Peppermint, a source of small amounts of menthol, is believed to work by acting on receptors in the nasal mucous membranes, leading to a reduction of nasal stuffiness. Eucalyptus oil is often used in a steam inhalation to help clear nasal and sinus congestion.
Vitamin D is essential for maintenance of bone mineralization through the regulation of calcium and phosphorus homeostasis. Vitamin D also exhibits many non-skeletal effects, particularly on the immune, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems.
Vitamin D is essential for the efficient utilization of calcium by the body (1). The parathyroid glands sense serum calcium levels and secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH) if calcium levels decrease below normal (Figure 2).