MINT AND MENTHOL, HOW FRESHNESS INGREDIENTS WORK

Dr. Riccardo Matera, Research and Development

The menthol is one of the major components of mint essential oil: it has been used in therapy of respiratory diseases to give relief from airway irritation giving a pleasant sensation of freshness. Only peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita L.) is described in the 8th European Pharmacopoeia despite several species of mint being used in traditional medicine.

What benefits does Mint bring?

There are numerous beneficial effects of the biocomponents of Mint used for this purpose cosmetic, nutraceutical or pharmaceutical. The greatest diffusion of mint essential oil is found in the products of oral hygiene (toothpastes, mouthwashes) thanks to the antiseptic properties of the mint components and above all thanks to the feeling of freshness and fresh breath it produces.

But what are the ingredients of the freshness of the various species of mint?

In the table we show a classification of the essential oils of the different species of mint with the relevant majority components which correspond to olfactory notes and, consequently, different biological properties.

Table. Major components of the essential oil of different mint species. [1]

Menthol, how does it work?

Commonly, the Mentha piperita represents the most used species in health products due to its high content menthol (30%) e Menton (20%).
In particular, the menthol explains one feeling of freshness not only on the skin and mucous membranes because it interacts with temperature-sensitive receptors or thermoreceptors.

Therefore the activation of cold receptors leads to numerous positive effects:

1. Increase the sensation of airway patency (nasal flow)
2. Reduces the sensation of respiratory distress or shortness of breath
3. Turns out anti-tussive at low concentrations

These interesting properties are useful in case of seasonal ailments, colds, nasal congestion accompanied by cough. Some studies also include the use of Eucalyptus oil which proved important antitussive activities similar to menthol. [2] The menthol it helps clear the respiratory tract acting as an expectorant: it gives temporary relief to the upper respiratory tract and relieves the symptoms of nasal congestion, sinusitis, colds and coughs. Numerous expectorant balms have a good content of mint oil and/or menthol, when applied directly to the chest they exert a respiratory decongestant action.

A fundamental ingredient for BeC

The BeC balm, very rich in typically balsamic and terpene components such as menthol, camphor, essential oil of Eucalyptus and Mint finds a favorable application in relieving the symptoms of nasal congestion when massaged gently on the chest.

Also the balsamic blend Sinergia SA used in fumigation or in aerosol devices, represents a valid decongestant aid for the high content of mint essential oil together with pure menthol for a synergistic cough calming action. The balsamic blend of different essential oils such as those of Eucalyptus, Chamomile and Lavender However, it contributes to the bronchodilatory action.

Among the fine refreshing blends of essential oils is Idrobagno IU it is among the most interesting products because it combines a balsamic and vasotonic effect of mint essential oil and menthol also include Eucalyptus and Scots Pine oil and a particular blend of essential oils with skin-purifying and anti-inflammatory properties like nail oil Carnation, Cypress and Lemon which give a pleasant sensation of freshness when used in the hydromassage tub or sponging in the shower. Mint essential oil it is also very useful for well-being of the hair , in fact menthol produces a sensation of freshness on the head and helps to remove dandruff. Plus his antiseptic and regenerative nature it is used in lotions that help strengthen the scalp, giving it a bright and fresh appearance.

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