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Menthol is an organic compound, specifically a monoterpenoid, that occurs naturally in the oils of several plants in the mint family, such as corn mint and peppermint. It is a white or clear waxy crystalline substance that is solid at room temperature and melts slightly above.
Peppermint extract can be substituted in recipes with peppermint oil (a stronger ingredient primarily used in candy-making), crème de menthe, or peppermint schnapps. If the food is not heated, the alcoholic properties of liqueurs may remain present in the finished product. [5] Peppermint extract may also be added to hot water to create ...
Peppermint oil is under preliminary research for its potential as a short-term treatment for irritable bowel syndrome, [51] [52] and has supposed uses in traditional medicine for minor ailments. [53] Peppermint oil and leaves have a cooling effect when used topically for muscle pain, nerve pain, relief from itching, or as a fragrance.
Mentha, also known as mint (from Greek μίνθα míntha, [2] Linear B mi-ta [3]), is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. [4] It is estimated that 13 to 24 species exist, but the exact distinction between species is unclear.
Menthone is structurally related to menthol, which has a secondary alcohol (>C-OH) in place of the carbon-oxygen double bond (carbonyl group) projecting from the cyclohexane ring. Menthone is obtained for commercial use after purifying essential oils pressed from Mentha species ( peppermint and corn mint ). [ 3 ]
"Peppermint oil is an essential oil extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant," says Dr. Zaiac. "Most of us know peppermint oil for its soothing effect on digestion when taken orally.
In India, traditional mint tea called pudina chai (पुदीना चाय) is made by steeping spearmint or peppermint in hot chai. [3] [4] Due to the high content of essential oils in leaves (1–2.5%), especially menthol, mint tea is popular for its curative effects.
The distillate will contain compounds that vaporize at or below the temperature of distillation. The actual chemical components of these orange herbal distillates have not yet been fully identified, but plant distillates will usually contain essential oil compounds as well as organic acids and other water-soluble plant components.