Abstract: A method of personal self-defense against a human assailant where an aerosol stream of finely divided droplets of a non-toxic liquid substance comprising 0.5%-1.0% menthol in a carrier liquid of water and alcohol is sprayed in the direction of an assailant's face. The mixture causes immediate tearing and stinging of the eyes when the substance comes in contact with the eyes or the area immediately surrounding the eyes. The mixture is dispensed in a directional aerosol stream which extends for several feet by a hand-held non-pressurized manually operable nebulizer, aerosol or atomizer dispenser, particularly of the squeeze-bottle type. The method is particularly effective in preventing personal attacks.