The Unique Mentisan: A Bolivian Treasure

Mentisan is a traditional Bolivian ointment, commonly found in homes across the country. The product was first developed in Bolivia in the 1930s by German inventor Ernesto Schilling, who migrated to the country in the 1920s. Mentisan is a menthol-based ointment, used to treat colds, flu, bruises, cuts, headaches, burns, insect bites, and more. The name Mentisan is a combination of the Spanish words 'menta' (mint) and 'sanar' (to heal). The product is produced by Inti Laboratories and is available in various sizes and containers, including traditional metal tins and plastic tubes.

Mentisan's creation and history

Mentisan is a traditional Bolivian ointment created in 1938 by German inventor Ernesto Schilling, who migrated to Bolivia in the 1920s. The name Mentisan is a combination of the Spanish words "menta" (mint) and "sanar" (to heal). It is a multi-purpose balm that can be used to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, flu, bruises, cuts, burns, insect bites, and headaches.

Schilling's original goal was to create a product that would alleviate the symptoms of the common cold, which is prevalent in the Andean altiplano region of Bolivia. The resulting ointment was an instant hit in the country, and its use quickly extended to other ailments. Mentisan is made from a combination of natural ingredients, including emollient petroleum jelly, essential oils of eucalyptus and pine, and menthol, which has light antibacterial properties. The production process is complex and requires precise mixing of each component.

The product is manufactured by Inti Laboratories, the sole producer of Mentisan. The company has a factory in El Alto and produces around six million units of the balm annually, some of which are exported to countries like Peru, Germany, Macau, the United States, and Denmark. The rest are sold in pharmacies and supermarkets across Bolivia.

Mentisan is typically sold in small metal containers of 15 and 25 grams, but it is also available in plastic containers of 20, 40, and 60 grams. Due to its frequent use as a lip balm, Inti Laboratories also released an 8-gram tube applicator specifically designed for this purpose.

The branding and packaging of Mentisan have remained largely unchanged over the years, with only minor alterations made to adapt the product for foreign markets. The distinctive logo and colour scheme are instantly recognisable to Bolivians, and the product is considered a national treasure.

Uses and effectiveness

Mentisan is a traditional Bolivian ointment that has been in use since 1938. It was created by German inventor Ernesto Schilling, who migrated to Bolivia in the 1920s. The name Mentisan is a combination of the Spanish words "menta" (mint) and "sanar" (to heal). It is a popular home remedy that is often recommended by doctors and is known to cure or provide relief for a variety of ailments.

Mentisan is commonly used to treat colds, flu, and coughs. It can be massaged onto the chest or sore, rubbed-raw noses to help decongest the respiratory tract. The ointment is also effective in alleviating rheumatic and neuralgic pains and can be used to treat burns, insect bites, bruises, cuts, and headaches. The product is made from natural ingredients, including essential oils of eucalyptus, pine, menthol, and sage, turpentine essence, petroleum jelly, and camphor. These ingredients work together to provide a soothing and hydrating effect, calm and clear the throat, and act as a light antibacterial.

In addition to its medicinal benefits, Mentisan is also known to be effective as a lip balm. Its distinctive deep green colour and heavy, purifying scent have made it a beloved and trusted product in Bolivian households for generations. The product is manufactured by Inti Laboratories, which produces around six million units annually, some of which are exported to various countries, including Peru, Germany, Macau, the United States, and Denmark.

The versatility of Mentisan makes it a valuable addition to any first-aid kit or medicine cabinet. Its effectiveness in treating a wide range of ailments has made it a go-to remedy for many Bolivian families, and its reputation has even spread to neighbouring countries and Europe. Mentisan's simple yet effective formula has stood the test of time, and it continues to be a trusted and dependable product for many.

Ingredients and formula

Mentisan is a traditional ointment from Bolivia that is used to treat a variety of ailments. Its name is a combination of the Spanish words "menta" (mint) and "sanar" (to heal), reflecting its therapeutic purpose. The formula was developed by German inventor Ernesto Schilling in the 1920s-1930s to alleviate symptoms of the common cold, which is prevalent in the Andean altiplano region.

