A little more information about the hero Ingredients in Rest and Recovery muscle balm.
Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum annum)
All hot peppers contain capsaicinoids which account for their powerful anti-inflammatory activity. The component capsaicin found in cayenne pepper functions on the nervous system by blocking a particular neurotransmitter, substance P, which is involved in our perception of pain. By blocking substance P, cayenne pepper can reduce pain. Amazing huh!?
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It can be used to prevent muscle spasms and may aid in reducing pain and inflammation (swelling) which makes it an all amazing wound healer and a valued addition to our muscle balm.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
For over 2000 years Comfrey has been used as a medicinal plant and today it is used widely to relieve muscle and joint pain and to heal bone damage and wounds. Used topically, it is known to accelerate the healing process during inflammation, bruising, muscle and joint pain as well as skin conditions. Researchers attribute this herbs remarkable wound healing abilities to the molecule allantoin.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Used traditionally in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to treat arthritis, turmeric's main active constituent, curcumin, blocks enzymes and proteins involved in the inflammatory process. Curcumin is therefore known widely to be a potent anti-inflammatory agent which can be useful for treatment of muscle and joint pain, sprains, swelling and bruising.
Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) essential oil
Wintergreen has traditionally been used to alleviate pain and swelling thanks to an asprin-like molecule. Applied topically, Wintergreen can ease the pain of achy muscles and joints.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) essential oil
Traditionally we associate ginger with relief of nausea but ginger also contains proven anti-inflammatory properties. Pharmacologically, ginger has been shown to inhibit leukotriene and prostaglandin pathways which are responsible for pain and inflammation among other things. In fact, ginger has been shown to share properties with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs without the side effects. Isn't Mother Earth wonderful!?
White Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) essential oil
White Camphor can offer an array of benefits but those relevant to our Rest and Recover balm are its antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and sedative properties. It has the ability to reduce muscle spasms and help calm nerves and reduce inflammation.