When someone uses the term ‘Mentha oil,’ it is natural for people to look surprised. They often whisper, “Did they say menthol?” or “Mentha oil? Is that some kind of alternative energy source?”
If you are also confused about why the article title says ‘Mentha’ instead of ‘menthol’, you will find this article very interesting. It provides all the essential information about Mentha oil, including its uses, types, and benefits, along with a list of major Indian manufacturers and current market prices. So, let’s get started!
What is Mentha oil?
Mentha is a plant that grows abundantly in India, and in many households, its leaves are used to make sauces or chutneys. The Lamiaceae family in the plant kingdom comprises numerous aromatic and medicinal plants. The “Mentha” genus belongs to this family, which comprises over 232 genera and about 7,200 other species. Terpenes, essential oils, and other natural chemicals are found in the stems, flowers, and leaves of these plants.
These essential oils are highly beneficial to humans and are widely used in various applications. This family is significant from both commercial and medicinal perspectives. In fact, components of many plants in this family, including leaves, flowers, and stems, are frequently used to enhance flavour in herbal medicines, teas, and spice blends. The aromatic plant known as Mentha is also referred to as ‘Japanese Mint’ in India.
Mentha oil is produced by extracting menthol and other derivatives from the dried leaves of “Mentha arvensis” through steam distillation and filtration. The food, pharmaceutical, fragrance, and flavour industries all make extensive use of Mentha oil and its derivatives.
Benefits and Uses of Mentha Oil
Mentha arvensis” oil is used to treat asthma, various digestive issues, inflammation, and fever. Additionally, it is effective in treating gum inflammation and toothache. The *Mentha arvensis* herb also alleviates symptoms of arthritis and is beneficial in treating insomnia and stress.
A decoction made from the field mint plant is used to treat flu, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. AOS Mentha oil is used in various cosmetic products, including soaps, fragrances, and talcum powder. It is also utilised in aromatherapy and as an ingredient in fragrances.
“Mentha arvensis” is used in food products; its oil is incorporated into a wide variety of foods. To enhance flavour, the raw leaves are sometimes added to salads and other dishes. Furthermore, it is used in chutneys, aromatic beverages, sweets, and herbal teas. The plant also serves as a flavouring agent in chewing gum, cough drops, and various alcoholic beverages.
It is used in medicines for internal consumption, and due to its flavour, it acts as an excellent gastric stimulant. With the growing interest in tribal and traditional plant-based medicinal practices, numerous studies have recently been conducted to examine the therapeutic effects of these herbs on human health.
| > This beneficial oil is effective for various skin issues, such as acne. It gently cleanses the skin and acts as a natural cleanser. > Another way to use peppermint oil for treating acne is to mix a few drops with grapeseed oil or jojoba oil and massage the mixture onto the affected areas. > To treat acne, apply a few drops of pure essential oil directly to the affected spots. Do these two to four times a day. However, considering skin sensitivity, it is advisable to dilute the oil before use. > Apply AOS Mentha oil to the affected tooth area using a cotton swab or by placing a drop on your finger. > This oil is highly effective and quickly soothes and numbs the area around the tooth. In Ayurveda, Mentha oil is considered a reliable oil for hormonal balance and overall health. > Menthol is beneficial for the nervous system; consider using it if you are suffering from depression. > Mentha oil is an ingredient in many medicinal and cosmetic products used to treat acne, fever, and dandruff. |
Mentha Oil Trade and Mentha Oil Rate
India is the second-largest producer of mint and mint-based products, ranking after China. Indian mentha oil companies export mint and mint-derived products worth ₹600–700 crore annually to countries across the globe. Due to the widespread use of mint in India, mentha has emerged as a valuable crop. Its beneficial properties have led to its adoption in households across the country, making a significant impact.
In fact, India is the largest consumer of mentha and mentha oil. Mint leaves are used in the preparation of sauces. Driven by rising production rates, India has now become the world’s largest producer and exporter of mentha oil. The country produces approximately 45,000 tonnes of mint oil annually and exports around 30,000 tonnes.
India exports various types of mint oil to countries such as the USA, the UK, the Netherlands, the UAE, Japan, South Korea, France, and Brazil. Common varieties exported include peppermint oil, mint oil, dementholized mint oil, spearmint oil, and horsemint oil. In 2015–16, India produced 29,000 tonnes of mentha oil; with an estimated opening stock of 15,000 tonnes, the total seasonal availability stood at 44,000 tonnes.
The growing global market for mentha oil is strongly linked to its increasing usage, driven by the rising demand for fragrance in personal care products such as cigarettes and mouthwashes.
A key factor driving the growth of the mentha oil market is the increasing demand for natural or certified organic personal care products. This trend is largely attributed to growing consumer awareness regarding the adverse effects of chemical-based products. Thanks to its inherent properties, mentha oil serves as a key natural ingredient in the production of organic and natural personal care products.
Mentha oil prices have historically been quite volatile. As mentioned earlier, the mentha oil market is highly volatile. The current price of mentha oil in the commodity market is ₹996 per kilogram. However, the price has been on a downward trend in India over the past year; in August 2021, it had reached ₹1,180 per kilogram. There could be several reasons for this, including a general trend of market sluggishness.
Also Read: G7 Summit 2026 Updates: President Trump states India and the US are ‘very close’ to a trade deal.
