A cooling chemical compound found in peppermint and spearmint plants that creates a refreshing, tingling sensation on skin or in the mouth.
From German 'Menthol,' derived from Latin 'mentha' (mint plant) plus the chemical suffix '-ol.' The compound was first isolated from mint oils in the 1800s.
Menthol doesn't actually lower temperature—it tricks your nerve endings by activating the same cold sensors that respond to actual ice, which is why mint toothpaste feels so icy without being frozen.
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