Why menthol think cold?

In fact, the menthol acts like a low temperature, and does not create the illusion of cold.
For the perception of cold in the mucous membranes and the skin are responsible cold thermoreceptors. When the temperature drops below a certain limit they send to the brain the nerve impulse. The thermoreceptors respond not only to temperature change, but also to some chemicals.
In particular, receptors and stimulates the menthol. Even a very weak aqueous solution of menthol (concentration 1:10 000) to produce the cooling effect.





In 1951, a team of German physiologist Herbert Hensel and his team proved that the effect of menthol can be fully compensated using the temperature, if the language is to immerse in a fairly warm environment. So, for example, warm tea with mint does not cool the language, and some mints cough literally freeze it. That is, the menthol creates the illusion of cold, and in fact works similarly to a low temperature.





Menthol like a cold, has a slight analgesic effect, so it is very often used in medical ointments and cosmetics: when applied on skin it soothes irritation and itching.

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