What is Menthol 4. Similarities Between Camphor and Menthol 5. Camphor is a waxy solid substance having a strong aroma. This solid substance is flammable and transparent, as well. Camphor is a terpenoid substance having the chemical formula C 10 H 16 O. We can find this substance naturally occurring in the wood of camphor laurel Cinnamomum camphora , which is a large evergreen tree we can find in East Asia. However, we can synthetically produce this substance from the oil of turpentine.
As shown in the above image, there are two possible enantiomers of camphor. The structure on the right side is the mirror image of the naturally occurring camphor structure.
Camphor occurs as white, translucent crystals. When considering the odour of this substance, it has a fragrant that is penetrating. For centuries, camphor was produced by people as a forest product through condensation from the vapour given off by the roasting of wood chips cut from the relevant trees, and later by passing steam through the pulverized wood and condensing the vapour.
However, we can produce camphor from alpha-pinene this substance is abundant in the oils of coniferous trees. Moreover, we can produce it from the distillation of turpentine that is produced as a byproduct of the chemical pulping process. There are many different uses of camphor due to its sublimating capability. In the plastic production as a plasticizer, as a pest deterrent and a preservative, as a perfume ingredient, etc.
In addition to these, there are some culinary uses of camphor such as using it as an ingredient in sweets , medicinal uses as a topical medication as a skin cream or ointment to relieve from itching caused by insect bites , in Hindu religious ceremonies, etc.
Menthol is an organic compound having the ability to chemically trigger the cold-sensitive receptors in the skin. This substance is either synthetically formed or obtained from the oils of corn mint, peppermint, or other mints. Menthol is a waxy, crystalline substance having a white or clear appearance, and it is solid at room temperature that can melt at temperatures slightly above the room temperature. When certain compounds in the plant come into contact with water, they form a protective layer that lines the respiratory tract, thereby guarding it from irritation and potentially harmful substances.
Camphor oil has also been used to improve blood circulation in the capillaries, which can raise low blood pressure. Camphor oil has an extremely high potential for toxicity. Because of this, the oil should not be ingested, but rather inhaled as a vapor. In traditional medicine, eucalyptus was used to help control blood sugar levels in diabetics. Its essential oil was believed to increase insulin production, thus reducing blood sugar levels.
Currently, eucalyptus is used to treat coughs and reduce the symptoms of the common cold. Inhaling eucalyptus oil may also help loosen mucus, so it is often used to reduce the congestion associated with bronchitis and influenza. In addition, eucalyptus contains a compound called cineole, which can kill the bacteria that cause bad breath.
Peppermint oil contains a high concentration of menthol, which gives it its characteristic aroma. The menthol in peppermint oil is used to reduce nausea and cold symptoms and help prevent indigestion. Peppermint oil has also been used to treat headaches and digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome. Peppermint oil may also help reduce nerve and muscle pain. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the manufacture of herbal supplements and complementary treatments.
If you are considering using herbal supplements, you should speak with your doctor or healthcare provider about the possible risks, side effects or interactions.
0コメント