Yes, it is that time of the month, when you’re irritable, mood swings are worse than ever before and discomfort level is at its peak. Why? Because you’re on your period again. In the middle of summer and with a pandemic raging outside.

As the pandemic peaks, sitting through the day at home and working round the clock seems really dreary. Made worse by the discomfort of itches, rashes, stickiness and cramps as a result of getting your period in summer. Given the number of vitamin supplements, you must be having right now, taking a painkiller for cramps would seem like the least favourite thing to do. So what can you do to relieve yourself from the cramps?

The answer lies in menthol. Rub it, inhale it, drink it. The answer to all your period woes lies in this little herb, versatile in its form and uses. Simply put, menthol is a mixture of primarily peppermint oils along with other similar oils that helps in alleviating pain, has been proven to lift spirits, and in general, make you feel better on your period.

Read on to find out about the various uses of menthol during your period:

Oils & Ointments: Periods and cramps are practically synonymous, are they not? While your trusty hot water bag will always have your back, quite literally, Menthol is another trusty aid to your rescue.

Menthol based oils and ointment help in alleviating pain by creating a cooling sensation on your skin, and improving blood flow that significantly helps in pain reduction. It works by vasodilation or enlarging your blood vessels that improves the flow of blood to the affected areas that significantly helps in reducing pain.

While we were sold at ‘cooling sensation on your skin’ it is important to note that the application of menthol based oils and ointments should only be repeated every 2 – 3 hours, and it is advisable to take a patch test before applying it to the affected areas.

Menthol does have a slightly stinging quality, so it is advisable to not apply it too close to eyes, mouth, genitalia or over cuts and bruises.

Essential Oils: Peppermint essential oils, one of the main oils that go into creating menthol, have shown to significantly reduce stress and improve mood. Put it with some water in a diffuser with other oils of your choosing, and voila! Inhale coolness, exhale negativity.

Mixed with carrier oils, such as coconut or castor oil, peppermint essential oil is also known for its qualities of reducing pain when massaged over the affected areas

Medicines: While the current data is very limited, according to an article published in the Iranian Journal Of Nursing And Midwifery Research, on a 2016 study that aimed to evaluate the effects of mint-based drugs on Dysmenorrhea, it was found that while mint did not significantly reduce bleeding, it did however significantly help in reducing pain. A similar 2018 study based on 127 young women also revealed that peppermint oil capsules were as effective in relieving menstrual pain as mefenamic acid, which is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

Sanitary products: Along with cooling, mint is also known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. According to a 2018 study, it was revealed that menthol helps in reducing the growth of bacteria such as E.Coli, Listeria and Salmonella. And when you are dying of discomfort in the summer heat, what better than a sanitary pad with menthol that keeps you cool in the heat. Sofy Cool with Menthol keeps you cool during your period in summer. Antibacterial properties of menthol help prevent rashes ensuring a cool, hygienic and rash free period for you.

Peppermint Tea: As if you needed any more convincing on why menthol is simply the best, here’s another. Peppermint tea has been a time tested method of helping reduce period cramps. Who knew there’d be such cool ways of getting rid of period cramps right?

Well, now that you know of the uses of this cool herb, it’s time to prepare for your next period. While menthol is reportedly very beneficial to your health and for your periods, please make sure to go to your doctor on the occasion of serious continuous bleeding and/or cramps.

It is also imperative to note that in the case of peppermint & menthol, there can be too much of a good thing. Peppermint Oil or Menthol consumed in large doses can be toxic and can cause skin irritation and rashes.

As summer approaches, make sure you stay cool, with all things cool and minty!