Weird menthol feeling all over my body!!! - Anxiety Support

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Weird menthol feeling all over my body!!!

Destinyweathers profile image

From time to time I get these menthol sensations all over my body that sometimes triggers my panic attacks cause they scare me!!! Does anyone else get these feelings? And whenever I talk to my doctor about it they look at me like I'm crazy and I feel stupid talking to them about it!

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Destinyweathers profile image
Destinyweathers
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113 Replies

I get those too. It's a symptom of anxiety. :c sometimes I even feel like my skin is crawling

Destinyweathers profile image
Destinyweathers in reply to

I get that too and I get itchy sometime... What about cramps in your left arm during ur anxiety?? Do u get those as well?

in reply to Destinyweathers

No i don't have only feeling menthol all over my body even in my eyes and in my mount

Something1 profile image
Something1 in reply to

Please what did you do to stop this sensation. Am feeling the same way and I don't know what to do. Advice please

Something1 profile image
Something1 in reply to

Please what did u

do to stop the menthol sensation all over the body.

erikaroman80 profile image
erikaroman80 in reply to Destinyweathers

Hi.I just had this mint sensation in my chest, arms and hands and found it so weird.I started thinking it could be anxiety or kind of a panic attack.So I search in Google and found your comment here.So just wanted to let you know, that I believe you even tho it could sound insaine which I thought it could sound if I go to ER and tell them.I'm hoping it won't happened again to yourself and I🤷It's feels kind of scary.Good luck.

lollymelinda profile image
lollymelinda

You need to tell a psychologist,not a doctor.They can help with this much better.They will understand your problem.Good luck!!

Agora1 profile image
Agora1

Hi Destinyweathers, you call it a menthol feeling and I use to say it was like a peppermint feeling that would overtake my body. All a part of the anxiety disorder.

MermaidMomma profile image
MermaidMomma

I know this is kinda old but I'm having the same thing right now. And well all day. It's freaking me out. I may have even gone to the ER😣 They may have sent me home after likely thinking I'm insane (I am..). Hypothetically, of course.

Anyway, OP, did you figure out what was causing it?

I do have anxiety, specifically health, so my normal meter is way off for things like this. Hence the (hypothetical) ER trip😔

Help! Tell me I'm not dying?

Destinyweathers profile image
Destinyweathers in reply to MermaidMomma

Yes i went straight to the emergency room and they checked everything told me my heart and all my vitals looked great and that they see this alot and that is was a form of anxiety! And that its not life threatening of anything to worry about and that anxiety does weird things to the body and jus to stay calm and tell urself ur okay..... Your not dying baby its just our anxiety acting up

cadibaby profile image
cadibaby

I am having the same exact symptom and its been freaking me out. Thank you for posting.

mystic101 profile image
mystic101

I started having the same symptoms recently. It started while I was sleeping a couple of weeks ago and I suddenly felt a "minty fresh" feeling pouring out of my joints. It persisted and seems to come and go and travel to different places. I also have the cramp in my upper left arm and dull head aches on the left side of my head that also come and go. I saw my doctor who said it was from an overloaded nervous system and prescribed a drug short term but it dries me out and makes the headache and head congestion worse. I have started seeing an acupuncturist for help. Thanks for these posts. It is comforting to know that others have experienced this as doctors I have spoken to say they have never heard of a "menthol sensation" suddenly all over the body.

5_00 profile image
5_00 in reply to mystic101

I recently started experiencing this and it sucks. Did you get it to go away? I also been having a burning sensation in my bottom did u experience that? I've been to doctor 3 times for the burning sensation but they don't see anything and it will go away for days then starts again so frustrating

Destinyweathers profile image
Destinyweathers in reply to 5_00

I did get it to go away after having so many tests done and blood work done all tests amd blood work would come back positive and I kept pushing my doctor's nerves to where she repeated all tests a few times and still everything came back normal I also have anxiety disorder so they informed me that your body does weird things in many different ways when it comes to anxiety so I used my mental with this one and told myself everyday I'm healthy I'm okay I'm not dying I said this like a affirmation everyday and when I would get them fewer and further between I would ignore it knowing I'm Okay and I just completely stopped having them! I also would have them when I had to have a bowel movement which is where the burning would come in and I also have GERD and even had a test to make sure I didn't have ulcers in my stomach and my bottom and none was found I suffer from constipation so I made sure to drink my Miralax daily to make sure I went regularly and that also helped with those sensations! I don't have them any more at all and no more burning either. I will pray for you so you may also finally get relief and comfort.. Hope this helped stay strong my love you can beat this too💖

Agora1 profile image
Agora1 in reply to Destinyweathers

I did the same as you Destinyweathers x Affirmations every day.

I'm glad you are doing so much better. :) xx

Destinyweathers profile image
Destinyweathers in reply to Agora1

I am glad you are doing better as well its nice to know we all will get bwtter with time and it's not permanent Thank you all for being here when I needed to talk and helping me out💖

SLGQ profile image
SLGQ in reply to 5_00

I've been going to at least 5 Dr's in the last 6 months for the EXACT SAME THING!!! everyone basically tells me I'm crazy because I'm totally healthy!!!! Ugh im so happy I found this Comment section so at least I know that I'm not alone ❤️❤️ but none of us are getting any answers 🤕🤕🥺🥺

Agora1 profile image
Agora1 in reply to SLGQ

Hi SLGQ, I'd like to Welcome you to this caring and understanding community.

I came on this site 7 years ago where I met Destinyweathers. I can tell you that

I long got over that Menthol/Peppermint feeling from Anxiety. It was the first

signs that I experienced with anxiety. It scared the heck out of me when I would

experience it. (which was only several times) After knowing that it was a part

of the high levels of Adrenaline from fear and nothing worse, those episodes

dwindled and went away. Of course, Anxiety always has another card up it's

sleeve which can keep us wondering "now what".

