The menthol crystals that Natures Garden carries are actually crystallized peppermint essential oil. These crystals are 100% natural and have a variety of uses when introduced into your products.
Although menthol crystals can be made synthetically, when derived naturally they come from mint oils such as cornmint or peppermint. Once the extraction occurs, the oil is immediately frozen (cold extraction) which forms the menthol crystals. These crystals, which look similar to smaller oblong rock crystals, are solid at room temperature but have a melting point of around 107 degrees Fahrenheit. These menthol crystals which are a white or clear crystalline substance are soluble in alcohol and propylene glycol and they are miscible in oils.
Menthol crystals have many uses. They can be found in many industries such as oral hygiene, candies, pharmaceuticals, personal care, perfumery, and tobacco. They naturally have a strong minty odor to them. And, their usage percentage in a product can vary anywhere from .2% to 10% depending on the end product that is being formulated.
Menthol contains local anesthetic, antipruritic, analgesic, antispasmodic and anti irritant qualities. The use of menthol in bath and body products can actually engage the cold sensitive receptors in our skin and provide a cooling sensation. This same sensation can also occur from inhaling menthol as well as ingesting it.
Oral Hygiene:
In the realm of oral hygiene this ingredient is used not only for its refreshing flavor, but also to combat bad breath and can be used in mouthwash and toothpaste.
Menthol crystals are used to flavor many of our favorite go to minty pleasures. It is used with the addition of anise to produce the tried and true flavor of licorice. The crystals are used in peppermint and spearmint chewing gum for their refreshing and cooling feeling when chewed. And, it is also even used in the production of many hard candies.
For slight throat irritations, menthol crystals can be used in items like cough medicines, cough drops, and throat lozenges. The addition of this ingredient will cause a soothing and cooling sensation in the inflamed area.
Menthol crystals can be used to alleviate nausea, especially when the nausea is due to motion sickness. This is because peppermint (which is used in making menthol crystals) is a natural carminative herb, meaning it can settle the digestive system.
Because menthol crystals have antipruritic and anti irritant qualities, they are great for anti itch creams and balms.
When it comes to chest congestion and upper respiratory issues; menthol can work as a decongestant. The uses in this category for menthol crystals include: rubs, balms, or salves. Inhaling the minty aroma of these crystals will also help to alleviate the blockages.
For an excellent fever reducer, menthol crystals can be made into wraps to be applied to the head or feet. These wraps can also be made into balms or cooling gels.
Menthol crystals are a great addition to lip balms.
Menthol crystals are a remarkable additive to lotions and creams for their analgesic property. This provides temporary relief of minor aches and pains, as well as sprains in muscles. Because menthol is antispasmodic, they can also help to reduce muscle cramping and muscle spasms.
Due of their amazing cooling, analgesic, and anesthetic properties, menthol crystals are extremely helpful in the treating of sunburns and razor burns. The cooling sensation in gels and shaving balms simulates the feeling of ice providing some instant relief from the pain. But, menthol can also penetrate deeply to numb the pain area temporarily.
Menthol crystals can even be used in deodorants, hair shampoos, and hair conditioners for their refreshing and cooling sensations.
Adding menthol crystals to soap recipes can enhance your soap for any of menthol’s benefits. Just make sure the crystals are completely dissolved in the soaping oils and stirred well to reduce skin irritations.
Perfumery:
Menthol is even used in the perfumery industry. When dealing with notes of floral, especially that of rose, perfumists will use menthol to produce menthyl esters. These esters actually accentuate these delicate notes.
Tobacco:
Menthol crystals are used to flavor various tobacco items such as cigarette tobacco, pipe tobacco, and chewing tobacco.
The shelf life for these crystals is 2 years when stored accordingly. However, areas with high humidity may experience the hardening and mass joining of these crystals into a solid lump. This lump may be broken up by lightly hitting it with a mallet. Also, areas with high levels of heat may melt the crystals. Menthol crystals are best stored in a tight fitted glass, aluminum, or double lined container. The crystals should be kept in a cool and dry area away from heat and direct sunlight.
Care should be taken when using menthol crystals in skincare products, as using too much may irritate the skin.
Natures Garden sells our menthol crystals for external applications only. In the preceding post, we discussed how these wonderful crystals have many different uses in vast industries. Nothing in this article is to be construed as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before using any of this information for treatment purposes. We provide this data for educational purposes only.
