Menthol, “Kled SaraNae” in Thai (เกล็ดสะระแหน่) is a natural compound, essential in traditional Thai medicine.
It is extracted from mint leaves in the form of crystals.
It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and refreshing properties. It is particularly effective in relieving muscle pain, headaches, skin conditions, insect bites, and respiratory disorders.
Mint from the provinces of Chiang Mai, Nakhon Pathom, and Ratchaburi is of the highest quality, very rich in menthol and aroma.
Menthol is the main active compound in mint crystals, which provides them with their numerous health and well-being benefits.
The use of menthol in traditional medicine dates back several centuries. Its origin can be traced back to different cultures around the world:
Traditional Thai Medicine:
Menthol has been used there at least since ancient times for its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, refreshing, and soothing effects in the treatment of muscle pain, tension, and headaches. The first written mentions of its use date from the Sukhothai period (13th-14th centuries) but the oral transmission of his knowledge dates back to much earlier periods.
Menthol is also mentioned in the “Tamra Phra Songkhrut” ("ตำราพระสงฆ์รุตต์"): It is one of the oldest and most important medical manuscripts of traditional Thai medicine. It was compiled during the Ayutthaya period (14th-18th centuries) and deals with various aspects of medicine, including physiology, diagnostics, and treatments.
Traditional Chinese Medicine:
Menthol is mentioned there in ancient medical texts such as the “Shennong Ben Cao Jing” dating from the time of the Han dynasty (206 BC). J.-C. - 220 AD J.-C.).
Ayurvedic medicine:
Menthol is considered refreshing, soothing and stimulating.
European Traditional Medicine:
In Europe, menthol has been used in traditional medicine for its pain-relieving, antispasmodic, and refreshing properties.
Today, menthol continues to be used in various medical traditions around the world, as well as in the pharmaceutical industry and health and wellness products
Menthol is an organic compound that is often extracted from various species of plants in the mint family (La miaceae). In Thailand, menthol is mainly extracted from two mint species that are commonly grown commercially:
In addition to these two mint species, other mint species are also found in Thailand, such as Mentha piperita (peppermint), an important source of menthol worldwide.
Mint is grown in different regions of Thailand and there is no consensus on a specific region that would produce the “best” mint. At Sayam, we particularly appreciate three regions known for producing high quality mint:
These regions are considered to be suitable areas for growing mint because of their climatic conditions and their adapted soils, but also because many producers practice agriculture that respects traditional methods.
Menthol crystals are produced from mint essential oil using the following manufacturing process:
Mint crystals are composed primarily of menthol, which is a naturally occurring organic compound. However, in addition to menthol, mint crystals may contain other compounds such as:
Pure mint crystals generally contain a high concentration of menthol, which can exceed 99% of the total composition.