It's all a part of this game Anxiety plays with our mind. There's a book as well as

free video on YouTube by Dr. Claire Weekes that explains what we are feeling

and how to diminish it. "Hope & Help for Your Nerves".....

It's a great way to understand what you are feeling and going through. I'm glad

I saw your response tonight. I hope in some small way, it helps relieve some of your

anxiety. :) xx

KathsOhana profile image
KathsOhana in reply to Agora1

I started reading Dr Claire Weekes book. I've been having that menthol sensation which always starts in my breasts then goes to my upper back and upper arms sometimes my neck. When it reaches all those areas it seems to get hotter which I mean that sensation gets stronger then it slowly goes away. This feeling always puts me in a panic and I try to explain what I feel. It's almost like putting icy hot on as well. It's not on my skin but more in my body.

This has been going on off and on for almost 2 years now. I also deal with lightheaded as well and so many other sensations and symptoms. I'm glad to know I'm not alone with this sensation. All I know is that anxiety really throws us some weird symptoms and sensations... Thank you everyone.

Agora1 profile image
Agora1 in reply to KathsOhana

Hi KathsOhana, I experienced the same exact sensations. My doctors didn't know

what I was talking about and I didn't know anyone else who suffered from anxiety.

It was the weirdest of feelings because as you stated, it wasn't on the skin but deep

within the body. (icy hot is a good example) The lightheadedness was just another one of the symptoms that put fear into me. Well actually, anything Anxiety threw at

me, I believed it was catastrophic. That's where I went wrong. Anxiety really likes

to test our minds. Continue reading the wise words of Dr Weekes. Her videos on

on YouTube which will help as well. You are certainly not alone. :) xx

wigitwme51 profile image
wigitwme51

I am having the same sensations they are driving me crazy....

Destinyweathers profile image
Destinyweathers

I still have them til this day it comes and goes and sometimes along with it i get that derealization where i feel like im in a dream state and im really not here but clearly i am here lol but ive been to my doc other docs, 2 different cardiologists, and a gastrologists that says my health is un perfect shape and nothing wrong with me and that is my anxiety disorder doing so and i have gerd they also said those is associated with my gerd flare ups.... Yes u name it ive felt it and panicked and went straight to the ER where they know me personally by name before i even sign in

Dperez1223 profile image
Dperez1223 in reply to Destinyweathers

How often do you get them I have it too my primary thinks it’s MS had a brain mri normal I have anxiety myself

Destinyweathers profile image
Destinyweathers in reply to Dperez1223

I used to get them all the time but it has slowed down I still get them but rarely I haven’t been checked for MS

Dperez1223 profile image
Dperez1223 in reply to Destinyweathers

Yea I get them on and off mainly in legs where ... what does the dr say causes it

Destinyweathers profile image
Destinyweathers in reply to Dperez1223

They told me im healthy and have checked everything so they chopped it up to it Anxiety Disorder

Diannadada profile image
Diannadada in reply to Destinyweathers

I’ve been getting anxiety for years but this is the first time I’ve gotten a minty feeling. I told my husband if he put lotion on or thinking if I touched something minty but then it traveled to my legs and it’s all over my body. We were walking up the stairs and I told my kids n hubby I felt like I wasn’t here. Like out of body. I just showered but my body feels minty. I’m trying to relax but it’s annoying. I’m glad I googled and found this forum. I do have an overload of anxiety and panic attacks sometimes. Not sure how this started out of no where when I was in my car but hoping this minty feeling goes away. My husband said he doesn’t want to hear it because I always have a new symptom going on with me. Haha Not funny but I seriously do. He said I’m a “hypochondriac!!” I’m trying to relax. I hate this mint feeling though. It’s like if I rubbed minty gum on my body and it’s coming out of my pores. I also saw someone stating they have GERD. I also have GERD and stomach issues but maybe this is something to do with nerves I’m guessing since we all get anxiety even though I had no anxiety whatsoever when I was in my car but now this mint all over me won’t go away.

curiousbow profile image
curiousbow in reply to Diannadada

You literally described how I'm feeling tonight to a tea I do not know where this came from and I'm not feeling any anxiety so why do I feel this way

Mojito8 profile image
Mojito8 in reply to Diannadada

Where you able to sleep at night with this minty feeling?

Eric2024 profile image
Eric2024 in reply to Destinyweathers

I just experienced this last night... reason why I got the chance to read this post... I Google weird menthol sensation on skin and it got me here... I also felt those other symptoms as well... I know it's part of our CNS because I'm currently withdrawing from benzos and that's what it does when it's trying to get back to normal... I have been experiencing other symptoms for 4 months now but this one is definitely new and scary... I had to keep telling my self o was going to be ok..

KathsOhana profile image
KathsOhana in reply to Eric2024

New symptoms are always so scary. It's like we accept a symptom or sensation and anxiety throws us another one. I'm still getting that menthol icy hot sensation from time to time when anxiety is higher than normal. I can feel it starting in my breast then moves to arms and back. It stays and gets hotter then slowly goes away. It's not on my skin but more in my flesh which must be nerves. I have a hard time finding information about this symptom and would like to learn and understand it more. Sometimes when I wake up it's there and goes away. Sometimes a few times a day and some days nothing. It's very hard to explain to people and all I can tell them is it feels like menthol, icy hot medication cream or rubbing Vicks vapor rub. That's what it reminds me of. Why? I have no idea. Sometimes it just happens unexpectedly. Hope your feeling better.

SevenUp7 profile image
SevenUp7

has anybody here been taking peppermint oil capsules ???

