Menthol Side Effects

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.

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 two sides of a coin, menthol also has some side effects.

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 dangers or side effects that some consumers have experienced while using menthol cream, lotion, spray and ointment.

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.

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, itchiness, and hives. Other harmful effects of menthol ointment are difficulty in breathing, tightness in chest and swelling in the face, mouth, tongue and lips.

Spray: Menthol nasal spray is used to provide temporary relief from congested nose, cough and sore throat due to cold, allergies, sinusitis, or other respiratory infections. Despite its benefits, many consumers have experience some adverse reactions after using the nasal spray. This includes breathing problems, difficulty swallowing, chest tightness, irritation in the nose, redness and irritation at site of application, etc.

Since menthol is prepared of peppermint or mint oil, it may, though rarely, incorporate some of the side effects of peppermint oil as well. However, not all consumers suffer from the menthol side effects, rather many users have no or minor side effects. Moreover, some of these side effects mainly occur due to improper use or method of application. Hence ensure that you follow all directions properly on the product package and make no hurry in using it. But despite considering all the safety measures, if you notice any of these effects, stop using it and immediately consult your doctor.