How do eucalyptus/mint scents clear up a stuffy nose?
In: Biology
Mint and eucalyptus activate the temperature receptors in your nose (or wherever you ingest it), particularly those dealing with low temperatures. This activation is the same effect that happens when you eat a hot pepper, only the capsaicin in the peppers activate a different receptor (ones that respond to hotter temperatures).
Since the receptors that are activated are telling your brain “Hey I’m really cold”, the brain signals the blood vessels in that area to contract to prevent body heat loss. As the vessels contract, the nasal passages open up allowing you to breath easier.
*Edit: there, I’ve corrected the “contact”:”contract” problem lol.
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