Thread: Menthol as a Dream Enhancer

Originally Posted by melanieb

I didn't take it that way. Just pointing out how odd a language English is.

Though your capitalization of the word is curious. I wouldn't think you would do so if it was just describing a color or attribute.


Anyway, I'm glad you're participating in this effort. It really will be helpful to the DV community.

Yes, i thought the capitalization helps too. After all that's the name of the candy, so it's capitalized, i couldn't write it with lowercase letter Just like Halls or Kinder or whatever else.

I'm glad to help test things out... and this is something that even i can do, since menthol is mostly easy to get some of... not like if there maybe would be some tests with drugs, since i can't get stuff like that.

Originally Posted by RobStar

Isn't that one of the chemicals found in chocolate which makes it so appealing?

It is in chocolate, but I would doubt how much of an effect it has. Pure phenethylamine is degraded very rapidly by MAO enzymes, meaning that it requires either a very large dose or MAO inhibitors to become active.

Phenethylamine is one of the main points of this experiment. My guess on why menthol works involved kappa-opioid receptors increasing the release of natural phenethylamine in the brain.

I thought as much. I did read, or hear about it somewhere a while back which is quite interesting. It is one of those chemical names you don't easily forget.

Talking of the menthol I'm hoping to try two lozenges in the morning tomorrow. I went out this afternoon to my local shop where for the measily sum of 60 pence sterling I got my hot little hands on another pack. I felt a little sheepish about it. lol. Little did the shop guy know that it was in aid of 'science'. cough..cough. (...Or a Viagra substitute?)

I will have to look out for some Peppermint Tea to try as well.

It is pretty interesting.

Alright, sounds good! Hahaha, I'm sure they're unsuspecting for now, but pretty soon when everyone's going out and buying huge amounts of cough drops they'll start to question every customer they've ever had. And heh, Viagra substitute... that sounds pretty accurate so far. X)

Bwahahaha! The peppermint tea is mine!



Now I'm back in the game.

Originally Posted by Alyzarin

Bwahahaha! The peppermint tea is mine!



Now I'm back in the game.

You are such a tease!

Uhm... i totally forgot to set a WBTB alarm today....


Aly: That "Pure Peppermint" sounds encouraging

I was discussing this in the IRC chat last night. I've had large amounts of menthol cough drops in the past (when I was ill), with no particular dream side effects that I can remember.

I took one last night, and let it slowly dissolve. Now, I do have to say that I brushed my teeth after I took the menthol cough drop.

I didn't notice any difference in my dreams. However, I did notice that my throat and chest were "numb" much faster than normal -- I have a little pacemaker device that connects to the nerves in my throat, so I'm usually very aware of the device activating when I'm trying to fall asleep.

But I found that my throat and chest were rather relaxed and numb, and I fell asleep faster.

I stopped the menthol, and then spontaneously became lucid. Again, difficult to separate it from coincidence.

Last night's dreams. (Wall of text!)
Anxiety dreams, the House and the Factory, etc. - Dream Journals - Lucid Dreaming - Dream Views

July 8th 2012

Retired for bed at 12.25 am
Woke up via Alarm at 5.15 am
Back to bed at 5.43 am
WBTB period 18 min

Lozenges x3
Menthol = 29.1 mg

Sorry if there are any mistakes. I haven't had much time to proof read as I have got to go straight out now.
I did get a lot of visuals, etc. I took a long time to drop off initially. Had to strip off as I got too warm in bed!
A lot of dreams (non-lucid) where one was quite vivid. Not 100% with the exact scene order as I had to note it down in the morning using keywords, etc. So I might have got one or two scenes mixed up?

As Dutchraptor and you state there is more storylines. I put this down to the Menthol, the light sleep & the vividness of the dream. I.E:The more vivid = More recall.

Well, I actually had a pretty nifty night. I drank one cup of peppermint tea as a starter dose, not expecting too much, and the effect was lesser for me than multiple cough drops but it was definitely there, so I'll probably push it up to two cups tonight. I'll write my DJ entry in a minute so I can put it here.

Originally Posted by littlezoe

Uhm... i totally forgot to set a WBTB alarm today....


Aly: That "Pure Peppermint" sounds encouraging

Haha, it happens. And I know, I thought it was a good brand to choose. (Also, it has like 5 more tea bags for half the price of the only other one they have lol.)

Originally Posted by Mindraker

I was discussing this in the IRC chat last night. I've had large amounts of menthol cough drops in the past (when I was ill), with no particular dream side effects that I can remember.

I took one last night, and let it slowly dissolve. Now, I do have to say that I brushed my teeth after I took the menthol cough drop.