Destinyweathers profile image
Destinyweathers in reply to SevenUp7

I haven't tried them.... What are the benefits of taking them

Diannadada profile image
Diannadada in reply to SevenUp7

Never have

roselathrop413 profile image
roselathrop413

I'm just starting to get these, I've been suffering from nerve pain for 3 years now, severe upon awakening. But now I feel this menthol cooling sensation in my whole body. Its better than the severe nerve pain but its so wierd and scary and i'd like to know what it is.

ssamnorge profile image
ssamnorge

I start to feel this menthol cold feeling few weeks ago and never recognize me as having anxiety. I have been looking for somebody or article on internet to read about it and finally i could read here from you. I have been to a doctor and he told «i do not have idea what can cause it» . So i am worried, curious and really would like to understand more about this menthol cold feeling under the skin (legs, stomach, back, hands...everywhere)

How do i know more about it? Do you have articles or some orthers informations? And of course...thank you. I was good to read here and see that i am not alone.

Best regards

S.

PurpleTeacup profile image
PurpleTeacup

You're not alone. I'm experiencing this now. Sometimes the minty cold feeling goes across my chest, sometimes both arms and chest. Or down my legs. It's so scary to me and I'm glad I found your post.

I've been dealing with an allergic reaction to bug bites all over my legs, slow healing. Two weeks with a huge blister. Don't know what bit me either. Then this week a good friend passed away suddenly. My body has been going through so much stress.

Destinyweathers profile image
Destinyweathers

Mine does it not all the time but often and I've gotten used to it I've had all kinds of tests done to see if its telling me something about my health but so far im in good health and they said ur body does weird things when u have Anxiety issues I also suffer from Gerd so when it happens I just pay it no mind and eventually it goes away faster than it came

Franceflower profile image
Franceflower

I created an account because im currently experiencing this menthol sensation ALL OVER MY BODY INCLUDING EYEBALLS.... This is probably how Elsa feels. Anyways, anyone know anything?

Destinyweathers profile image
Destinyweathers in reply to Franceflower

I had the same thing all over my body even felt like it was in my lungs and some days just certain parts of my body and I would constantly check my bp or heart rate and breathing count which was always normal so I asked my doctor can she do blood work and other tests she also sent me to a few specialists I thought I needed to see and every test I was given including labs were all normal but I was diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder and I felt it every time my anxiety acted up so I ignored it when it happened and took my meds she gave me which were buspirone & hydroxyzine as needed which stopped my anxiety in it's tracks!! And it's cut back I no longer take buspirone but i do take my hydroxyzine only when i feel uneasy and every once in a blue moon I get that menthol feeling but not as heavy as it once was and it doesn't last long anymore just remain calm and ignore it and it'll disappear before u know it

Ethnos profile image
Ethnos

I've scoured the entire internet and this is the only thread I could find with the exact symptoms my mother is experiencing. She's had a rollercoaster of symptoms for the past 2 months after a sudden ringing started in her ear. Since then she's very weak, she's having trouble swallowing, she's losing weight, her blood pressure is constantly out of wack, but most notably she experiences constant episodes where her entire body has a numb-like feeling in which she explains that her body feels like it's freezing and a vicks like chill rushes through her.

We've visited doctors and specialist, run several test but everything comes back relatively normal for her age and medical conditions.

If anyone here has found any resolution to the similar symptoms I've explained above, I would love to hear your story. Just know that you're not alone, I know this thread is a bit older but I'll be praying for everyone in the comments.

Thank you and May God Bless You All.

Destinyweathers profile image
Destinyweathers in reply to Ethnos

I've had the same exact symptoms as your mom and had all kinds of blood work done and tests even heart tests and all came back normal I was sure they weren't looking deep enough they kept putting on my anxiety disorder and me being a hypochondriac so I was given meds in which I took only when needed and started meditating and telling myself on a day to dy basis that I Okayy I'm really Okayy and healthy I started eating healthier some times I slacked but I cut out some of my caffeine intake staying away from thing that scared me or made me nervous doing things like crossword puzzles, watching fav funny shows (like Friends) and just working on not over thinking it and finally my mind relaxed I havent had this issue in a longggggggg time

Agora1 profile image
Agora1 in reply to Destinyweathers

Hi Destinyweathers happy to hear the good news.

Sending hugs your way. :) xx

Julie1609 profile image
Julie1609 in reply to Destinyweathers

Great to finally realise I am not alone. Recently started on meds for anxiety. I get these awful white hot minty tingling feelings that come on out of the blue. Starts with a tingling in my neck and then spreads thru my chest. It’s feels like I am being dipped in a vat of dencorub or vicks. They last about 30seconds but I am ‘shaky’ for hours afterward

Sylvia416 profile image
Sylvia416 in reply to Ethnos

Hey I hope ur mama is ok. I have what she has. Ringing in the ear, I’ve had episodes of vertigo, headaches, minty feeling chest and arms, feels like I burnt my tongue and roof of my mouth with hot soup but I didn’t! I was diagnosed with gerd and hemiplegic migraines but things are just really tough right now. Normally blood pressure is really low. But I’m 153/ whatever the doc said I couldn’t even function. My iron levels seem high vitamin d was low even when I got that under control I still feel like this and my white blood cells are up. So I don’t know what’s happening. I’m hoping ur mom has some more answers? Thank you

Loganshanslle profile image
Loganshanslle in reply to Ethnos

did you find answers I’m having this I’m so scared

Ethnos profile image
Ethnos in reply to Loganshanslle

Hi! I hope this message finds you well. We never got any answers, the doctors said it was potentially anxiety. They prescribed her a bunch of medication to help with the anxiety but she eventually stopped taking them because they didn’t work and were causing other side effects.

It took a lot of patience and time but the symptoms eventually went away. We don’t know what it was to this day. Sometimes it will creep up every now and then but she’s got much more control over it now. I’m sorry I don’t have any answers for you. Hang in there.

I have definitely had this sensation before. It’s such a weird symptom & hard to explain to anyone without them thinking you’re crazy!

