Have you ever wondered how to use menthol crystals? Menthol crystals give a cooling sensation to the skin, relieve pain naturally, and improve the scent and flavor.
Learn 15 ways to use menthol crystals and their benefits to ease nasal congestion and headaches, soothe a sore throat or improve bad breath.
What are menthol crystals?
Menthol crystals are obtained from Mentha arvensis, also known as corn mint, Mild mint, Filed mint, and Japanese mint. The process starts with a distillation of mint leaf that results in peppermint essential oil, which is then cooled to a temperature of -22 degrees Celsius. The process of freezing causes the crystallization, producing menthol crystals.
Menthol crystals look like tiny, transparent, brittle, crystalline crystals at room temperature. At temperatures that are above room temperature, however, they are easy to melt and dissolve in essential oils, water, oil, or alcohol.
When applied to the skin, menthol crystals contribute a cooling sensation and strong aromatic scent. In addition, menthol crystals have a large degree of adaptability, making them easy to incorporate into a broad spectrum of DIY cosmetics, oral hygiene products, skincare, and hair care products helping with many health and skin issues.
History of menthol crystals.
Menthol crystals have been a medicinal ingredient for thousands of years, although the exact origin is unknown. Before discovering mint crystals, ancient Egyptians used a peppermint plant for its healing properties, while the ancient Greeks and Romans used it to treat respiratory illnesses.
In the 17th century, English scientist Thomas Sydenham was the first to isolate menthol. He was using a distillation process to extract essential oils from plants and discovered that menthol had a cooling effect on the skin.
By the 19th century, menthol crystals were widely used in medicines, such as cough syrups and lozenges. In 1885, German scientists discovered that menthol could be synthesized in the laboratory, allowing for further experimentation with its effects on humans.
Since then, researchers have studied menthol’s ability to reduce pain, inflammation, and congestion in the airways due to colds or allergies. It is still widely used in many over-the-counter medications and home remedies to relieve symptoms of colds and other ailments. Many breath fresheners and mouthwashes contain menthol.
Can I use menthol crystals on skin?
Yes, they can. They have cooling and soothing properties that can help relieve mild pain, itching, and redness.
Menthol crystals may absorb excess sebum from oily skin and improve skin protective properties. However, diluting menthol crystals in a carrier oil is crucial before applying them directly to the skin, as they may cause skin irritation if applied undiluted. I made this process when making these menthol shower bombs.
Menthol Crystals have been used in making natural skincare products such as handmade soaps, scrubs, creams, lotions, toothpaste, spritzer sprays, perfumery, etc.
How do menthol crystals help hair growth?
Menthol crystals do not directly help hair growth. However, they can be used as an ingredient in products that may promote hair growth. Add them to topical scalp massage oil or gel that can stimulate circulation to the scalp and help promote healthy hair growth.
Menthol has a balancing effect on the scalp and regulate oil production. It’s also commonly used in products designed explicitly for dandruff or itchy scalps. In addition, menthol has been found to help clear debris from hair follicles, making it a great choice for those looking to promote healthy, strong hair growth.
Menthol crystals can be diluted in oil by adding them to a small, heat-safe container with carrier oil such as almond or coconut oil. Stir the mixture until melted and fully incorporated and allow to cool before using.
They are also soluble in alcohol, making them excellent for use in home fragrances and other DIY projects.
What are the benefits of menthol crystals?
Mint crystals offer a variety of benefits, including:
1. Relief from congestion and respiratory ailments.
In cold and flu medicine, menthol is often used as decongestant agent and expectorant, helping to reduce the symptoms of colds, allergies, and sinus issues.
Often used in aromatherapy, menthol is an excellent non-toxic, and natural solution to replace artificial air fresheners in your home.
2. Soothing pain relief.
Menthol has soothing and cooling properties that can help soothe sore muscles and joints after exercise or injury. It may also provide temporary relief from headaches and toothaches.
3. Clearer skin.
When used in topical products such as lotions or creams, menthol can also clear up acne-prone skin by reducing inflammation caused by bacteria or sebum buildup.
Menthol crystals make a terrific addition to shaving creams due to their ability to reduce irritation, redness, and inflammation typically associated with shaving. Furthermore, because of their refreshing and calming properties, they can be blended with any type of base oil to add a cooling and moisturizing effect. Additionally, it works wonderfully as a lip salve which aids cracked and chapped dry lips.
This cooling impact makes it a beneficial component for post-sun products as it relieves the burning caused by too much exposure to sunlight.
5. Improved sleep quality.
The cooling sensation of menthol may help induce relaxation before bedtime, resulting in improved sleep quality for some people.
6. In hair care.
It has a stimulating effect on the scalp. Menthol works by increasing blood circulation to the area, which helps to increase the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. Used in hair, menthol is able to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. Additionally, menthol can help reduce dandruff, itching, and other scalp irritations contributing to hair loss. You will often find menthol as a common ingredient in hair shampoo and conditioners.
