Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Menthol oil, derived from mint plants, has a long history of topical use for pain relief, particularly in conditions like arthritis. Its application for arthritis is primarily supported by its pharmacological action as a counterirritant. When applied to the skin, menthol activates TRPM8 receptors, which are responsible for the sensation of cold. This stimulation can modulate pain signals by creating a cooling sensation that distracts from deeper musculoskeletal pain—a phenomenon often termed "gate control" of pain. Several clinical studies and reviews have investigated menthol’s effectiveness for musculoskeletal pain, including arthritis. Some randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses suggest that topical preparations containing menthol can provide modest short-term relief for pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. However, the quality of evidence is variable: many studies are small, short-term, or include menthol as part of a multi-ingredient formulation, making it difficult to isolate its specific effect. Despite these limitations, menthol is widely used in over-the-counter creams and gels for arthritis and joint pain, such as Biofreeze and Icy Hot. Medical guidelines sometimes mention menthol-based products as adjunctive, short-term relief for arthritis pain, though they are not considered disease-modifying or a primary treatment. In summary, while menthol oil's use in arthritis is supported by plausible mechanisms and modest clinical evidence, its overall efficacy is moderate, and its role is mainly symptomatic rather than curative.

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