Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
Pharmacodynamics
A local irritant that, when applied to the skin, has an antimicrobial , anti-inflammatory effect and reduces itching . The distracting effect is accompanied by a feeling of cold and the elimination of pain. The feeling of cold turns into a feeling of unexpressed burning and tingling.
Irritation of skin or mucous membrane receptors stimulates the release of biologically active substances that are involved in the regulation of pain. When applied to the skin in the temple area, it has an anti-migraine effect . The tone of not only superficial vessels, but also those located in the internal organs changes reflexively. When taken under the tongue, it has a reflex coronary dilating , antianginal effect . Has a weak analgesic effect in small doses. At higher concentrations it exhibits a pronounced analgesic and antiseptic effect (eases pain when swallowing).
Pharmacokinetics
When applied topically, resorptive effects do not appear.
Cosmetic properties
Menthol oil is very popular in cosmetology. First of all, it is valuable because its “cold” perfectly tightens pores and slows down the production of sebum by the glands. Another valuable quality is that it is suitable for all skin types. Oily skin becomes less oily and dry skin less dry as peppermint oil helps it retain moisture.
Another remarkable property is that it effectively removes signs of fatigue from the face. Even if a person has been awake all night, the oil smoothes out facial features and gives it freshness.
In addition, thanks to its bactericidal effect, it relieves inflammation and treats acne and various dermatitis well. Peppermint oil significantly heals the skin at the initial stage of eczema, preventing its progression. It is also used to relieve skin itching from insect bites.
Indications for use
- respiratory tract diseases (in the form of inhalations for laryngitis , tracheitis or lubrication of the nasopharynx for pharyngitis );
- rhinitis (instillation into the nose);
- neuralgia , myalgia , itchy dermatoses , arthralgia (as an analgesic, distracting agent).
Useful properties and composition
Menthol is used in various fields:
- medicine – treatment of dislocations, fractures, colds, diseases of the cardiovascular system, respiratory tract (tracheitis, sinusitis, laryngotracheitis, bronchitis);
- food industry – production of drinks, sweets and confectionery;
- cosmetology – improving the condition of skin and hair.
The oil contains up to 50% menthol, 10% neomenthol and up to 10% menthone. The rest is occupied by limonene, pinene, terpinene, carvacrol, and methyl acetate.
Menthol oil, instructions for use (Method and dosage)
For external use.
For a runny nose , instill 5 drops into both nasal passages 2-3 times a day, rub the bridge of the nose and wings of the nose every 2 hours. After the procedures, the feeling of nasal congestion disappears.
For myalgia , myositis , neuralgia, it is used in the form of rubbing.
For respiratory diseases, steam inhalations are performed: 15 drops per 200 ml of hot water. Inhalation lasts 10 minutes. 2-3 times a day. When coughing , apply compresses to the chest, rubbing or massage at night.
Menthol oil is used for hair . With regular use of masks, hair growth increases, since the oil stimulates blood circulation, as a result of which the hair roots become stronger and hair growth improves. Reduces the production of sebaceous glands, eliminates dandruff, itching and irritation. When using it, hair looks healthy and shine appears. The oil can be added to shampoo for daily use, 3 drops per serving, or used as a hair mask. For oily scalp and oily hair, take 2 yolks, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 4 drops of oil. The composition is rubbed into the roots of the hair, left for 15 minutes and washed off. To rinse hair, use essential menthol oil to avoid greasy shine and weight of hair - add 5 drops to 1 liter of water.
Application for hair
Menthol oil has a comprehensive effect on the epidermis and hair:
- soothes and tones irritated skin;
- stabilizes the activity of the sebaceous glands;
- improves blood circulation;
- accelerates hair growth and strengthens its roots.
To regulate the activity of the sebaceous glands, cosmetologists recommend mixing nicotinic acid (2 ampoules) and 5 drops of menthol. Wipe your scalp with this solution before or after washing. The first improvements appear on days 3-4 - the hair becomes less dirty, and the amount of fat secreted by the sebaceous glands also decreases.
