What are menthol crystals?
Menthol is the name given to the essential oils of certain herbs. These herbs include peppermint, oregano, thyme, sage and basil. Menthol can be obtained naturally or produced artificially. The fragrance has disinfectant properties. In medicine, it is used for ointments and in respiratory diseases. It is also used in toothpaste and as an additive in chewing gum and candies. What is perhaps less well known is that the crystals are also excellent as an infusion substitute for the sauna. Good menthol sauna crystals are made from pure, natural mint oil. You can buy them on the Internet as small packaged packets or as a container in a 1 kg bucket. For home use, however, a small amount of crystals is sufficient.
Use of menthol crystals in the sauna
Menthol crystals for sauna infusions are sold under the name “Sauna crystals” or “Sauna ice crystals”. They emit a long-lasting, intense fragrance. It is important not to use more than the recommended amount. Otherwise, you risk irritation of the respiratory tract. The special thing about sauna crystals is that they can also be used dry. Here is an overview of three possible infusion variants:
Variant 1: The water infusion method
The first variant for infusions in the sauna with crystals is the normal water infusion. You simply add a few crystals to the infusion water. Or you put the crystals in the ladle and pour water over them. When infusing, it means to proceed very carefully. The menthol crystals should be placed on the sauna stones. They must not slip between the stones and come into contact with the heating rods.
Variant 2: The dry infusion method
In this method, a few small sauna crystals are placed directly on the hot sauna stones. Some prefer to place the crystals in an evaporator bowl, which is placed on the stones. The larger the sauna, the more crystals can be used. You can use between one and two, but not more than three sauna crystals per sauna session. Even with this method, it is important that the crystals do not fall between the sauna stones. Use a small pair of tongs to position them. This way you avoid burns when placing the sauna crystals on the hot sauna stones.
Variant 3: The snowball variant
The snowball variant is considered an insider tip and provides the ultimate sauna feeling. If it has just snowed freshly, you can actually use snow. The snow must be absolutely clean, that is very important. But it also works with crushed ice. You can buy it by the bag at gas stations, for example. This is how it’s done: add two to three sauna crystals to the snow or ice. Then form a nice snowball out of it. You can also make several balls. Then place the balls on the hot sauna stones. While the ball is slowly melting, the menthol scent spreads in the room. Due to the slow melting, the infusion lasts longer than the typical water infusion.
Effect of the sauna crystals
Using ice crystals in the sauna provides a very special sauna experience. What effect can you expect from sauna crystals? In any case, a good, fresh sauna climate – no matter which sauna infusion variant you choose. The menthol vapors clear the respiratory tract and are good for the whole body. You should have tried it once.
How are menthol crystals made?
Menthol crystals can be made naturally by distilling oils such as peppermint or field mint. Menthol crystals are formed when the oil is immediately frozen after extraction (cold extraction). These crystals are solid at room temperature and look like small elongated rock crystals, but melt at about 41 degrees. The crystals have a white or translucent surface and are soluble in alcohol and propylene glycol as well as oils.
Other uses of menthol crystals
Menthol crystals can be used in a variety of ways. They can be found in a variety of products, including toothpaste, confectionery, pharmaceuticals, personal care products and perfumes. By nature, they emit a pungent minty odor. Depending on the final formulation, the amount of these ingredients in a product can range from 0.2 to 10 percent.
Effect of menthol on our body
Menthol has antipruritic, analgesic, antispasmodic and soothing effects. It has been proven that the use of menthol in bath and body products actually targets our skin’s cold-sensitive receptors and provides an immediate cooling sensation. Oral or inhaled ingestion of menthol can also produce the same euphoric effect. If you suffer from nausea due to motion sickness, menthol crystals can also help. This is partly because peppermint (the herb from which menthol crystals are derived) has a digestive property and can therefore have a calming effect on the digestive system.
Menthol crystals for sunburn
Menthol crystals are extremely effective in treating sunburn and razor burn due to their cooling, analgesic and numbing properties. Cooling gels and shaving balms immediately relieve pain by mimicking the sensation of ice. In addition, menthol can numb the area by penetrating deep into the skin.
Can you put menthol crystals in a diffuser?
Using menthol crystals as part of an aromatherapy blend can help with a variety of respiratory and emotional issues. It can also help with nasal congestion and coughs, soothe sore throats, and relieve fever symptoms. Place a crystal in a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a cloth, and inhale deeply while keeping your eyes closed for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can use an electric diffuser.
Can you eat menthol crystals?
Chewing gum and even peppermint candies contain menthol as an ingredient. It is also used in the pharmaceutical industry to treat respiratory conditions, in personal care products as a disinfectant, and in high-end cosmetics. Menthol can also be used internally. In this field of application, antispasmodic properties are found. In addition, menthol stimulates the appetite. Bile production is stimulated by this substance. CAUTION: A high concentration of menthol can be dangerous. The crystals themselves are edible, but you should never eat them undiluted.
What is the shelf life of menthol crystals?
When stored in a cool, dry place, such crystals can be kept for up to two years. However, in environments with high humidity, these crystals can solidify and bind together into a solid lump. The crystals should be stored in a dry environment and away from direct sunlight.
Why should we use menthol crystals in the sauna?
It is known that menthol crystals have relaxing properties and can help relieve stress, promote energy and regeneration, and improve sleep quality. In addition, these crystals can be used to treat digestive problems and relieve nausea, making them a useful addition. Not to mention the cooling effect of a sauna infusion.
Where can you buy menthol crystals?
These small crystalline miracle products are available in any swimming pool or sauna store, however, such stores with high-quality products are not available in every city. The most convenient method is to buy menthol crystals online, where it is easier to compare prices. We at Saunazeit have selected the highest quality menthol crystals on the market. Here, high quality menthol is used for the crystals, resulting in an ideal sauna infusion and healthy respiratory system.
