Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Menthol is a naturally occurring compound found in mint plants and is widely used in over-the-counter remedies for respiratory issues. Scientifically, menthol acts as a mild local anesthetic and provides a cooling sensation by activating cold-sensitive TRPM8 receptors in the respiratory tract. This sensation can subjectively ease breathing and soothe the throat, which is why menthol is often found in cough drops, lozenges, and topical chest rubs. Some studies have shown that inhalation of menthol vapor may lead to a perception of improved airflow, though objective measures of lung function (such as spirometry) typically do not show significant improvements. As a result, menthol is not considered a bronchodilator or a treatment for underlying lung disease, but it is scientifically validated for its ability to reduce the sensation of throat irritation and cough.

Major medical guidelines recognize menthol as a symptomatic treatment for cough and minor throat irritation, but not as a therapy for more serious lung conditions like asthma or COPD. The evidence for menthol’s use in lung support is thus moderate: it is effective for symptom relief, but not for actual improvement of lung function. Therefore, menthol's use for the lung system is primarily justified by scientific understanding of its sensory effects, though its benefits are limited to symptom management rather than disease modification.

More about Menthol
More about Lungs

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peppermint oil
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Armillaria mellea
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Adenophora
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Allium tuberosum
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
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Apocynin
Astragalin
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Bryonia
Bai Ji
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black spruce
Balsam
Brassica
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Belleric myrobalan
Baccharis dracunculifolia
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Boswellia
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Bletilla
Butterbur
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Black Nightshade
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Belamcanda
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Borneol
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Cortisol
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Centipeda
Cistus
Corktree
Cubeb
Curcuma
Chaparral
Cowslip
Cedrus libani
Cyanthillium cinereum
Cytokines
Costus
Cocklebur
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Cynanchum
Casearia sylvestris
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Other body systems supported by Menthol

Bronchials
Digestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Lungs
Mucus Membranes
Respiratory System
Senses
Sinuses
Skin
Smell
Vocal Cords

Products containing Menthol

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.