Menthol is an organic compound which is either obtained naturally or synthesized from mint plants. It has a waxy, pliant crystalline structure and has a tendency to melt at a temperature slightly above the room temperature. Having a generic name methyl salicylate, menthol is commonly known for its cooling effect and also has an ability to heal various health ailments. Hence for its therapeutic properties, it has been used as a herbal remedy in many products like creams, ointments, sprays, lotions, etc. This was just a brief insight about menthol, as a compound, now let us move on to its benefits followed by menthol side effects.

Benefits of Menthol

Menthol is commonly used to treat muscle and joint pain or aches due to conditions like arthritis, rheumatism, sprains, etc. It basically stimulates the skin’s cold receptors and gives a cooling effect when inhaled or applied to the skin. Menthol serves as a counter-irritant that produces a superficial inflammation in order to reduce deeper inflammation and so it works by making the skin cool and then warm. Hence these varying skin sensations deflect the sufferer’s attention from the pain or ache in the muscles, joints and tendons, which up to some extend help in relieving the pain or discomfort. However, menthol doesn’t changes the skin temperature but simply provides a feeling of temperature change. Besides this it is also used to relief sore throat and cough due to common cold, flu or allergies. But like the two sides of the coin, menthol also has some side effects. Hence in the following section we will discuss various menthol side effects and dangers.

Side Effects of Menthol

Like all other medicines, menthol also has some side effects, of while some are mild while others may seek immediate medical attention. Hence, below given are the common menthol dangers or side effects that some consumers have experienced while using menthol cream, lotion, spray and ointment.

Menthol Cream or Lotion: Menthol cream is generally used by people who suffer constant muscle pain or ache due to arthritis or any other condition. However some of them have observed some serious allergic reactions like skin rash, itchiness, redness and irritation at the application area and hives. Other rare but severe menthol cream side effects include breathing difficulty, chest tightness, swelling of the mouth, lips, face, etc.

Menthol Ointment: Just like menthol cream, its ointment is also used to reduce the pain or inflammation in the muscles and joints. However, common side effects associated with it include skin allergic reactions like rash, » Read more: Menthol Side Effects