Deep Muscle Balm

DEEP MUSCLE BALM

Menthol + Warming Botanicals + Herbal-Infused Oils

A concentrated botanical massage balm built around the contrasting sensations of menthol and cayenne, layered into oils infused with arnica, cottonwood bud, comfrey, St. John’s wort, yarrow, nettle and calendula.

Designed for massage into tired, overworked muscles, joints, and back areas after long shifts, hiking, exercise or physical work.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE COOL + WARM

MENTHOL → TRPM8

Menthol activates TRPM8, an ion channel found on sensory nerve endings that responds to cool temperatures and cooling compounds. This produces menthol’s characteristic cooling sensation without actually requiring the skin itself to become cold.

CAPSAICIN → TRPV1

Capsaicin, a naturally occurring compound in cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens), activates TRPV1, a sensory ion channel that also responds to potentially damaging heat and other stimuli. This interaction is responsible for cayenne’s distinctive warming sensation.

Together, menthol and cayenne create the balm’s cooling-then-warming sensory experience.

ARNICA —

Arnica montana

Arnica has a long history of topical use for sore, bruised and overworked areas.

The flower contains several groups of phytochemicals, including sesquiterpene lactones—particularly helenalin-type compounds—along with flavonoids and other phenolic constituents.

In Deep Muscle Balm, arnica flower is infused directly into the oil phase rather than simply being included as a decorative botanical.

For external use on intact skin only.

COTTONWOOD BUD —

Populus balsamifera

Cottonwood buds are coated in a remarkably aromatic, sticky resin produced by the tree to protect developing leaf tissue.

The buds contain a complex mixture of plant compounds including phenolic compounds, flavonoids and salicylate-related constituents. Cottonwood and related Populus buds have a long history of being infused into oils and salves for topical use; these preparations are often associated with the traditional name Balm of Gilead.

The resinous buds are infused into the oil used in Deep Muscle Balm, bringing their oil-soluble aromatic and botanical constituents into the finished balm.

THE BOTANICAL INFUSION

The oil phase is infused with a blend of whole botanicals selected for their traditional topical uses:

Arnica Flower — Arnica montanaCottonwood Bud — Populus balsamiferaComfrey Leaf — Symphytum officinaleSt. John’s Wort Flower — Hypericum perforatumYarrow Flower/Leaf — Achillea millefoliumNettle Leaf — Urtica dioicaCalendula Flower — Calendula officinalisCayenne Pepper — Capsicum frutescens

THE BALM BASE

The infused botanicals are carried in a rich blend of:

Olive Oil • Castor Oil • Shea Butter • Mango Butter • Cocoa Butter • Beeswax • Vitamin E

The oils and butters provide slip for massage while the beeswax gives the balm its protective, slow-melting consistency and helps keep the botanical oils on the skin.

ESSENTIAL OILS

Peppermint • Eucalyptus • Rosemary • Ginger • Wintergreen

These aromatic oils contribute to the balm’s characteristic botanical scent and sensory experience.

HOW TO USE

Massage a small amount into the desired area. Begin with less than you think you need—the balm is concentrated.

Wash hands after application, particularly before touching the eyes or face.

CAUTION

For external use only. Avoid eyes, mucous membranes and broken or irritated skin. Wash hands after use. Discontinue if irritation occurs. Keep out of reach of children.

Because this formula contains potent aromatic ingredients, including menthol, cayenne and wintergreen, use only as directed.