Destinyweathers profile image
Destinyweathers in reply to

Yes most doctors look at me so weird when I would explain but as I just replied to message up top doing all those things helped Aloottttt I haven't felt them in a long time

joesmith1 profile image
joesmith1

Wow, experienced this feeling for the first time last night, scared the hell out of me. Woke my wife up and told her it felt like peppermint lotion was smeared all over my back and arms. Never thought I would find anything online relating to this so I was very encouraged to come across this forum. Obviously, anxiety is nothing to ignore, but relieved to read some of the findings here and also know I am not crazy, maybe just really stressed...Thanks for advice!

Destinyweathers profile image
Destinyweathers in reply to joesmith1

I've had every test done possible and all tests that were done multiple times spaced out came back normal I only got this sensation when I would have bad panic attacks or when my GERD acted up my doctor told me to ignore it and it took me a while but finally I was able to tell myself I'm healthy I'm Okayy I'm not dying and eventually I've noticed I don't even have this sensation anymore

BobbyBham profile image
BobbyBham

Not to make myself out as Presidential or anything, but I am the least anxious person I know. It's amazing. Nobody has ever been ever been less anxious than I am. Still, after many years of being referred to as Mr. Freeze (Batman character) by family members because I was never cold when they were, things have dramatically changed. For six months now, I feel like somebody took a menthol roller ball and ran it over my arms and torso (not so much my legs). While I am far from old (a mere lad of 78), my PCP has a facile explanation of age-related skin thinning. If that is the case, why did my skin thin within a matter of months? The symptoms did appear as Covid began to be part of our daily lives, but it never made me anxious because I am content with being a shut in. Maybe some day, we will know more about "menthol syndrome". In the meanwhile, don't chalk it up to anxiety unless sudden anxiety predated your mentholalgia.

Destinyweathers profile image
Destinyweathers

I do not get these feelings anymore I don't know whay happen but I am very happy I do not get these anymore.

KathsOhana profile image
KathsOhana in reply to Destinyweathers

I'm happy to know that it will eventually go away. This seems like an uncommon anxiety symptom. I just hate how I can feel it slowly move then stops and gets hotter then disappears. I'm sure it's my nerves firing from the daily anxiety. I do suffer from health anxiety as well.

chinadoll1123 profile image
chinadoll1123

Thank you! I know this was 4 years ago, but it helped me! I've been coming off of lamactil for 4 months now, and expierieced so many odd sensations from anxiety!

Destinyweathers profile image
Destinyweathers in reply to chinadoll1123

I had mine a lot after I had my 3rd child and I had constant panic attacks and my anxiety heightened to its fullest but learning to control my anxiety and ignore those menthol sensations by telling myself I'm healthy I'm okay I'm not dying I was able to over come it I haven't had that sensation in since 2016 I had my daughter in 2015

Agora1 profile image
Agora1 in reply to Destinyweathers

Hi Destinyweathers, I am sooo happy to hear that you've overcome

the sensation. Good for you. :) xx

Destinyweathers profile image
Destinyweathers

Thank you so muchhhh it's such a big relief!!!! How is everyone else feeling with it??

az11 profile image
az11

I made it a point to join this group so this can help others as you have helped me today. I have had this menthol IcyeHot sensation that moves around throughout limbs, face, back or eyeballs. Water feels warm on my hands when it is in fact cool water and as I write to you, the fan blowing in my face makes the menthol feeling worse. It doesn't happen every day. Although I plan on seeking medical care for testing, it does help to know that I am not alone! I guess sometimes we don't realize how much anxiety we carry. I'll be sure to post an update for the group.

Destinyweathers profile image
Destinyweathers in reply to az11

I had just the same in the same areas as you and I've had every test i could think of including multiple blood works done to xrays and ultrasounds on my body including CT scans and MRI's you name it they kept looking at me like I was crazy but they listened to me and did every thing for everything to be NORMAL

Av87 profile image
Av87

Wow thanks for this forum! I just now started having that menthol feeling for the first time in my life. I feel on the back of my hands and also on my nose. I feel like if I took vaporub and rub it on my hands and my nose. It’s crazy. I never thought there are more people experiencing the same symptoms. It’s nice to know that it might be realated to Anxiety Disorder. I have never been diagnosed with that but I’m guessing that’s what’s happening here.

Agora1 profile image
Agora1 in reply to Av87

It sure is from Anxiety Av87 I first suffered from that intense menthol feeling 30 years

ago. I never knew anyone else who could relate to that feeling until this forum.

You are never alone in what you feel or experience. :) xx

Av87 profile image
Av87 in reply to Agora1

Thanks for the reply Agora1. I notice before these menthol feelings I had a panic/anxiety attack. Like my heart rate went up. I took a shower and then like 30min after I started having this menthol sensation. And as I type I can feel it on th back of my fingers and legs as well.

Agora1 profile image
Agora1 in reply to Av87

Av87, Anxiety can produce many different sensations. I believe this is one of the less common ones. However, it comes from the same issue which is hyperstimulation of the nervous system. Whether if it stems from a real cause or even a thought, the

reaction can be the same. We go into the fight or flight mode and because we are

not truly in danger except in our mind, our body reacts by the over sensitized nervous system. The blood is diverted to the major organs allowing us to run or fight. When this happens it can leave us cold, tingly, sweaty as well as this warm peppermint/menthol feeling.

Sometimes an Anxiety attack can be attached to this sensation and sometimes it's just the sensation along with racing heart and dizziness It all depends in how our

mind interprets the threat at the time. The problem comes not from this feeling but

from us being put into a fear of fear cycle after this. This allows for the adrenaline

to stay present in the body making us more prone to another attack.

If we can accept it as non life threatening, we will automatically go into normal breathing which in turn will put us back into a calm state of both mind and body.

