Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Menthol has a long history of use in supporting the mucus membranes, particularly in the respiratory tract. Its primary mechanism is as a counterirritant and a mild local anesthetic. Scientific studies indicate that menthol can produce a sensation of improved airflow in the nasal passages by activating cold-sensitive TRPM8 receptors, which creates a cooling effect and can subjectively relieve the feeling of congestion, even if it does not actually decongest the nasal passages. This is why menthol is a common ingredient in over-the-counter rubs, lozenges, and inhalants for cough and cold symptoms. Some research supports its efficacy in soothing sore throats and reducing cough reflex sensitivity, which can be beneficial for irritated mucus membranes. However, its direct effect on mucus production or clearance is limited, and it does not significantly alter the underlying pathophysiology of respiratory illnesses. Overall, while menthol's use is supported by both tradition and scientific evidence for symptomatic relief, the scientific consensus rates the quality and extent of evidence as moderate rather than strong, warranting a mid-level evidence score.

More about Menthol
More about Mucus Membranes

Other ingredients that support Mucus Membranes

akkermansia muciniphila
aloe vera
barley
basil
bayberry
beta-carotene
bilberry
bisabolol
blackberry
broccoli
ceramides
chamomile
citrus bioflavonoids
clove
coating
colostrum
Coptis chinensis
dandelion
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
glehnia root
glycerin
goldenseal
onion
horseradish
hypromellose
l-cysteine
l-threonine
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus salivarius
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lemon
licorice root
marshmallow
methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (vitamin U)
mint
mixed carotenoids
mucin
n-acetyl-glucosamine
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
nettle
niacin (vitamin B3)
okra
olive
omega-7 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
oregon grape
pear
perilla
plantain
platycodon root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
raspberry
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rose oil
sage
slippery elm bark
sorbitol
thyme
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
water
xylitol
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
yellow root
boneset
mullein
chickweed
cardamom
lobelia
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
hedychium spicatum
tylophora
yarrow
moss
fritillaria
myrrh
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
stillingia
white oak
horehound
herbal blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
Agastache
acacia
Agrimony
Allicin
Alchornea
Asarum heterotropoides
Arrowroot
Acemannan
Adenophora
Asarabacca
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Bryonia
Bai Ji
Bidens pilosa
Balsam
Boswellic Acid
Bistort
Baccharis dracunculifolia
Barleria
Bougainvillea
Bael
Benzoin
Boswellia
Bethroot
Bletilla
Bioflavonoids
Butterbur
Bee products
Borage
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bird's nest
Calendula
Colloidal Silver
Cod Liver Oil
Carvacrol
Citrus
Cineole
Cornflower
Cajuput
Cantaloupe
Catechu
Centipeda
Cistus
Cubeb
Cowslip
Cranesbill
Carotene (unspecified)
Chekiang Fritillary
Collinsonia
Chondrus
Devil's Club
European Elder
English Horsemint
English Elm
Echinacea
Elder
European Field Elm
Eucheuma
Elephant's Head
European-Five Finger Grass
Ellagitannin
Flavonones
Goldthread
Glycosaminoglycans
Mallow
Mimosa
Rose

Other body systems supported by Menthol

Bronchials
Digestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Lungs
Mucus Membranes
Respiratory System
Senses
Sinuses
Skin
Smell
Vocal Cords

Products containing Menthol

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.