I didn't notice any difference in my dreams. However, I did notice that my throat and chest were "numb" much faster than normal -- I have a little pacemaker device that connects to the nerves in my throat, so I'm usually very aware of the device activating when I'm trying to fall asleep.

But I found that my throat and chest were rather relaxed and numb, and I fell asleep faster.

Well, it's possible that it just works better for some than others. Not every dream enhancer works for everyone. I am glad that it helped you get to sleep faster, though. Have you ever tried peppermint tea? I've heard of it being used for that purpose, too, it's fairly relaxing. It may help with vividness where the cough drops have failed, as well.

Originally Posted by Wolfwood

I stopped the menthol, and then spontaneously became lucid. Again, difficult to separate it from coincidence.

Or maybe, it was those long-term effects having finally stacked up and become ready to reveal themselves? Or maybe you just got lucid, whatever. It can be hard to say when some of us already become lucid somewhat regularly, but did you notice anything different or enhanced about the dream?

Originally Posted by RobStar

Last night's dreams. (Wall of text!)
Anxiety dreams, the House and the Factory, etc. - Dream Journals - Lucid Dreaming - Dream Views

July 8th 2012

Retired for bed at 12.25 am
Woke up via Alarm at 5.15 am
Back to bed at 5.43 am
WBTB period 18 min

Lozenges x3
Menthol = 29.1 mg

Sorry if there are any mistakes. I haven't had much time to proof read as I have got to go straight out now.
I did get a lot of visuals, etc. I took a long time to drop off initially. Had to strip off as I got too warm in bed!
A lot of dreams (non-lucid) where one was quite vivid. Not 100% with the exact scene order as I had to note it down in the morning using keywords, etc. So I might have got one or two scenes mixed up?

As Dutchraptor and you state there is more storylines. I put this down to the Menthol, the light sleep & the vividness of the dream. I.E:The more vivid = More recall.

Hehehehe, that one dream.... The consequences of messing around with a libido enhancer, eh? I got some cool visuals myself last night with the tea. And I'm glad you're getting the storyline effect, it's always been one of my favorite dream aid effects. It can really make things more interesting.

Alright, here's what I got for last night, from one cup of peppermint tea. Not too bad, if I do say so myself. The lucid still had the same kind of ending as they have each time....

DJ Entry - PSO2 Just Got Even Better, Taking Off My Robe

Supplement Dose: 1 cup Peppermint Tea

#1 - PSO2 Just Got Even Better [Non-Lucid]

All I remember about the first part of the dream was JRE asking me if I was checking him out, because he said that he could tell when people had "the eyes", or something like that. I wasn't checking him out, though. My memory skips forward a bit, and now I'm hanging out with JB. We're talking about Phantasy Star Online 2 (though it's not even remotely correct in its design) and playing what I believe is a demo. It has all the same menu structures as the original Phantasy Star Online, and I ask JB if he transferred over his character from Phantasy Star Universe. (Which isn't how it works. ) I was looking through my character's inventory during this and noticing that I had tons of really badass weapons, especially swords, and one of them was called Snake Beater, which I thought was pretty cool at the time. (A Phantom Brave reference.) We're apparently playing the game in some kind of warehouse, and the cool part is, whenever I was looking at these weapons they would actually spawn right next to us. They looked soooo cool, lots of them were dark neon colors or had black shadowy auras, and stuff like that.... So awesome. >w< JB takes all of this in, then turns to me and asks if I've been laid yet. Fuck you, JB. Then I woke up.

Soon after I rolled over to get to sleep again, I heard a somewhat loud banging noise. I actually used to get these a lot, whenever I would be entering sleep paralysis, but they haven't happened in a long time and it startled me awake. I was also getting very vivid hypnagogic stuff. Very mentholy.

Dream Fragment - Someone else and I were out back at my pool, and as we drew in the water with our hands, waves of glowing rainbow patterns would burst out from where we touched and hold their form for a minute. Whoever I was with (I think it was a guy, but that's about all I can remember) drew a heart shape in water, and I watched it as the patterns formed together. It looked so romantic.