Dry hair requires slightly different care. To eliminate dryness and brittleness, you will need any hair oil base and menthol extract. It is recommended to add 5-7 drops of the medicinal product to one serving for head care. The solution is slightly heated and evenly applied to the hair from eyebrow level to ends. Wrap your head in a warm cloth for 2 hours.
After the procedure, wash your hair thoroughly. The procedure cannot be performed more than 2 times a week.
The problem of dry hair can be dealt with in different ways. For example, you can eliminate dryness using menthol extract (7-10 drops), apple cider vinegar (30 ml) and 2 liters of water. This type of solution is intended for rinsing. This recipe restores hair softness, shine, strength and healthy appearance.
Analogs
Level 4 ATC code matches: Dolobene
Nayatoks
Finalgon
Apizartron
Bee venom
Gavkamen
Dimexide
Gum turpentine
Capsicam
Tizol
Camphor alcohol
Turpentine ointment
Formic alcohol
Mataren Plus
Dimethyl sulfoxide
Fast Relief
Menthol alcohol , Menthol pencil , Racemic menthol .
Contraindications
You cannot use menthol oil for a cold if it is complicated by bronchitis. It is contraindicated to be treated with thrombophlebitis, during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is strictly forbidden to apply oil to the skin of children under seven years of age.
The drug may cause allergic reactions. If it gets into the eyes, the mucous membranes become severely irritated and inflamed.
It is not advisable to use it in the evening as it may cause problems with sleep. Sometimes when using menthol oil, nausea, dizziness, and increased blood pressure occur.
Reviews about Menthol oil
In everyday life, we often come across menthol oil. It is part of Vietnamese balms (“ Golden Star ”, “ Eagle ”, “ Red Elephant ”), which are effective for headaches, runny nose , the first signs of a cold , insect bites, hematomas and bruises , fatigue. It is an essential component in lozenges, lozenges and aerosols used for sore throats, as it has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, analgesic and deodorizing effects.
Pure menthol oil has the same effect, as evidenced by patient reviews. Most often it is used for a runny nose (instillation into the nose), tracheitis and pharyngitis (inhalation). And another use is for cosmetic purposes to enhance hair growth and improve hair condition. Everyone who has used it for masks or shampoo additives is satisfied with the result - it tones the scalp, “refreshes” it, and is great for restoring dull and brittle hair.
Use on facial skin
Menthol oil is widely used in cosmetology at a professional and household level. At home, it is used to eliminate dryness, sagging skin and combat various skin diseases - acne, purulent pimples.
Menthol extract is added to creams and masks.
Popular recipes:
Toning mask. Method of preparation: pour 200 ml of water into a container, add 1 tsp. honey, stir well and add 3-4 drops of oil. Pour the prepared solution into freezer molds and freeze. The face is wiped with ice cubes in the morning and evening only after thorough cleaning. A toning mask soothes the epidermis of the face, saturating it with iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium and vitamins B and C.
Refreshing mask. Method of preparation: pour 2 tbsp. l. oatmeal with hot milk (100 ml), put on fire and cook for 2 minutes. Remove the cereal from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Add menthol oil (2 drops) to the warm mixture. The prepared mixture is applied to a well-washed and cleansed face for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, wash off the mask with warm water. To consolidate the effect, you can apply a moisturizer. The procedure cannot be performed more than 2 times a week. A refreshing mask nourishes, smoothes and restores the water-lipid balance of the epidermis.
Cleansing mask. Method of preparation: stir 1 tbsp. l. yellow clay in water until mushy, add 2 tsp. grape and almond oils and 1 drop of menthol. The mixture is applied to a face washed with soap. The mask is worn for 15 minutes, after which it is washed off in warm water. This recipe not only cleanses the skin, but also improves blood circulation, saturates the skin with oxygen and removes acne.
Nourishing mask for dry skin. Add to 1 tbsp. l. olive oil, menthol oil (2-3 drops). Heat the mixture to 30-37 degrees and wipe your face using a cotton swab or clean cloth. It is better to apply this nourishing mask in the evening or morning for 15 minutes. Residues can be washed off or removed with napkins.
Reviews
- How do you speed up hair growth? Mustard? Red pepper? Nicotine? And I'm MINT! And I use it not only for hair, but also for the face, lips and shower gels. And why didn’t I buy it earlier?!
