Menthol is a chemical found naturally in peppermint, spearmint, and other similar plants, but it can also be made in a lab. It’s used in many ways and added to many products like syrups, creams, perfume, nasal sprays, candy, and much more.
Menthol was first added to cigarettes in the 1920s because it improved taste, cooled the throat and airways, and was reported to reduce pain which made tobacco smoke easier to inhale.