Menthol Crystals Originally known as Japanese Mint, the menthe herb arvensis was exported from Japan to India. Now grown in northern India, this garden herb’s leaves contain 70 percent menthol. White menthol crystals emit a pleasant and powerful aroma of mint. The crystals offer numerous applications that take advantage of the smell of mint.
Contents
Uses
- Menthol crystals can help provide that relief as studies have demonstrated that menthol reduces bronchoconstriction and airway hyper responsiveness.
- Often found in mouthwashes, toothpaste, balms, and a host of other products, menthol is the primary active ingredient in essential oil of peppermint that provides the familiar cooling sensation and minty odor and taste.
- Menthol crystals are produced by rapidly cooling the essential oil of peppermint.
- They are very concentrated and beneficial if added to a lung cleansing formula in small amounts.
Benefits
- Menthol Crystals for Cough and Congestion Support: Lung cleansing products that contain menthol crystals can provide tremendous relief for symptoms of congestion, upper respiratory problems, sore throat and coughs. In fact, most lozenges, cough drops, and respiratory balms will list menthol as the chief ingredient. It’s no surprise, if you’re congested and start inhaling the scent of menthol crystals, you can almost feel the menthol vapors attacking and breaking up lung congestion. The cooling and soothing sensation can be very relieving.
Although many ready-to-use lung cleansing products such as Allertrex® contain menthol crystals, they’re also easy to use in several at-home remedies. Adding menthol crystals to hot water and inhaling the vapors can begin to soothe congestion and irritated nasal or throat passages. Before getting in the shower, try dissolving some menthol crystals in a little water and add a few drops to the shower walls. The steam will release the menthol and provide you with an invigorating shower that provides aroma therapeutic benefits.
- Research Supports the Efficacy of Menthol: An article in Professional Care of Mother and Child noted that menthol can be extremely effective for blocked nasal passages. Furthermore, when used to relieve cough symptoms, menthol, unlike other cough suppressant formulas, does not contain antihistamines, which often result in drowsiness. A separate article in the same publication cited menthol as an effective remedy for nasal congestion.
A study by the Department of Respiratory Medicine at the Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan found that menthol was very beneficial for respiratory symptoms because of its ability to inhibit airway smooth muscle contraction.
Cautions
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The following is a list of possible side-effects that may occur in medicines that contain Menthol Crystal. This is not a comprehensive list. These side-effects are possible, but do not always occur. Some of the side-effects may be rare but serious. Consult your doctor if you observe any of the following side-effects, especially if they do not go away.
- Contact dermatitis
- Spasms of the glottis
- Collapse
- Urticaria
- Flushing
- Headache
Interactions
Unknown, please consult with your doctor.
Other names
Japanese Mint
References
Source: Global Healing Center, https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/menthol-crystals-for-lung-cleansing/
MountainRosaHerbs, https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/menthol-crystals/profile
LeafTV, https://www.leaf.tv/articles/what-are-menthol-crystals/
Tablewise, http://www.tabletwise.com/medicine/menthol-crystal