Once we learn how the Mind/Body Connection deals with stress and fear, we can

better understand how we can eliminate most anxiety from our lives. Anxiety will

always be a part of living however we can learn how to accept it for what it is and in

this way reduce the sensations :) xx

Mistyair profile image
Mistyair

It could be acid reflux in the form of a mist that goes up to your throat and reaches your lungs, nose, eyes, ears through all the respiratory passageways. The mist contains pepsin which is an enzyme usually found only in the stomach. Pepsin can settle on your voice box, etc cause irritation. This goes by various names: Respiratory Reflux, Airway reflux, LPR or Laryngopharangeal Reflux. Dr. Jamie Koufman or Dr. Jonathan Aviv has more information. Wipeout Reflux and Refluxgate and Pam Fox.org are more websites with information. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is not working well and is letting stomach contents (liquid and /or vapor) come back up the esophagus. The issue could be about diet or mechanical. Like if your stomach is pushed too close to your diaphragm and your LES becomes askew. Or your diaphragm is weak or you have a hiatal hernia.

Mistyair profile image
Mistyair

I’ve found that coconut oil helps tone down the inflammation caused by pepsin (see previous comment). Read about the health benefits of coconut oil in “The Coconut Oil Miracle” by Bruce Fife, ND. He has written many other books about coconut oil as well. His book about “Oil Pulling” is very informative.

Gaviscon Advance Aniseed Flavor can help. It is only sold in a dark brown bottle in the UK but sometimes Amazon stores a few bottles in their USA warehouses. It has sodium alginate in it. Shake the bottle well. Then take a few teaspoonfuls about an hour after you eat. It forms a foam that sits on top of the stomach acid so the contents don’t sneak back up into your throat and beyond. The foam lasts a few hours and then is digested with the rest of your food. Take a few teaspoons before you go to sleep. This buys you some time until you figure out why you are refluxing. If your abdomen is full of fat or fibroid tumors or you are constantly sucking in your gut, that can push your stomach up against your esophagus too.

Mistyair profile image
Mistyair

I’ve noticed that this misty reflux feels just like a menthol sensation! You can feel it in your eyes, eyelids, nasal passages, ear passages, eye tear ducts, throat etc. I think my symptoms would have been more severe if I hadn’t been taking coconut oil for the last 15 years. And I’ve been avoiding trans fats for the last 15 years. I’ve been trying to anyway. Also, my esophagus sphincter may be leaking less reflux than is typical.

Mistyair profile image
Mistyair

I did want to add that anxiety can irritate acid reflux issues. We tend to clench our muscles when stressed. Also the vagus nerve instructs the esophagus on how to operate. If the vagus nerve gets injured or damaged that can affect the function of the esophageal sphincters. The vagus nerve is a long nerve with many branches. So a lot of different sensations can crop up from the head to the back. There is a lot of info out there on how to improve vagal nerve tone, deal with a hiatal hernia naturally, etc.

Mistyair profile image
Mistyair

I keep thinking of new information to add! Quite a few natural recommendations out there on how to treat Respiratory Reflux or Airway Reflux or LPR (laryngopharangeal reflux). One is eating a low acid diet. So eating foods that are a high ph BEFORE digestion as it enters the throat. Lemons and vinegar are acidic when it contacts the THROAT so those are not recommended for LPR. These items may be alkaline AFTER digestion but they are acidic BEFORE digestion. Dr. Jonathan Aviv and Dr. Jamie Koufman have written cookbooks. Refluxgate, Wipeout Reflux and Pam Fox also have dietary recommendations. These folks don’t recommend Prilosec for LPR which is probably the prescription you’d get if you went to a medical doctor. Because the main problem is pepsin (see my previous comments). But for some people Prilosec may give good results. Anything is better than pepsin in your voice box or throat or lungs etc. Hang in there! The websites I’ve mentioned may be better resources than my quickly typed comments.

Mistyair profile image
Mistyair

Gaviscon Advance Aniseed Flavor is sold in the UK for the treatment of acid reflux. But people can order it online through Amazon etc. I went to order my first 500 ml bottle for about $35 recently and found out it would take five weeks to arrive from the UK unless I added another $20 to get it in two weeks! That’s a lot for one bottle. Then I clicked on another tab in Amazon and found out there was one bottle left in a warehouse in Ohio that I could get in two days for about $40. That is still pricey. But it’s a lot quicker. I guess the seller lets Amazon keep a few bottles in the USA sometimes. Its a thick white liquid that tastes okay to me. There is a label on the bottle that you peel away to read more information. You have to shake the contents each time you go to pour the liquid out. If you don’t shake the contents, it doesn’t work as well. I’ve only tried it for a few days so far and I do think it keeps most of the acid reflux from coming back up your esophagus. But I still get that menthol sensation at times. I’m hoping that some stretching exercises from Dr Jo and perhaps some bodywork to strengthen my diaphragm will help. I do have large fibroid tumors and I did a bunch of bracing exercises which shoved my stomach up against my esophageal sphincter and out of the blue I started burping and getting acid reflux. I may have been refluxing before and not noticed it. I’d have bouts of sneezing or nasal drip or little cysts in my nose and one under my eyelid even. But I never considered LPR. I ate healthy but I’d overeat or stress eat on a regular basis. Not any more! Nothing like pepsin in your throat to discourage emotional eating! Finding ways to deal with anxiety is helpful. So is a relaxed diaphragm, not slouching or slumping, good muscle tone, a happy vagus nerve etc

Destinyweathers profile image
Destinyweathers in reply to Mistyair

I haven't dealt with it in a while but I do get it on amd off and I do suffer from GERD as well as Anxiety Disorder

Agora1 profile image
Agora1 in reply to Destinyweathers

Hi Destinyweathers x it's been a long time.

I don't have GERDS. For me it was an issue of my oversensitive nervous system.

Once I started using Meditation and Breathing daily, I came to a better place in

my life and that feeling never came back.

I wish you well. It's nice to hear from those who are doing better now.

Take care. Stay safe :) xx

Mistyair profile image
Mistyair

I’m glad it’s gotten better for you! I’m guessing the GERD is related to the menthol sensation. When anything from the stomach sneaks up the esophagus, it can land anywhere and cause irritation.

