How to Use Menthol

Menthol is an organic compound that can be extracted from mint plants such as peppermint, or made synthetically. It has a variety of uses and is found in many manufactured products as a perfume, flavoring and even moisturizer. However, menthol also has many medicinal properties and can soothe pain, relieve cold symptoms, aid in digestion and promote oral health.

Instructions

• 1

  Use menthol to soothe sore throats and suppress coughs. There are many commercially available brands of inhalers and cough drops that contain anywhere from 3g to 10g of menthol.

• 2

  Use menthol to maintain oral health and combat gum disease. Menthol is often found in commercial mouth washes. Peppermint oil (which contains high levels of menthol) can be rubbed on swollen gums, mouth ulcers and cavities to soothe discomfort and kill bacteria.

• 3

  Use menthol to treat muscle pain and skin irritation. Menthol has analgesic properties and is often found in mentholated topical creams that can sooth muscle pain. Peppermint oil can also be rubbed directly on the skin to soothe irritation caused by hives, poison oak, poison ivy, or razor burn.

• 4

  Use menthol to aid in digestion and treat bloating, gas, diarrhea or symptoms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Menthol is commonly ingested in enteric-coated capsules (1-2 times daily), or by drinking peppermint tea (4-5 cups daily).