#2 - Taking Off My Robe [DILD]

I think there was something going on this dream before I became lucid, but I don't remember much of it. I was housesitting for someone, and I decided to go out front. It seemed to be about the middle of the day, and while looking down the neighborhood road I became lucid. Three for three! My senses were pretty clear and vivid too, so that's cool. Somehow I got worked into trying to fly in third-person, and it was kind of working (and I remember watching a car drive down the road from a perspective slightly off the ground as I was doing it), but it was also making the dream rather unstable, so I stopped. At this point the dream shifted to nighttime, but I was still in front of the house. The shift was somewhat disorienting, and so, though I didn't really fully lose lucidity, for a minute I was just kind of going along with what was happening. I sat down on the curb next to the driveway (which was in front of the house), and it suddenly occurred to me that I was wearing nothing except a bra, panties, and a pink robe to cover myself with. Hmm, good to know. I actually felt pretty attractive in it. At around that time, a couple walked up and started pacing around the driveway. It was dark and I wasn't really looking directly at them for most of it, but I want to say that they were Hispanic. I had an instant attraction to the girlfriend, and I wanted to go up and tell her to ditch her boyfriend but it didn't feel like the right time. I just kind of listened to what they were talking about for a minute or two (though I don't really remember what it was now), and then they went into the house. They had been acting like they knew the owners or something, and could go in freely. Once they went through the door, now regaining full lucidity, I got up and followed closely behind them, deciding it was time to make my move. I could see them sitting on the couch through a window, and they turned to look at the door as I opened it. As I walked through it, I stripped off my robe to reveal my sexy lingerie and got blasted with a wave of libido. I felt curvier and like I was radiating beauty, like I was some kind of supermodel. I went and sat down in front of the girl, who was now white with blonde hair and wearing a blue bikini top and cut off jeans, I believe (though I barely noticed the switch at the time). I reached one of my arms around her and started running my hands over her skin, massaging her breasts, and basically just stroking her all over. She felt unbelievably soft, it was great. I could tell that she was enjoying it, and I grabbed her and went in for a kiss. All of the sensations were extremely vivid, including that last bit, but then the dream started collapsing around me, and I woke up, still extremely horny.

Oh menthol, what am I going to do with you?

Originally Posted by Alyzarin

Well, it's possible that it just works better for some than others. Not every dream enhancer works for everyone. I am glad that it helped you get to sleep faster, though. Have you ever tried peppermint tea? I've heard of it being used for that purpose, too, it's fairly relaxing.

Is peppermint tea caffeine-free? If so, I might just try it. I *vaguely* remember my mom trying something like dissolving a peppermint candy in a cup of tea a long time ago for the flavor (I doubt if this is the same thing, ha ha.)

Originally Posted by Mindraker

Is peppermint tea caffeine-free? If so, I might just try it. I *vaguely* remember my mom trying something like dissolving a peppermint candy in a cup of tea a long time ago for the flavor (I doubt if this is the same thing, ha ha.)

Mine is, and they usually will be, I'd say. It should say on the box, as well. And hehe, yeah, I'm not sure if that's exactly the same, but it does sound like a fun idea.

Today I changed my drink a little, now it contains fresh mint, blueberry leaves and wild strawberries. Lets see if it makes a difference.

Yeah that one dream of mine I think you are eluding to was quite 'bizzare' and a bit sexual as such? Still very interesting however.
I forgot to add the part to the journal where upon finally waking at 8.50 am that I felt mentally tired due to all the visuals, etc.

Your dreams were great especially the robe one where you were lucid, etc. Sounds really cool! Yes I think when the emotions kick in then there is a high chance or possibility of waking up as I found with my bar dream the other night. I think you will crack it however.
Me? Well I'm still only a learner really as I need to work on my control now that I get regular lucids.

I will have to see what tomorrow brings whether to attempt a WBTB as I have had a bit of a stressful afternoon. It depends how I feel tomorrow as I have got to sort things out tomorrow morning as well.
I will still set the alarm however, quite early. Same time and all that.

Who needs to buy '50 Shades of Grey' when we can read Alyzarin's DJ.

This is a really interesting thread, I found some menthol sweets in my bathroom cabinet. The packet states they are MENTHOL but doesn't say how much per sweet. I'm gonna take 1 tonight, 2 tomorrow, 3 the next, and see if it makes a difference. Will be great if it really works!

Originally Posted by isthisit

This is a really interesting thread, I found some menthol sweets in my bathroom cabinet. The packet states they are MENTHOL but doesn't say how much per sweet. I'm gonna take 1 tonight, 2 tomorrow, 3 the next, and see if it makes a difference. Will be great if it really works!

Yes, you should be ok. Start small, make sure you are not sensitive or allergic, etc. as they have other additives apart from the Menthol in them. I tried mine during WBTB on an empty stomach. I have recorded my procedure in some of my posts on this thread. Also in my DJ for the last few days I have thoroughly noted and recorded my findings which might help?
I did find I had slight trouble with my stomach regarding gastric wind due to the ingestion, etc. but it wasn't major. However I did find that I found it hard to get back to sleep even after a short WBTB. I seemed to sleep lighter but got good to excellent results in MY case. Note: You are not 'guaranteed' lucid dreams however, but I found my recall and vividness increased which makes the opportunity of an LD more likely. You would still need the 'awareness' factor though, either via your dreamsigns, your RC's, etc. Good luck.

