['To compare the effects of commercially sold menthol (3.5%) ointment and cold application on blood flow in the forearm.', ': Prospective counterbalanced design.', 'University research laboratory.', 'Twelve (6 men and 6 women) college-aged students.', 'Each participant had blood flow measured in the brachial artery for 5 minutes before and 10 minutes after menthol ointment or cold application to the forearm.', 'Blood velocity, arterial diameter size, and blood pressure were recorded during testing procedures. Vascular conductance was calculated based on these measures and used to describe limb blood flow.', 'We observed a significant reduction (35%; P = 0.004) in vascular conductance within 60 seconds of menthol and cold application to the forearm. Vascular conductance remained significantly reduced for 10 minutes by approximately 19% after both menthol and cold application [F(2.313, 43.594) = 10.328, P < 0.0001]. There was no significant difference between conditions [F(1, 19) = 0.000, P = 0.945].'] Is vascular conductance reduced after menthol or cold application?