Menthol is a crystalline white substance. It can be made from natural sources or synthetically. The melting point of natural or synthesised laevo menthol is between 41 and 44°C, making it the sole therapeutically active form. Some manufacturers categorise crystals based on their shape and size, and thus employ a variety of terminology, such as bold crystals, medium crystals, medium extra crystals, and medium extra-large crystals.
Menthol crystals are made by extracting mint essential oil (menthe arvensis), freezing the oil, and then crystallising the menthol. The crystals are crystalline and more oblong in shape, like rock crystals. They have a nice minty fresh odour and are transparent to white. Alcohol and oils are soluble in it.
Menthol crystals are excellent inhalants in and of themselves, and they're simple to use into recipes. For stuffiness and bronchitis, add a few drops to a bowl of hot, steamy water and cautiously inhale the calming vapours through the mouth and nose.
Menta Oil, with the scientific name Menthapiperita, is also known as Menthol Liquid and comes from the United States of America. The oil is extracted by a steam distillation method and has a minty, spicy fragrance. The oil aids digestion and has a relaxing impact on muscle spasms, pains, and aches thanks to its invigorating, stimulating, and uplifting aroma. The oil can also be used to relieve sinus pain and pressure, as well as in muscle rub ointments, skin care products, and regulating skin and hair oil content.
Menthol Crystals' Advantages
1. It works as a natural insecticide, which means you can use pure Menthol to keep moths away from your garden or honey bee colonies.
2. Menthol is a hair growth stimulant that can be used by mixing menthol crystals into your hair oil.
3. Menthol crystal is also useful for sunburns; when combined with aloe Vera gel, it soothes sunburns.
4. It removes dark sports and minimizes black and white heads.
5. Menthol inhibits the spread of plague or kills germs that can cause gingivitis.
Menthol crystals are obtained primarily from natural sources, and as a result, they are rising in popularity in both developed and developing countries. The expansion of natural based products from many industries is being pushed by manufacturers' increasing focus on natural and sustainable products. The cosmetics sector is highly regulated, thus natural-based raw ingredients are in great demand when producing cosmetics. In the next years, this is projected to drive the menthol crystals market.
Few Indian Major Players
1. Bhagat Aromatics Ltd.
2. Everest Flavours Ltd.
3. Halcyon Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd.
4. Jindal Drugs Pvt. Ltd.
5. Malik Polychem Ltd.
6. RupangiImpex Ltd.