Harness the science of mentholology
Established in 1907 Jakemans, the makers of traditional cough and throat sweets, have been creating delicious confectionary to pamper sore throats and soothe coughs for over 100 years.
Every single Jakemans sweet is infused with menthol, the secret to its throat-soothing power, and have now partnered with Biochemist, Flavourist and the Jakemans Mentholologist Steve Pearce to explain Mentholology - the science of Menthol.
When was menthol first used?
The properties of peppermint oil and consequently menthol are believed to have been recognised for some time with reports of use in Japan about 2,000 years ago, although first recorded use in Europe only occurs around 1771.
How is menthol made?
Menthol can be produced naturally from mint but can also be synthetically produced, most commonly from citronella oil. When produced naturally fresh mint is air-dried to create mint oil which is filtered to remove any solid particles and impurities.
The mint oil then cooled to -40°c to cause the menthol in the oil to form flakes and separate from it. The solid flakes are then collected and heated to 50°c which creates a liquid solution of menthol which is then cooled to room temperature resulting in crystallisation.
Once crystallation is complete it is poured into decanting trays where the large clumps of crystals are broken down and form smaller crystals, fine needles and powder.
How much menthol is made?
The current annual world production is estimated to be in excess of 32,000 metric tons.
Why is Menthol so good at easing coughs and sore throats?
1. Menthol is unique for the cooling sensations it imparts to the skin, stuffy noses and sore throats. It works very cleverly to create a cooling sensation which numbs nerve sensations creating the soothing effect found in Jakemans menthol confectionary. The science that generates this effect is a result of the molecule interacting with specific receptor sites in cell membranes
2. Menthol helps ease runny noses and it stimulates bronchial opening making breathing easier
3. Menthol has powerful anti-bacterial properties so can naturally kill off micro-organisms that may lead to a throat infection
What else is menthol used for?
Menthol is included in many products for a variety of reasons. Here is a list of just a fraction of them:
Lip balms
Products to reduce itching
Gels and creams that reduce minor aches and pains like muscle cramps, sprains and headaches
In sunburn treatments
In toothpastes and mouthwash products as well as chewing gum
As a pesticide to protect bees against mites
By perfumers to enhance floral notes like rose
In treatments for indigestion
In first aid products to produce a cooling affect in place of ice
and of course menthol is a very important ingredient in Jakemans!
Jakemans range of traditional cough and throat sweets is available in six flavours, Throat & Chest, Honey & Lemon Menthol, Cherry Menthol, Menthol & Eucalyptus, Blueberry Menthol and the NEW Blackcurrant Menthol.
Jakemans are available from a number of retailers including major supermarkets (Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Tesco), key health retailers (Boots, Superdrug) the convenience sector and many independent stores.
For more information, visit jakemans.com.
