Menthol
- Chinese
- 薄荷脑
- Pinyin
- Bo He Nao
- Latin
- Mentholum
Known in TCM as Bo He Nao (薄荷脑), this acrid, cool herb enters the Lung and Liver. Traditionally, it concentrated crystalline compound distilled from Bo He (Peppermint), carrying forward its Wind-Heat-dispersing and throat-benefiting actions in a purified, more potent form, most often applied for headache, sore throat, and joint pain. Modern research has identified L-menthol among its active constituents.
Part used: Menthol
Also Known As
Latin: Mentholum | Pinyin: Bo He Nao | Chinese: 薄荷脑
TCM Properties
- Taste
- acrid
- Temperature
- cool
- Channels
- Lung, Liver
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Concentrated crystalline compound distilled from Bo He (Peppermint), carrying forward its Wind-Heat-dispersing and throat-benefiting actions in a purified, more potent form
- Applied topically for headache, sore throat, and superficial pain by stimulating cooling sensory receptors
Classical References
- Represents the isolated aromatic crystal traditionally extracted from Bo He by distillation, used in the same Wind-Heat dispersing tradition as the whole herb
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- L-menthol
Studied Effects
- Activates TRPM8 cold-sensing receptors, producing analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in topical use
- Demonstrated benefits in pain modulation, gastrointestinal function, and wound healing across preclinical and clinical studies
- Effective as a transdermal skin-penetration enhancer for other topical medications
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Direct application to broken skin, mucous membranes, or the face of infants and young children
Cautions
- Concentrated crystalline form is more potent than whole Bo He; topical overuse can cause skin irritation or a burning sensation
- Do not apply near the eyes
Conditions
- Headache Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Sore Throat Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Joint Pain Research ★☆☆☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Menthol used for?
Menthol is traditionally used to Concentrated crystalline compound distilled from Bo He (Peppermint), carrying forward its Wind-Heat-dispersing and throat-benefiting actions in a purified, more potent form, Applied topically for headache, sore throat, and superficial pain by stimulating cooling sensory receptors. Research has investigated its effects on: Activates TRPM8 cold-sensing receptors, producing analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in topical use; Demonstrated benefits in pain modulation, gastrointestinal function, and wound healing across preclinical and clinical studies.
What are other names for Menthol?
Menthol is also known as Peppermint Camphor, Crystallized Menthol. In TCM: 薄荷脑 (Bo He Nao); Mentholum.
Is Menthol safe during pregnancy?
Menthol is generally considered safe during pregnancy in normal amounts. Therapeutic or concentrated doses should be discussed with a qualified practitioner before use.
What are the contraindications for Menthol?
Menthol should not be used in: Direct application to broken skin, mucous membranes, or the face of infants and young children. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.