It can be derived from natural sources, such as peppermint and eucalyptus plants, or produced synthetically. It has a range of invigorating and soothing properties that make it a versatile ingredient in health and beauty products.
When applied topically to the skin, ingested, or inhaled, menthol produces a cooling sensation. Menthol does not lower the temperature of the body or skin. Instead, it produces a cooling effect by blocking the calcium current along the nerves responsible for detecting temperature. The message that the individual receives via the nerve endings is that the skin or body is cooling.
Menthol alleviates the hot, painful sensation that overexposure to the sun can trigger and can also found in products that can be applied topically to the forehead to ease the pain associated with headaches, such as cooling patches.
As a result it is used as an ingredient in toiletries and skin care products that are designed to refresh, revitalize, and enliven the skin. Menthol also has pain-relieving properties when applied topically. It is particularly beneficial in alleviating the pain associated with minor musculoskeletal problems, such as arthritis, sprains, or muscle cramps. Menthol can be combined with ibuprofen in pain relieving gels and creams that are designed to be applied topically. Menthol increases the effectiveness of certain topically applied medicines by enlarging the blood vessels in a process known as vasodilation.
This allows the medicines to penetrate deep in to the affected area. Menthol is actually tricking the brain into thinking a cough drop is cold or a muscle salve is cooling your skin. In , scientists proved that menthol has the ability to bind to and open up pores or cold- sensitive nerve receptors, a protein called TRPM8. They believe, by opening up these channels, menthol helps your mouth or skin receive more outside air which is typically quite a bit cooler than the air inside your body or on its surface.
Peppermint typically has a high percentage of menthol, sometimes four times the amount found in spearmint. The less menthol in a mint makes the taste milder and the smell less pungent and more delicate.
In addition to toothpastes, menthol may be found in mouthwash, as well as mint teas and gums. Typically, if you want a strong minty sensation go with peppermint, if you prefer a more subtle experience choose spearmint. As usual, nature is clever and the answers aren't what we might think.
Canada English. United States. The BLOG. The Backstor y. Blood carries in fresh nutrients to repair the area and carries away any toxic waste generated. Healing happens a lot faster because of this. Lastly menthol takes away the bad effects of inflammation. Menthol gives a sensation of cooling by activating TRPM8 without any actual fall in temperature in that area.
This brings down the inflammation in the area. Of course that is why cooling the injury with ice works as well. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By continuing to use our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our cookie policy. Share on Facebook. Share on Twitter. The Brain. Two cool.
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