Menthol Crystals?
Menthol is an organic chemical component of peppermint, cornmint and other mint oils. It provided that strong, minty, cooling aroma and taste specific to these plants. Menthol crystals are formed through cold extraction of these distilled pure mint oils. Natural menthol crystals at room temperature is are a colorless, waxy, crystalline substance. It melts quickly above room temperature, making it easy to be added in mentholated preparations.
Crystals can also be obtained synthetically, which we do not recommend nor use. For this blog, we will only be focusing on natural menthol crystals.
What makes menthol crystals so prominent in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, personal care, and even food products? Well, it is packed with TONS of amazing benefits and uses, not only for cooling!
Menthol Crystals Uses, Benefits, and Recipes
Mentholated Rub, Balm, or Cream
Menthol is widely used in vapor rub products. It can soothe airway pain and irritation and may help suppress coughing according to a source1. Making an all-natural alternative to these commercial chest rubs is way safer (and cheaper) while still reaping the same benefits for easing respiratory symptoms.
Shower or Bath Products
Menthol is such a great product to use in shower or bath products. It makes your regular bath bombs, body washes, etc. more invigorating! It is great for when you want an extra pick-me-up in the morning, or when you’re feeling sick, tired, or have a stuffed nose. Menthol has such a large array of benefits that you’ll just want to add it to every product you make.
Massage Oil, Balm, or Cream
Another very famous use of menthol, which has been practiced since ancient times, is for its soothing properties. It’s cooling affect can help ease overused muscles and joints.
Personal Care Products for Skin and Hair
Menthol provides a cooling and refreshing sensation that feels so good on the skin or scalp. There are also some studies that suggest menthol may be helpful in promoting significant and healthy hair growth3.
Aromatherapy
Just like the famous Peppermint Essential Oil, menthol can be used in aromatherapy. Aside from the fact that it produces a strikingly minty and uplifting aroma, it also has therapeutic benefits like making breathing easier4 and soothing symptoms of colds and coughs.
You can prepare a steam inhalation, shower steamers, and even add some crystals on your diffuser for an instant aromatic experience.
What Are Your Thoughts?
The more I use menthol, the more I fall in love with it and use it in recipes. It helps to keep my family away from store-bought, chemically filled products that use synthetic menthol and other harmful toxins. Are you excited to use menthol in your next DIY? We’d love to hear about it on social media with @fromsimplyearth and in the comments below!
To learn more about how to use essential oils, check out our Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box. When you subscribe, we’ll ship you a monthly supply of four 100% pure essential oils, six natural recipes, and all the quality ingredients you’ll need to make your own wonderful products for just $44.99/month. All of these goodies have over $100 value, plus we’ll give you a FREE Big Bonus Box when you subscribe.
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References:
- American Lung Association. What is Menthol?. 2021 Jun
- J. V. Pergolizzi Jr, R. Taylor Jr, J.-A. LeQuang, R. B. Raffa. The role and mechanism of action of menthol in topical analgesic products. 2018 Mar
- Ahn S, Lee JY, Choi SM, Shin Y, Park S. A Mixture of Tocopherol Acetate and L-Menthol Synergistically Promotes Hair Growth in C57BL/6 Mice. 2020 Dec
- Encyclopedia of Mental Health (Second Edition). Menthol. 2016