Herbal Menthol Balm

Menthol balm is a staple in the winter medicine cabinet, perfect for soothing coughs, congestion, sinus headaches, and achy joints & muscles during the cold months. This homemade version combines pine and eucalyptus with menthol crystals and nourishing butters to create an all-natural salve that’s a great alternative to conventional vapor rubs.

This menthol balm also makes a thoughtful and practical stocking stuffer or gift, helping prepare friends and family for sniffles, sore muscles, and other seasonal issues.

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Benefits of Pine

Pine has long been used in folk medicine to support health in the winter months. It has antiviral properties and is often used by herbalists for easing the symptoms of respiratory infections (Yarnell 35-43). It also has anti-inflammatory effects, and thus, may be helpful for muscle pain and arthritis.

Pine’s uplifting and refreshing aroma is also used in aromatherapy to promote positive energy and help clear away feelings of negativity, making it a lovely herbal ally for the winter blues. 

Benefits of Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus has long been used to support respiratory health and ease symptoms of infections, including coughs and congestion (Soleimani et al. 566–575). Some studies also suggest it may have mild pain-relieving effects, making it useful for soothing achy muscles or tension (Jun et al. 1-7).

Its invigorating, menthol-like aroma complements pine’s woodsy notes and is often used in aromatherapy for its rejuvenating, respiratory-supportive effects.

What Are Menthol Crystals?

According to Mountain Rose Herbs, menthol crystals are a “100% natural product that originate from cornmint (Mentha arvensis) essential oil extraction. Menthol is the solid constituent of oil of mint, to which the characteristic odor is due. Menthol is obtained by subjecting the distilled oil to a temperature of -22ºC; the menthol crystallizes out in satiny crystals.”

When added to this herbal balm, the crystals dissolve into the oils and butters, lending a cooling, tingly sensation on the skin and the distinct aroma of menthol. Menthol crystals are very concentrated so a little goes a long way!

I like to source my menthol crystals from Mountain Rose Herbs. They are a very reputable company that offers high quality ingredients.

Making Your Own Herbal Menthol Balm

Creating your own menthol balm is easier than you might think, and it’s a fun project for anyone interested in creating their own herbal remedies.

Materials You’ll Need to Make Herbal Menthol Balm

Here are the materials you’ll need to make your own menthol balm:

• Sunflower oil infused with pine needle & eucalyptus leaf
• Beeswax
• Cacao butter
• Menthol crystals
• Eucalyptus essential oil 

Supplies You’ll Need to Make Herbal Menthol Balm

• Heat proof glass jar or measuring cup
• Double boiler 
• Crockpot (optional) 
• Cheesecloth
• Kitchen scale 
• Eight 1 fl. oz glass jars or tins, if you’re making enough to gift or two 1 fl. oz glass jars or tins if you’re making just enough for yourself

Making an Infused Oil

The first step in making herbal menthol balm is infusing sunflower oil with pine needle and eucalyptus leaf. There are several different methods for making an infused oil. Here is one of the quickest and simplest.

Fill a dry, heat proof jar or glass measuring cup about half full with herbs and pour the oils over them, making sure the herbs are fully submerged and covered with at least an inch or so of oil. 

Gently heat the herbs over very low heat (ideally 100-140° F) for 1 to 5 hours in a double boiler or crockpot. The oil has finished infusing when the color and smell of the herbs has been imparted. At this point, turn off the heat and let the oil cool. 

Making Herbal Menthol Balm

Combine the infused oil, beeswax, and cacao butter in a double boiler. Heat gently until completely melted, stirring every so often. 

Remove the mixture from heat and add the menthol crystals and essential oil. Stir to combine, until the crystals have completely dissolved. 

Pour the salve into small glass jars or tins and then let cool.

Be sure to label your jars so recipients know exactly what’s in the jar/tin.

Note: I’ve included two versions of the recipe below. The gift batch makes eight 1 fl. oz jars and is ideal for making enough to gift to friends and family. The personal batch is scaled down to make two 1 fl. oz jars, perfect for having on hand at home.

How to Use Herbal Menthol Balm

To use, rub the balm onto your chest, neck, temples, or under your nose to ease congestion and sinus headaches, or massage onto sore muscles and joints. Avoid using on broken, sensitive, or irritated skin, and never apply directly to mucous membranes. Keep out of reach of children, since the balm contains menthol and potent essential oils.

Gifting Herbal Menthol Balm

Herbal menthol balm makes a great stocking stuffer or gift. Just be sure to include a label or tag explaining what it is and how to use it. It also makes a great addition to a winter wellness themed gift basket paired with a few complementary items, like herbal tea, a cozy pair of socks, lip balm, and a beeswax candle.

Herbal Menthol Balm: A Staple for Winter Wellness

This herbal menthol balm is great to have on hand throughout the winter months. Whether you use it to help ease congestion, soothe sore muscles, or relieve a sinus headache, it’s a simple remedy that’s well-suited for the coldest months of the year.

References

Jun, Yang Suk, et al. “Effect of Eucalyptus Oil Inhalation on Pain and Inflammatory Responses after Total Knee Replacement: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2013, 2013, pp. 1–7., https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/502727. 

Soleimani, Ghulamreza, et al. “Effectiveness of the Eucalyptus Inhalation on the Upper Respiratory Tract Infections of 5-15 Years Old Children.” Quarterly of Horizon of Medical Sciences, vol. 27, no. 4, 2021, pp. 566–575., https://doi.org/10.32598/hms.27.4.3436.1. 

Yarnell, Eric. “Herbs for Viral Respiratory Infections.” Alternative and Complementary Therapies, vol. 24, no. 1, 2018, pp. 35–43., https://doi.org/10.1089/act.2017.29150.eya.