Juicy Chemistry : Pain Relief Balm

I am a very pill popping kinda of person. I prefer to steer clear of pain relief balms plainly because they reek. They leave their stench and stains on linens, clothes and it just seems to linger on forever. So when Megha sent me this product I wasn't too sure if I wanted to try it. My mommy who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease causing the inflammation of flexible  joints), kindly volunteered and below is her (and my (yes she convinced me to try it)) take of the product.


ABOUT THE BRAND

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KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR PROPERTIES

• Shea Butter (Butyrospermun parkii): Due to its cinnamic acid content and other natural properties, shea butter has anti-inflammatory properties (1). One compound in particular, lupeol cinnamate, was found to reduce skin inflammation and even potentially help avoid skin mutations making it beneficial for people with acne (2). Shea butter aids in the skin’s natural collagen production and contains oleic, stearic, palmitic and linolenic acids that protect and nourish the skin to prevent drying and with long term use, many people report skin softening and strengthening as well as wrinkle reduction (2).

• Vitamin E (Tocopherol): Topical application of vitamin E oil promotes production of two important protein components namely, collagen and elastin that improves skin elasticity (3). Vitamin E also prevents water loss from the skin, and helps retain its natural moisture making dull, dry skin look healthy and well-moisturized (3).

• Castor Oil (Ricinus communis): The oil contains triglycerides ricinoleic acid, and it is non-drying. Ricinoleic acid which enhances the absorption of other agents across the skin. Castor oil may reduce inflammation, increase circulation and relieve pain (4).

• Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis): Carrier oil used to dilute the concentration of essential oils. Rich in vitamin E, B-complex, copper, zinc, selenium, iodine, and chromium, jojoba oil can seal in the moisture and create an effective barrier to external elements (5).

• Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus dulcis): Carrier oil used to dilute the concentration of essential oils. External application of the oil can prevent dehydration by reducing moisture loss from the skin providing overall nourishment to the skin so it can be healthy with a radiant glow (6). (Learn more about the benefits of sweet almond oil HERE!).

• Wintergreen Essential Oil (Gaultheria Procumbens): Wintergreen oil works to reduce swelling and irritation that occurs around painful muscle, tissue and joints (7).

• Rosemary Essential Oil (Rosemarinus officinalis): Has certain anti-inflammatory qualities which makes it very good for relieving the pain from sprains and joint aches. Furthermore, it is known to stimulate blood circulation, which can relieve pain and also aid in coagulation of wounds for faster healing (8). The ability of rosemary essential oil to relieve pain has resulted in its extensive use in treating headaches, muscle pains, rheumatism and even arthritis.

• Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha Piperita): The presence of l-menthol, one of the best features of peppermint oil is its anti-inflammatory properties (9). This, when coupled with its natural pain reliving properties, make the oil perfect for the topical treatment of painful inflammation, very effective natural painkiller and muscle relaxant. Peppermint essential oil gives a cooling sensation and has a calming effect on the body, which can relieve sore muscles when used topically (10).

• Clove Essential Oil (Syzygium aromatic): A popular essential oil with strong antibacterial, antimicrobial, and hemostatic properties that is used to counter inflammation (11).

• Eucalyptus Essential Oil (Eucalyptus globulus): Topical application of eucalyptus oil helps relieve stress and joint pain. The volatile eucalyptus oil is analgesic and anti-inflammatory in nature and is often recommended to patients suffering from rheumatism, lumbago, sprained ligaments and tendons, stiff muscles, aches, fibrosis and even nerve pain (12).

• Thyme Essential Oil (Thymus vulgaris): Helps treat joint and muscle pain with it’s warming action on the body due to which it is beneficial for arthritis and rheumatism. Thyme is particularly effective for aches and pains caused by over exercising or sports injuries (13).

• Ginger Essential Oil (Zingiber officinale): A component of ginger essential oil, called Zingibain, is responsible for the oil’s anti-inflammatory properties (14). Traditionally used for inflammation reduction, this important component provides pain relief and treats muscle aches, arthritis, migraines and works as a headache remedy. Ginger essential oil is believed to reduce the amount of prostaglandins in the body, which are compounds associated with pain (14).

• Beeswax: Non-comedogenic in nature, when applied to the skin, beeswax forms a protective barrier that helps protect it from environmental assaults, while also holding in moisture and reducing dryness helping keep skin hydrated (15). A good source of vitamin A, beeswax helps support cell turnover and reconstruction (15). Its antibacterial properties reduces the risk of contamination in formulas (15).

The pain relief balm, comes in a 25 gm plastic pot with a screw on top. Red in color & non-greasy, the balm is buttery in consistency, smooth in texture and has a minty/herbal fragrance which does not overwhelm the olfactory. 

Hema (Mommy): I have rheumatoid arthritis which causes my flexible joints (wrist, knee, ankle) to swell and throb in pain. Unfortunately, there is no permanent solution to the problem and I need to take each day as it comes. I found the balm to glide on seamlessly leaving a oily film upon massage which eventually gets absorbed. There is no harsh odour like several over the counter balms and the smell dissipates rather quickly too. I found the balm did provide temporary relief and given the ingredient list I was pretty impressed with its efficacy. 

Upon application, there is a cooling sensation , followed by some heat and a tingling feeling. Several of the essential oils in the formulation help with arthritis and inflammation. For example, wintergreen essential oil helps fights rheumatism and arthritis in two ways. First, when applied externally, it easily penetrates through the skin around the muscles and tissues stimulating circulation of blood in that location. This activity, apart from bringing warmth to the affected area, helps to clear obstructions in the flow of blood, which is one of the major causes behind rheumatism and arthritis, and it does not let toxins like uric acid accumulate at that spot (7). Secondly, although it is absorbed through the skin, it eventually reaches the blood stream, where it stimulates and increases urination, acting as a diuretic. This speeds up the removal of toxins like uric acid from the body through urination. The removal of excess water, fats and salts through urine helps lose weight, which also reduces the effects of rheumatic conditions (7). 

Vidya: A couple of months ago, I had a ligament tear in my knee that was causing inflammation and pain, so much so I was advised to stop working out for the fear of worsening it. The injury with proper care and medication healed but occasionally I do feel the area to be sore, especially after workouts. I have tried the pain relief balm and it does provide adequate relief. My soreness completely disappeared and additionally the emollient property of several ingredients moisturize the skin.  This balm is definitely a great alternative for minor sport related injuries or chronic conditions that don't really have medications.

Finally a word of caution, the pain balm isn't a permanent fix or a miracle worker. If your issue persists even after a several days or weeks of application, it might be in your best interest to take a professional's opinion.  

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*Product was sent as PR sample*