Home Page of... A Modern Herbal A hyper-text version of A Modern Herbal, 1931, by Mrs. M. Grieve. Over 800 varieties of medicinal, culinary, and cosmetic herbs, including economic properties, cultivation and folk-lore. Do a Search of all 860 pages.

Botanical.com Home Page Search Herbs and Spices Product Index Accessories & Tools Animal Products Aromatherapy Aroma Sprays and Flower Waters Babies/Children Body and Bath Books Bulk Herbs Bulk Misc Butters Capsules Carrier Oils Clays Essential Oils Facial Care Flavoring Extracts Hair Care Herbal Extracts Herbal Oils Herbal Seasoning Blends Incense, Resins and Candles Massage Oils Pets Salves & Balms Seeds Teas, Black Teas, Flowering Teas, Green and White Teas, Herbal Teas, Red Tea Brewing Tools Alternative Health News

Menthol Crystals Origin- India Botanical name- Mentha arvensis Extraction- Crystallized quick frozen (Cold extracted) Shelf life- 3 years Notes- Stores well under most conditions, but excessive humidity may cause it to cake up and harden. Exposure to levels of high heat will also cause it to melt. It is best stored at an ambient temperature of about 65-80 degrees. For cosmetic use only. Specifications Color- Crystalline Odor- Strong camphor-like with heavy mint tones Melting point- 107-109 degrees Menthol assay- 99.66% Introduction Menthol crystals are cooling, refreshing, and have a pleasantly strong minty aroma. They are often used in cosmetics, salves, balms, medicated creams, throat lozenges, toothpaste, mouthwash, gum, foot sprays, pain relief or cooling body products, shampoos, conditioners, liniments, shaving creams, oral or throat sprays, compresses, medicated oils, and cooling gels. Menthol crystals are excellent for use in these products to help relieve muscular aches and pains, coughing, congestion, the flu, and upper respiratory problems. Since Menthol crystals are so concentrated, only a very small amount is needed within products. When purchasing Menthol crystals remember that a good quality menthol crystal usually contains not less than 99.4% menthol. Production Menthol crystals are naturally produced through Mint (Mentha arvensis) essential oil extraction. Menthol is the solid constituent of oil of mint, to which its characteristic odor is due, and was formerly known as peppermint camphor. Menthol is obtained by subjecting the distilled oil of Mentha arvensis oil to a temperature of -22° C, (-7.6° F.) by the aid of a freezing mixture, the menthol crystallizes out in satiny crystals and the mother liquor is removed while the low temperature is maintained. They dissolve readily into alcohol or essential oils, and they can also be dissolved into water or oil at their melting point of 111.2 deg. F Summary and Directions To use Menthol crystals Using in a salve: Melt all ingredients together except for the menthol and essential oils. Remove from heat, stir in menthol crystals, re-heat until crystals are melted if needed. Remove from heat and let cool before stirring in the essential oils or they will evaporate, pour into containers. If you don't have experience in using menthol crystals, they are quite powerful, so do wear a mask when using them and caution, you don't want to have your head right over the bowl when mixing this item. Menthol crystals are soluble in alcohol, essential oils and olive oil but almost insoluble in water and glycerin, with a melting point that typically averages 41°C to 44°C (105.8°F to 111.2°F), and boils at 212°C (413.6°F). Menthol is the chief constituent of mint oil and is responsible for its distinctive odor and taste and the "cooling sensation" it produces when applied to the skin. Mentha piperita contains up to 50% menthol and Mentha arvensis contains 70-80% menthol. Menthol and its derivatives can also be added to various peppermint type compositions to enhance the cooling and freshening effects. In ointments, liniments, and solutions menthol crystals are employed in strengths ranging from 5 to 20 per cent, and the crystals are commonly applied to cosmetics, salves and balms, which are created to assist in coughs, congestion, upper respiratory problems, and the flu. Menthol crystals are great inhalants by themselves and are easily combined into recipes. For stand alone applications add several drops to a bowl of hot, steamy water and carefully inhale the soothing vapors through the mouth and nose for stuffiness and bronchitis. Use a few drops on the tiles of the walls surrounding your shower (not on the floor!) and the menthol will be released by the steam created by the hot water. Externally, it is employed as a local analgesic, but it must be diluted first in an adequate carrier and may be rubbed liberally on the skin. here you will notice that it produces a sensation of immediate cold, followed by numbness and partial anesthesia; it first stimulates the nerves, conveying the sensation of cold, and later penetrates the skin and paralyzes the nerve endings.   For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.   View Cart/Check Out Privacy Policy   |   Return Policy   |  Ordering Information   |  International Orders   |  Quality Control Products Index     |    A Modern Herbal     |    Botanical.com Copyright © 2000-2008 Botanical.com customerservice@mountainroseherbs.com