The ingredients of Mentisan include:

• Emollient petroleum jelly, which hydrates and soothes the skin.
• Essential oils of eucalyptus and pine, which have calming and throat-clearing properties.
• Menthol, which has mild antibacterial properties and a refreshing scent.
• Turpentine essence.
• Camphor, which is often used topically to relieve pain and irritation.
• Sage, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The combination of these ingredients creates a potent formula that can be used to treat a wide range of ailments, earning Mentisan a reputation as a "cure-all" product in Bolivia.

Mentisan is typically sold in small tins or containers, with the deep green colour and distinctive black lettering of "La Paz - Bolivia" on the label. The ointment has a heavy, purifying scent and is applied by gently massaging it onto the affected area.

Production and distribution

Mentisan is a traditional and popular ointment from Bolivia, produced by the INTI laboratory. The product was first formulated in 1938 by German Ernesto Schilling and has been used across generations for various ailments. With a growing demand, Mentisan is now exported to a dozen countries, including European nations, and the pharmaceutical company producing it manufactures six million units annually.

The production of Mentisan involves a complex process of precisely mixing its numerous components, including essential oils of eucalyptus, pine, menthol, and sage, along with turpentine essence, petroleum jelly, and camphor. The result is a deep green-coloured ointment with a heavy, purifying aroma.

Mentisan is sold in a range of container sizes and materials, catering to different consumer needs. Traditional metal containers hold 15 or 25 grams of the ointment, while plastic containers offer 20, 40, and 60-gram options. There is also an 8-gram tube with a special applicator designed for use on the lips.

The distribution of Mentisan extends beyond Bolivia, with a presence in neighbouring countries and Europe. The product's fame has contributed to its expansion, and it has become a staple in Bolivian families, passed down through generations. Its versatility in treating minor ailments, from colds and flu to bruises and cuts, has made it a trusted remedy.

To commemorate Mentisan's 80th anniversary, INTI laboratory released 300,000 units of the ointment in a replica of its first container. This celebration of Mentisan's longevity and impact on Bolivian culture underscores its significance in the country's history.

Packaging and design

Mentisan is a traditional and popular ointment from Bolivia, used to treat a variety of ailments. Its distinctive packaging has played a key role in its success and longevity, becoming a familiar and trusted feature in Bolivian homes. The product's branding and packaging design have remained largely unchanged over the years, with only minor alterations to adapt to foreign markets. The original Bolivian packaging is a staple, with its deep green colour and simple black lettering, reading "La Paz - Bolivia". This familiar design is a testament to the product's effectiveness and reliability, with a simple formula that has stood the test of time.

The tin containers have been a signature part of Mentisan's packaging since its inception. The original tin design featured a small, palm-sized container with a simple, functional design. Over the years, Mentisan has offered tins in various sizes, ranging from 15 grams to 60 grams. These tins have a classic look, with a simple colour scheme and basic product information. The tin's design is practical, providing easy access to the product, and its compact size makes it convenient for travel and storage.

In addition to the traditional tins, Mentisan has also introduced plastic containers in recent years, providing a lightweight and cost-effective alternative. These plastic containers are available in sizes ranging from 20 grams to 60 grams, offering customers a wider range of options to suit their needs. The plastic packaging maintains the same colour scheme as the tins, ensuring brand consistency and recognition.

One of the most notable design changes Mentisan undertook was the introduction of a tube applicator specifically for lip balm. This 8-gram tube features an innovative design with a special applicator that makes it easy to apply the product directly to the lips. This addition to the Mentisan family demonstrates the brand's ability to adapt to consumer needs while maintaining the trusted formula.

To celebrate Mentisan's 80th anniversary, Inti Laboratories released a commemorative edition of the ointment in a replica of its first container. This limited-edition packaging served as a tribute to the product's rich history and long-standing presence in Bolivian culture. The anniversary edition was well-received by consumers, highlighting the emotional connection and sense of nostalgia associated with Mentisan's iconic packaging.

Frequently asked questions