Menthol Crystals offer temporary pain relief for sore muscles, providing a local anesthetic with a cool numbing sensation as it penetrates the skin.  But how do you use them?
Well, first, a little history.  These crystals generally come from India and are extracted from mint leaves with a gentle freezing process.
The properties are so concentrated that just a few crystals are needed  to create very powerful effects. *Just beware. It’s important that due to their strength, you may want to wear protective eye wear, gloves and keep the space you are working in well ventilated.  They are easy to inhale in small quantities in steam, but when you are creating a recipe, you’ll be working with larger amounts in a dry environment.*
We were blessed to stumble upon these great recipes from Abby Brown Soaps and are now sharing them with you!
Cooling Foot Soak
*Please use gloves when handling Menthol Crystals – as to not transfer from hands to eyes or other sensitive parts of your body.
  • 4 oz Epsom Salt
  • 4 oz Fine Dead Sea Salt
  • .20 oz Menthol Crystals
  • 40 Drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
  • 40 Drops Lemon Essential Oil
Add all the ingredients above into a food processor. Mix or pulse until all ingredients are fine ground. Store in jar or zip lock bag. Clean Food Processor thoroughly.
Please note that the amount of menthol crystals in this recipe are the perfect amount for a foot soak, but will be too strong to be used as a body soak. We recommend 1% or less of menthol crystals in body soaks, as to not irritate or cause discomfort on sensitive areas.
  • Soothing Menthol Muscle Salve
  • 2 tablespoon coconut oil =1oz
  • 2 tablespoon shea butter = 1oz
  • 2 tablespoon beeswax= 1oz
  • 4 tablespoons almond oil = 2oz
  • 1.2 teaspoon menthol crystals= .2oz
  • 40 drops sweet birch essential oil
  • 30 drops eucalyptus essential oil
  • 20 drops rosemary essential oil
  • 10 drops lavender essential oil
1) Start by measuring your coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax into a small container and melting the oils on low heat.
2) When the oils have melted, remove from heat and stir in the menthol crystals until dissolved. Be sure to keep your face away from the mixture as to not irritate your eyes or nose.
3) When the crystals are dissolved, stir in the almond oil, followed by your essential oil.
4) Pour your mixture into a container with a lid for storage, but allow to cool before capping. Keep in refrigerator to maintain texture and shelf-life.
Massage a small amount onto sore muscles and joints for soothing relief. Wash your hands after and avoid face, eyes, and other sensitive areas. This recipe makes a mild salve that should be suitable for most skin types, even sensitive skin. You may increase the percentage of menthol crystals for stronger potency, but increase slowly to ensure your skin’s tolerance. We have encountered recipes ranging from 3%-20% menthol crystals, this recipe starts at 4%.
Want more?  Order your own Menthol Crystals! Happy health to you!