So it could get into the lungs and people think it’s asthma. It could get in the eye tear ducts and people think it’s dry eye. It could get in the Eustachian tubes of your ears and people think it’s an ear infection. Or in the nasal passages and people think it’s allergies or sinus problems. Or in the throat and people think they have a cold.

Usually the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) isn’t closing properly. Or the diaphragm isn’t working right. Or the stomach is pushed up too close to the diaphragm. It’s a challenge figuring out how to resolve it. Pepcid and Gaviscon may work for awhile. Eating a low acid diet, smaller but more meals, eating slowly and chewing your food more before swallowing, belly breathing, gentle side bends, being good to yourself, avoid laying down too soon after eating, eating earlier in the day, avoid eating later in the day, gentle massage, avoid sucking in your gut may help. Pam Fox reversed her hiatal hernia naturally. She has a program with diet and exercise tips. So does Coach Zach Zenios. And David Gray from wipeout reflux. And Gerrit from Refluxgate. For some people, Prilosec works.

Sarajohnson28 profile image
Sarajohnson28

I just started getting this and I’m terrified.It’s hard for me to accept it’s anxiety.. the feeling feels like cold air is rushing out of my pours. I don’t have chills or even feel cold. It’s like I’ve poured icy hot or bio freeze on me and it’s in my blood stream

Ajorda33 profile image
Ajorda33

I made an account just to post in here. I’ve been having this feeling for a week now and I don’t have anxiety at all. I’m 27 and I just had a physical and everything came back healthy. I feel this menthol sensation in my chest and on my arms??? It’s so weird. I see a lot of comments with just eyes nose, and throat but I feel so odd with arms and that I don’t have anxiety.

Matttoro171093 profile image
Matttoro171093 in reply to Ajorda33

Hi I also made an account just for this... trust me you are not alone. at the beginning I was thinking I was going crazy! I am going to start mindful meditation as a lot of people agree that it has to do with anxiety but I am also going to start checking what Mistyair said in the above post. I think it makes a lot of sense. Basically it has to do with your esophagus or GERD etc. I hope you get better! I will post if I manage to find a solution xx

LittleGirt profile image
LittleGirt in reply to Ajorda33

I'm the same. No anxiety here. Having this feeling for 6 weeks now. It moves and shifts affecting the arms , legs, back, eyes and esophagus.No sure who to see for help.

Destinyweathers profile image
Destinyweathers

It's gotten so much better with meditation and knowing what foods to eat and not eat I barely get these feelings anymore and thank youuu so much

lucaslee95 profile image
lucaslee95

I’m having the same problem since last week every night before I’m almost asleep I’ll feel the menthol on my right side of the body. I thought it was normal since i like to use menthol products. But it’s been bugging me every night and i got scared thinking how to explain is i want to see a doctor. So I searched in google but no answers but i found this page so I’m not alone after all 🤣 hahaha.

BigDawg12 profile image
BigDawg12 in reply to lucaslee95

This is what I'm going through right now and it's a relief to know I'm not alone.

kaceybee profile image
kaceybee

I'm wondering if anyone here is on wellbutrin or bupropion. I get this menthol feeling too. I've found it's in my body fluids. when I'm sweating is when I feel it everywhere.. but it's in my mouth and throat always, and in my tears, and uh ...other areas.

I've always had a bit of anxiety, usually situational and not generalized. but I only notice the menthol feeling when I'm taking the medication.

Hoping we could find that as a common denominator so we can tell our nay-saying doctors what's up. ;)

Destinyweathers profile image
Destinyweathers in reply to kaceybee

I wasnt taken any meds when I was getting mine I had all sorts of test done and everything was normal I even went to different docs for second & 3rd opinions with other tests done with normal everything I have anxiety disorder where I get attacks more often than I would like in different symptoms from time to time but for a long time no attacks... I do take wellbutrin bupropion for my mental state for bipolar, depression & mood swings as well these meds dont give me any side effects they actually help me and make me feel like a ball of light and put me in a positive state of mind

Agora1 profile image
Agora1 in reply to Destinyweathers

Hi Destinyweathers xI'm so glad you are doing well. Me too and I use to get that menthol feeling

at one time as well. All part of the Anxiety game Stay Safe :) xx

Livs_life_03_25 profile image
Livs_life_03_25

I started getting them last week after the vaccine. It definitely has nothing to do with the vaccine I don't think. Im hoping is more in my head because I keep thinking I'll be that 1 in 1 million that my heart will flare up and my body is giving me a physical reaction because I'm so paranoid and scared

HJ019 profile image
HJ019

I have also just made an account because of this sensation! For a couple.of months I've had this menthol tingling feeling. Initially it started in my feet and hands and has progressively got worse, now pretty much my whole body, and it's most of the time.

I suppose I have been feeling anxious and stressed this year. I used to have tummy issues which the doctor put down to IBS but I have been fine for a couple of years.

Historically, my tummy was my "weak point" and I felt that stress potentially triggered painful episodes but my tummy has been fine, just minty cold menthol all over! I hope it goes!

Thanks for sharing, it helps!

Destinyweathers profile image
Destinyweathers in reply to HJ019

Hope everything goes well mine was from being anxious all the time on and off and I was also told anxiety can make your body do some weird things I also have GERD as well and it would do it when I had a gerd flare up and then it would just go away once I calmed myself down all tests showed nothing serious that was causing it all blood work and other test came back normal

Agora1 profile image
Agora1 in reply to Destinyweathers

Hi Destiny xI just saw this post now

Those were bad times as I experienced as well.

It's good to know you are doing so much better.

