How do eucalyptus/mint scents clear up a stuffy nose?
In: Biology
It is likely that eucalyptus/mint scents do not clear up a stuffy nose. An article [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3628651/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3628651/) named The effect of inhaled menthol on upper airway resistance in humans: A randomized controlled crossover study looked at the effect on menthol on nasal congestion. Albeit a small study, it showed no statistically different between placebo and menthol. I was unable to find any other study on the subject. The reason many people have responded that it increases vasodilation is because there are studies of topical menthol showing this effect. Although smell is small amounts of the substance reaching your nose, we cant jump to the conclusion that it is similar to topical application. The most likely reason people ‘feel’ less congested is because menthol (mint) and likely eucalyptus are counter irritants. By slightly irritating your nasal passage, it feels like more air is passing through but in reality you are only sensing the air more acutely. More studies would be required to say that mint clears up a stuffy nose.
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