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Menthol is an organic compound made from peppermint or other mint oils. It is a
needle like crystalline substance, clear or white in color, which is solid at room
temperature and melts slightly above. The main form of menthol occurring in nature
is (-)L-Menthol, which is assigned the (1R,2S,5R) configuration. Menthol has local
anaesthetic and counterirritant qualities, and it is widely used to relieve minor
throat irritation.
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Natural menthol exists as one pure enantiomer, nearly always the (1R,2S,5R) form
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Menthol is included in many products for a variety of reasons. These include: |
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1. In decongestants for chest and sinuses
(cream, patch or nose inhaler)
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2. In a soda as well as in a syrup to
be mixed with water to obtain a very low alcohol drink or (brand Riclès in France).
The syrup is/was also used to alleviate nausea, in particular motion sickness, by
pouring a few drops on a lump of sugar.
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3. As a topical analgesic to relieve
minor aches and pains such as muscle cramps, sprains, headaches and similar conditions,
alone or combined with products like Camphor or Capsaicin. In Europe it tends to
appear as a gel or a cream, while in the US patches and body sleeves are very frequently
used.
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4. In non-prescription products for short-term
relief of minor sore throat and minor mouth or throat irritation. (lip balms and
cough medicines ). |
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5. Commonly used in oral hygiene products
and bad-breath remedies like mouthwash, toothpaste, mouth and tongue-spray, and
more generally as a food flavor agent; e.g. in chewing-gum, candy.
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6. As an additive in certain cigarette
brands, for flavor, to reduce the throat and sinus irritation caused by smoking
and arguably to reduce the bad-breath smokers experience and possibly improve the
smell of second-hand smoke.
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7. In certain medications used to treat
sunburns, as it provides a cooling sensation (then often associated with Aloe) . |
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8. As an antipruritic to reduce itching. |
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9. As a pesticide against tracheal mites
of honeybees.
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10. In perfumery, menthol is used to
prepare menthyl esters to emphasise floral notes (especially rose).
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11. Digestive
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12. Coolant : Hair Oils
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