All in time... Season's Greetings! :) xx

HJ019 profile image
HJ019

I am so glad you are doing better now, thank you for posting, it helps to know you are not the only one

Destinyweathers profile image
Destinyweathers in reply to HJ019

Yessss I am so much better I don't even get the sensation anymore and your going to look up and not have yours anymore 😊 and I love this website it helps me stay calm hearing from others and for me to be able to help others as well

Lammergeier profile image
Lammergeier

Is anyone else still having this feeling? How long does it last for you? I just for the first time had this feeling and it threw me into a major anxiety attack. Scariest thing I've ever been through. I know this post is old, but I hope someone else is may know of this issue.

Cc1283 profile image
Cc1283 in reply to Lammergeier

I just started having this feeling last night and it’s terrifying. I do have anxiety and just got new meds and After reading everyone’s experience i am trying to tell myself I’m okay. The panic attack it causes is almost debilitating

CChavezz profile image
CChavezz in reply to Lammergeier

omgosh that's what happened to me; last Friday out of the blue with no previous symptoms, my body felt like it had completely blown all circuits! Now having that cold menthol rush. How are you doing now?

Agora1 profile image
Agora1 in reply to CChavezz

Hi CChavezz, I thought I'd respond to your request since I remember all too wellthose "menthol rushes" I use to get. It was at the very start of experiencing anxiety

when I didn't have any idea what was happening to me. The worst part of it was

that no one else seemed to care or understand what it was like. Alone and being afraid

just made it worse and made it last long.

That was a long time ago now and I am fine. That experience didn't hurt me physically

but mentally left me to suffer with anxiety/agoraphobia for a long time.

Once I got my Anxiety under control, I was and am able to live an amazing life.

You are never alone in what you experience with stress and fear. This is a safe caring

place to be. Just reach out anytime. :) xx

CChavezz profile image
CChavezz in reply to Agora1

Thanks so much!! I'm so happy to hear that you're doing great!! I appreciate your message! I think the worst part in all of this is waiting for the other shoe to drop! Especially since it's just one week in. Almost like looking over your shoulder for it all of the time. I did msg my doctor and just asked her to make a note of it...but that I would continue to exercise/meditate/affirmations etc and remind myself everything really. is okay. (because it is!). Saw chiropractor yesterday and we talked about it which was great...and he worked out the upper back tightness (which he said is common when your body goes through the fight or flight experience). I'm feeling positive about moving beyond this and hopefully nipping it in the bud!!! XOXOXO Thank you so much!!

Maria272727 profile image
Maria272727

I'm so glad I came across this post. It has helped me calm down a bit since I have been having similar experiences. My first experience occurred in October 2020. I remember driving my son to school and feeling a bit of coolness on my skin and just brushed it off as it came and went quickly. As days went on, I felt it more frequently until one night I started to feel like someone rubbed menthol all over my shoulders. I told my husband that I wanted to schedule an appointment with my primary doctor. That same night I couldn't sleep. I felt this coolness expanding to other areas of my body including lower to my back, ribcage, shoulders, neck and head. If I had a single drop of water on my skin I could feel the coldness. At one point I felt it on my leg but then realized my baby had droolled on me. I wiped it off because it bothered me so much. My anxiety was through the roof thinking that something was wrong with my brain. It terrified me and I had my husband take to the ER. They did some bloodwork and a CT scan of my neck and everything came back normal. I was sent home and I then scheduled an appointment to see a neurologist. The neurologist conducted a Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction study to see if I had any nerve or muscle disorders including MS. Everything came back normal. She said it could be an allergic reaction to possibly a shampoo I was using. Didn't really believe that but I still went to the store to by a hypoallergenic shampoo in hopes that this would go away. I then scheduled an appointment with my primary doctor. He claimed he found a small spider bite on my back and said it could be that. I didn't really believe that either but I just accepted that explanation. This probably all lasted about a week and then it was gone. I was back to living life. But a few days ago it came back. There is no way I could have another spider bite in the same place and cause the same symptoms. Same symptoms as before occurred but this time I had a mild headache for half a day. It seemed to have peaked two days ago and I'm slowly feeling better again. So here I am now. I'm planning to go back to my primary doctor to get a final opinion. But looking back I can see why this could be related to anxiety. The first time it happened was a week after I found out my dad had cancer. And this time I have been concerned of my family getting sick due to covid as everyone has been testing positive in my extended family. I even had a bit of a breakdown the day when the menthol sensation peaked. Although I have had anxiety in the past and I am barely having these symptoms. Sometimes it just seems so unbelievable that these symptoms are linked to anxiety. If anyone has any other possible explanations please let me know. Thank you destiny for starting this thread.

Maria272727 profile image
Maria272727 in reply to Maria272727

Also wanted to add in that I am 26 year old female and the only medication I currently take is Levothyroxine for my hypothyroidism diagnosis.

Yarraetienne profile image
Yarraetienne in reply to Maria272727

I had my first menthol sensation after consuming peppermint tea and I experienced everything you just said. It happened in 2020 I had to stop using anything that had peppermint mine came with extreme thirst and itchiness all over my body. I felt it in my eyes, my brain, legs arms, chest I could not sleep and it hurt so much and lasted weeks. It did some damage and I took months to recover the thirst took the longest to go away. All my test came back normal too. For me it was the peppermint!

Joe8724 profile image
Joe8724 in reply to Maria272727

Did you ever get any answers

RayaSunshine69 profile image
RayaSunshine69

Hi, I know this post was forever ago but I get icy hot like I've applied A535 on my skin and I also get minty sensations. It's so difficult to explain and people think I'm crazy. I also get hot needles everywhere. Not pins and needles. They are bigger and way more spaced apart. Also, i don't get much anxiety anymore. I just feel you would like to know I understand ♡

OrganicInClovis profile image
OrganicInClovis

I had this start today after having xrays and radiation therapy. A co-worker said it happened to him once and ER told him it was steroids he was using during an illness. I've been on Nasonex which is a steroid and that's all I take. We think that plus the xrays/radiation caused an allergic reaction in my body. It feels like vicks vaporub was slowing slathered around my left breast (but not the breast itself) and it moved into the collar bone, my shoulder, my neck/chi, my arms, hand and inner thighs then down my legs to my feet like it's following the blood flow somehow. I took claritin and it subsided a little bit but after a few hours the sensation has come back. I have been unable to locate information on a reaction to steroids mixed with xrays/radiation causing a menthol sensation like this to happen. Just letting all y'all know in case any of you are on any type of steroid medications. ER told my coworker to just drink a lot of water and pee it out and it will go away. Hopefully that's the case because I do not like the sensation of vicks or menthol of any sort touching my skin. This is terrible.

