Menthol oil (Mentha arvensis)
Synopsis of menthol oil
Menthol oil—more accurately referred to as peppermint oil rich in menthol—is a volatile essential oil extracted primarily from the peppermint plant (Mentha × piperita), a hybrid of spearmint and watermint. Menthol is the chief active compound in this oil, responsible for its cooling sensation, distinct minty aroma, and a wide range of therapeutic effects.
Menthol is classified as a monoterpene alcohol and is most concentrated in high-quality peppermint essential oil. It acts on TRPM8 receptors in the skin and mucous membranes, triggering a cooling effect without lowering actual temperature. This makes menthol highly effective as a topical analgesic, decongestant, antipruritic (anti-itch), and counterirritant.
Medicinally, menthol oil is widely used for the relief of headaches, muscle aches, sinus congestion, sore throat, and digestive discomfort. When applied topically, it produces a mild numbing effect and increases local blood flow, making it useful for muscle pain, joint inflammation, and tension headaches (often applied to the temples or neck). It is also a common ingredient in cough drops, vapor rubs, chest balms, nasal sprays, and oral rinses.
Internally, in diluted or encapsulated forms, peppermint oil has been studied for its efficacy in treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia. Menthol helps relax smooth muscle in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing spasms and discomfort.
In aromatherapy, menthol-rich oils are used to stimulate alertness, relieve nausea, reduce stress, and open airways. It is also valued in oral care products for its antiseptic and breath-freshening qualities.
Historical Use
The use of menthol-containing plants dates back thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used mint plants for digestive relief, flavoring, and ritual purposes. In ancient Greece, Hippocrates and Galen noted the soothing effects of mint on the stomach and its role in stimulating appetite.
However, pure menthol was not isolated until the 18th century in Japan, where it was extracted and crystallized from peppermint oil. It quickly gained popularity in both Eastern and Western medicine for treating respiratory and muscular ailments, owing to its pleasant scent and soothing, cooling effects.
In Ayurveda, mint was used to pacify Pitta dosha, alleviate headaches, and cool the body. Similarly, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) employed mint (bo he) to disperse wind-heat, relieve fevers, sore throat, eye redness, and headaches—effects largely attributable to menthol.
Menthol-containing oil preparations became widespread in the 19th and 20th centuries as over-the-counter remedies for cough, colds, pain, and skin irritations, especially in the form of liniments, balms, and inhalants.
Today, menthol oil continues to be one of the most widely used essential oils in both mainstream and alternative medicine. Its cooling, analgesic, and decongestant properties make it a staple in home remedies and therapeutic products for a broad range of common ailments.
Menthol oil is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Scientific)
Acid Indigestion (Traditional)
Allergies (respiratory) (Traditional)
Anxiety (Traditional)
Arthritis (Scientific)
Asthma (Traditional)
Athlete's Foot (Scientific)
Backache (Scientific)
Bites and Stings (Traditional)
Blisters (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Canker Sores (Traditional)
Chest Pain (Traditional)
Colds (decongestant) (Scientific)
Colds (general) (Scientific)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Congestion (Scientific)
Congestion (bronchial) (Scientific)
Congestion (lungs) (Scientific)
Congestion (sinus) (Scientific)
Cough (dry) (Scientific)
Cough (general) (Scientific)
Cuts (Traditional)
Dandruff (Scientific)
Dermatitis (Scientific)
Eczema (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Fungal Infections (Scientific)
Gas and Bloating (Scientific)
Gingivitis (Scientific)
Headache (general) (Scientific)
Headache (sinus) (Scientific)
Headache (tension) (Scientific)
Herpes (Traditional)
Hot Flashes (Traditional)
menthol oil is used to support these body systems
Bronchials (Scientific)
Digestive System (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Gums (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Lungs (Scientific)
Mucus Membranes (Scientific)
Muscles (Scientific)
Nerves (Scientific)
Respiratory System (Scientific)
Sinuses (Scientific)
Skin (Traditional)
Stomach (Scientific)
Teeth (Traditional)
Products containing menthol oil
Nature's Sunshine Tei-Fu Essential Oils
Nature's Sunshine Tei-Fu® Soothing Blend