Cooling and refreshing uses of menthol crystals.
1. Inhale the scent of menthol crystals.
Place a few mint crystals in a bowl, take a few deep breathe and enjoy relief from nasal and sinus congestion.
2. Steam inhalation.
Add menthol crystals into a pot of boiling water, and breathe in the steam for immediate relief from congested sinuses or headaches.
Drop 1-2 crystals into a bowl of steaming hot water, then drape a large towel over your head and the bowl. Inhale deeply, menthol opens up their airways and sinuses. Just make sure you close both your eyes as the crystals may irritate your eyes. The combination of menthol crystals and steam soothes irritated and inflamed and relieves sinus congestion for those who suffer from allergies and sinus issues.
3. Make a soothing throat gargle.
Dissolve two tablespoons of menthol crystals in eight ounces of warm water for an effective sore throat gargle that can reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
4. In a shower or bath.
Before taking a bath or shower, arrange around ½ teaspoon of crystals along the tub’s sides. The hot water will cause the crystals to dissolve and give off a stimulating aroma that has beneficial effects on one’s immune system.
5. In aromatherapy.
Add a pinch of mint crystals to a diffuser. YOu can combine it with ten drops of eucalyptus essential oil and ten drops of rosemary essential oil. The stimulating scent of menthol opens their airways and relieves stress and anxiety.
6. Make a bath soak.
Menthol’s anti-itching and soothing properties are best used in a bath soak. Mix them with pink Himalayan salt, Epsom salt, and any essential oils (20 drops), and pour the entire amount into a warm bath. This bath soak is suitable just for adults.
7. Cooling Exfoliating foot scrub removes dead skin from your feet.
Grind one tablespoon of menthol crystals in a mortar and pestle and add them to this foot scrub.
Scoop one tablespoon of this foot scrub and rub it gently around your feet or areas with dry, dull, or flaking skin, avoiding sensitive areas.
8. Make a massage cream to soothe sore muscles.
Make a cooling massage cream to relieve the pain and tired muscles.
To reduce muscle pain, add several drops of peppermint oil to three tablespoons of melted shea butter. Mix in some crushed-up mint crystals until you get a thick paste-like consistency. Apply this mixture onto affected areas for fast relief!
9. Add it to your hair growth oil.
Dilute one teaspoon of mint crystals in 8 tablespoons of hair growth oil and keep it in a sterilized jar. To apply, add a few drops of this oil to your fingertips, massage your scalp, and smooth it down over and throughout the strands. Next, wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner. Apply two times a week.
10. Create a chest rub.
Combine one tablespoon of menthol crystals with one tablespoon of beeswax and two tablespoons of coconut oil in a double boiler. Once melted, remove it from the heat, mix it well and let it set. To apply, scoop a small amount onto the fingertips and massage it onto the chest or the forehead. It makes an effective chest rub that can ease cold symptoms by relieving congestion and muscular aches and pains and provide calming effects when massaged on the skin.
11. Make a cooling lip balm for chapped and dry lips.
A small amount of menthol crystals in a lip balm makes a cooling and tingling sensation to the lips.
12. Use as an insect repellent.
Mix one part menthol crystals with six parts vegetable glycerin to create an effective insect-repellent spray you can use on your skin or clothing when outside during the summer months.
13. Add to homemade candles.
Known for its cooling effect, menthol crystals add a pleasant aroma to your homemade candles while providing cooling benefits.
14. Improve bad breath.
Mix equal parts menthol crystals with baking soda to make a mouthwash that can help improve bad breath due to its antiseptic properties that help kill bacteria that cause odors in the mouth!
15. Facial cleanser.
Create a facial cleanser by mixing equal parts honey, raw apple cider vinegar, aloe vera gel, and crushed-up menthol crystals – this combination helps remove toxins from the skin while providing a cooling and cleansing effect.
Can I use menthol crystals in soap?
Adding menthol crystals to soap recipes adds anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties to your handmade soap. It is beneficial for acne-prone skin. Dissolving the crystals in the soaping oils is essential to reduce skin irritations. Menthol dissolves readily into alcohol or oils. Add 1-2% at their melting point of 42ºC. This amount is sufficient to give your soap a light, refreshing, and cooling scent.
Caution: Menthol is volatile, flammable, and can cause skin irritation if not diluted appropriately. Just a few crystals are sufficient to create very powerful effects.
Side effects of menthol crystals
Menthol Crystals are for external use only. Mint crystals can cause skin irritation and burning when used in high concentrations. If ingested, they can also cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Prolonged exposure to menthol crystals can also lead to respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
Therefore, menthol crystals should not be used by people with asthma or other respiratory conditions without consulting a doctor first.
In addition, Pregnant and nursing women should not take Menthol Crystals without consulting a doctor. It may affect certain hormonal secretions and its potential effects on babies at these stages of growth are unclear.