Anxietygrandma profile image
Anxietygrandma in reply to OrganicInClovis

I have had a similar experience. Weird flushing, minty sensation and panic. I was taking 5 to 10 mg prednisone for an autoimmune arthritis I have. I jad 2 episodes several days apart. I had a depo medrol shot in one knee and these sensations escalated to multiple daily. Doc had me take benadryl. Allergist did a trytase test a few days later. It was normal. I had another episode last week and a mild one today. Not sure I it's an allergy to steroids or something else. My mom had an anaphactic response to steroids years ago and I just found a sister with MS also does not take steroids. I hope you have found some answers for your situation.

Joe8724 profile image
Joe8724 in reply to OrganicInClovis

Do you still get it

uasa profile image
uasa

Hello all,

I have had on/off health related anxiety since 2016. Last night while trying to go to sleep, I had this minty feeling travel from my heart to my extremities. It felt like menthol in my veins being pumped out to the extremities with each heart beat. I told my self it's okay and went to sleep. I would have been thinking about it for a long time if not for you guys. So, thank you. I did let my cardiologist know. Let's see if he knows something.

I am a healthy 36 yo kidney donor who has had all sorts of testing done. My creatinine is higher than normal but no other health issues.

I think you all right about it being related to anxiety.

ScaredSore profile image
ScaredSore

I have been having some strange symptoms for about two months. They started 11 days after I had my 4th COVID vaccination. I am not sure if they are related to that, but just thought I'd mention it.

One of the symptoms I have been having is the "menthol" or "minty" feeling described in this thread. It happens in the middle of the night: it wakes me up and scares the h#ll out of me.

At first, it was just on my left arm, but now it is a wider area and can be anywhere on my body. It moves around from night to night. Any combination of arms, hands, legs, feet, back, neck, chest, stomach, scalp and so on.

I am pretty scared by it, TBH.

This is in addition to my other synptoms, which I experience more in the daytime. They are:

Electrical-type pain in me right big toe. (Intensity varies from a dull static to full-on zaps.)

Intermittent stabbing pains anywhere in my body.

Hot, sunburn feeling down my left arm and into the hand. (No chest pain.)

Tingling/crawling and pain in both hands.

Flaring and spreading psoriasis plaques. (They also tingle, itch and crawl.)

Occasional numbness in my tongue.

Occasional crawling scalp pain.

Anyway . . . just wanted to share that there is yet another menthol sufferer out there.

Thanks for reading.

uasa profile image
uasa

Cardiologist says he has never heard of it and told me to not worry about it. I am getting an echo done in a couple of weeks. Hopefully, I am in the clear.

Mohagony1 profile image
Mohagony1

Destinyweathers how are your symptoms? This is my second week with the menthol sensation. I also have anxiety and GERD.

Joe8724 profile image
Joe8724 in reply to Mohagony1

Did you get any answers

ShRobi profile image
ShRobi

I’m so glad I found this thread. I was trying to find the best wording to describe to my doctor what I am feeling. At first I thought I was having a Niacin flush since I take for high cholesterol but I haven’t taken none for over one month now. I also read that this feeling could be from vein problems so I asked my doctor a referral to a vein specialist because I only get this feeling when I’m laying down so it kind makes sense to me. And again, thanks to you and everyone who posted because things like this can help people get to the right answer for their health concern and stop thinking they have serious health issues ( Google had “told me” it could be Lupus or even MS).

Joe8724 profile image
Joe8724 in reply to ShRobi

Did you get any answers

ShRobi profile image
ShRobi in reply to Joe8724

I got to see a vein doctor and I do have issues with circulation. I got my compression socks 2 days ago and it seems to be helping. I went to a specialist where they do a 1h ultrasound. I’m mentioning that specifically because I had done leg ultrasound before but it wasn’t in a specialized center so they only checked for blood clots .

AmiableAmy profile image
AmiableAmy

I started getting this. First it started with menthol/peppermint feeling that would move on my arms, legs, , stomach. Then it would come on all of a sudden starting in my chest like a wave of menthol sweeping over my body. Doctors look at Mr like I'm crazy when I tell them this. I had all the tests done. I started citapram 6 months ago. Which helped. But last week, it happened again. I'm glad I found this forum!

Gorczyca12 profile image
Gorczyca12

I’ve had this weird menthol sensation for almost 2.5 months now it started in my legs about a year and a half ago, I was relaxing and all of the sudden my legs felt this weird icy hit feeling. I never experienced it again until this past December - I had Pneumonia for a week and immediately after the feeling was back in my legs. Moving to my arms, chest, head, hands, you name it. It’s extremely uncomfortable and scary. I’ve had many tests done, EMG, brain and spinal MRIs to rule out MS, nerve damage, etc. all blood work comes back normal, doctors don’t know what I’m describing. I’ve always had a little anxiety in the past situationally, who doesn’t? I am very type A and am really hard on myself and expectations, I thought no way this could be anxiety but it’s the only thing that lines up. I scared myself silly when I had pneumonia thinking something was really wrong. My anxiety has since increased because I can’t get out of the anxious cycle of thinking something is wrong with me. I’m so glad I found this thread, it’s the first time I’ve felt understood and felt a little peace for the first time in 2 months. I hope everyday it fades and I feel normal again. Thanks so much!

Joe8724 profile image
Joe8724 in reply to Gorczyca12

Have you gotten any answers

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