(P.S: Is there a 'Don't consume more than 'X' packets printed anywhere? What Brand or manufacturer are they?)

Get Suckin'!

Originally Posted by RobStar

Yes, you should be ok. Start small, make sure you are not sensitive or allergic, etc. as they have other additives apart from the Menthol in them. I tried mine during WBTB on an empty stomach. I have recorded my procedure in some of my posts on this thread. Also in my DJ for the last few days I have thoroughly noted and recorded my findings which might help?
I did find I had slight trouble with my stomach regarding gastric wind due to the ingestion, etc. but it wasn't major. However I did find that I found it hard to get back to sleep even after a short WBTB. I seemed to sleep lighter but got good to excellent results in MY case. Note: You are not 'guaranteed' lucid dreams however, but I found my recall and vividness increased which makes the opportunity of an LD more likely. You would still need the 'awareness' factor though, either via your dreamsigns, your RC's, etc. Good luck.

(P.S: Is there a 'Don't consume more than 'X' packets printed anywhere? What Brand or manufacturer are they?)

Get Suckin'!

Cool thanks dude, appreciate it. It Jakemans blackcurrant menthol sweets - the packets says nothing about them really?! made by Jakemans sweets (boston, england)

just had one, they taste nice!

also,

Originally Posted by RobStar

Get Suckin'!

lol

Originally Posted by Alyzarin

Alright, here's what I got for last night, from one cup of peppermint tea. Not too bad, if I do say so myself. The lucid still had the same kind of ending as they have each time....

DJ Entry - PSO2 Just Got Even Better, Taking Off My Robe

Seems like you had a lot of fun.... but were then afflicted with the bane of pleasure in lucid dreams: world collapse from 'emotional' intensity. Always happens at the best part. Always. >.<

I didn't notice anything strange about my dream... 'cept I became lucid from a sexual act. And I'd certainly not say it was pure and graceful. The main thing is, I don't tend to have sexual dreams every bloody night.... which therefore gives credibility to the menthol having some effect.

if you are male i suggest you not drink to much peppermint tea. i was reading a study a while back about the effects of peppermint tea on woman with poly ovarian syndrome. Drinking too much can reduce testosterone levels(though of a specific kind of testosterone). I know little about chemistry (I hated my teacher to much to pay attention sadly…) but heres the link for you guys to check out.
Mint Tea Warning

And a side note, vegetarians shouldn’t drink to much tea either because the tannins can interfere with iron absorption from plan foods.
I have some peppermint growing in the back to I might start drinking it again(was saving up for winter ) and maybe put some essential oil in a oil warmer thingy.

Originally Posted by Tekeydie

if you are male i suggest you not drink to much peppermint tea.

I think tea is a diuretic. In my life I've experienced this side effect far less than with a cup of coffee. If I need to "move my intestines along", I'd go with a cup of coffee, rather than Mom's tea.

Well I have a packet with like ... 30 cough drops in it... that I haven't touched since I bought it 3 days ago. I look at it before going to bed and I'm just like.... bleh.... for a number of reasons. So I'm inconsistent and also playing with a variety of energy drinks/pills in addition to not taking cough drops on a regular basis. I'm trying to find something that works so that I stop sleeping so much since my plate of responsibilities is quickly overflowing... so I can't exactly NOT take those extra things. I mean I could, it would just require twice the effort I'm currently putting out. It doesn't make sense to stop those things.

OK! So I notice Mindraker mentioned being able to fall asleep faster with cough drops. I experienced the same thing. After ~1 hr ingesting 30 mg of cough drops it seemed to serve as a relaxant. That and each time I had pretty happy dreaming.... which coincides with what Wolfwood seemed to have experienced (pure sex). Except mine didn't involve sex... so maybe we each are served what we most want

Aly! Do you think you could create a template for all of us to fill out so that we can look at results across a number of factors? Everyone is kinda just doing their own reports, which is fine and dandy, but I'd like to see something more informative and focused... unless I'm the only one who cares, then it doesn't matter.

As chaotic as this all is, it's pretty interesting reading the results everyone seems to have experienced.

I'm so upset Littlezoe couldn't fall asleep after eating an entire pack! Although, I've eaten half a pack once (when I had a bad cough a long time ago) and got incredibly sick from it. So, yeah, I have no plans of doing anything remotely like that ever again. Such a shame it didn't work xD

Originally Posted by Kaomea

That and each time I had pretty happy dreaming.... which coincides with what Wolfwood seemed to have experienced (pure sex). Except mine didn't involve sex... so maybe we each are served what we most want

Ey, ey. Who knows, eh. Who knows. What were you served?