Our Ingredients
11 plant ingredients with purpose
Over 40% of our formula composition is certified organic
powerhouse blend
8 potent plants formulated at the highest concentrations
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Cayenne
Renowned for its active component, capsaicin, cayenne significantly stimulates local blood flow. This increased circulation speeds up delivery of vital nutrients to muscle tissues and expedites the removal of toxins, facilitating rapid recovery. It also interacts with sensory neurons to reduce pain perception for immediate relief.
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Ginger
Enriched with active constituents like gingerols and zingerone that have anti-inflammatory properties, reducing cytokine production which is associated with inflammation. As a result, muscle soreness and inflammation are alleviated. Supports microcirculation, aiding in efficient nutrient delivery, toxin removal, and tissue repair after strenuous activity.
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Menthol
Recognized not just for its immediately perceptible cooling effect but for its underlying therapeutic prowess. Interacts profoundly with our body's kappa opioid receptors, swiftly diminishing pain perception. Amplifies local blood flow, ensuring essential nutrients are promptly channeled to strained muscles.
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Rosemary
Revered for its dual-action potency, rosemary presents profound therapeutic benefits. Rich in rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, it swiftly combats inflammation at the cellular level, soothing overworked muscles. Moreover, its ability to enhance blood circulation revitalizes tired tissues, expediting recovery and fostering resilience.
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Camphor
Borneol, its active compound, creates a dual cooling and warming sensation upon application. This dual effect stimulates nerve endings, leading to vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels. The increased blood flow aids in muscle recovery and reducing inflammation.
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Wintergreen
A potent source of methyl salicylate, a natural analgesic that's comparable to the properties of aspirin. Its ability to boost circulation aids in flushing out inflammation-inducing agents, paving the way for effective muscle recovery.
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Grapefruit
Abundant in limonene and naringin, grapefruit offers robust anti-inflammatory properties, swiftly quelling muscle soreness and tension. With its natural acidity and potent antioxidants, grapefruit helps in clearing lactic acid buildup, easing muscle fatigue, and promoting faster recovery.
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Clove
Eugenol, in clove, is a potent compound known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It targets the inflammatory pathways, reducing oxidative stress and muscle inflammation. This helps alleviate discomfort and accelerates the recovery of overworked muscles.
foundational fortifiers
3 therapeutic allies amplifying and extending relief, enhancing recovery, and aiding repair
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Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Rich in antioxidants that combat muscle damage from oxidative stress. Its primary component, oleic acid, provides anti-inflammatory benefits to ease muscle soreness. Due to its low molecular weight and its similarity to the skin's natural oils, it penetrates deeply into muscle tissues, enhancing circulation and expediting recovery.
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Mango Butter
Abundant in antioxidants like vitamins A and E, mango butter shields muscles from oxidative damage. Its high content of essential fatty acids, including oleic and stearic acids, offers anti-inflammatory properties. It deeply moisturizes the skin, promoting tissue repair and regeneration. Its affinity with the skin's natural oils ensures maximum absorption, delivering nourishment deep into muscle fibers for enhanced recovery.
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Beeswax
Beyond forming a protective barrier, beeswax consists of esters and fatty acids that improve the formulation's stability. Its natural emollient properties assist in the deeper penetration of active compounds. It ensures a sustained release of active ingredients, allowing for consistent & longer-lasting therapeutic activity.
what do you get with leading brands?
Dangerous chemicals that create more inflammation and slow down recovery
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Brand #1
PEG-100 Stearate & Steareth-20 - 6th and 8th ingredients of 28 total ingredients. The impurities found in these two PEG compounds, ethylene oxide and 1,4 dioxane, are linked with breast & uterine cancer. In a study trialing the use of PEG-containing antimicrobial cream on burn patients, some patients experienced kidney toxicity found linked to the PEG compounds.
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Brand #2
Ceteareth-20 - can be contaminated with 1, 4 dioxane (previously mentioned) which according to the National Toxicology Program, ‘1, 4 dioxane is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.'
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Brand #3
Paraffin Petrolatum - 1st ingredient and makes up at least 60% of the product. Classified as a human carcinogen by the European Union. Clinical studies have shown it has been linked to cancer in the body.
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Brand #4
Blue 1 & Yellow 5 - Yellow 5 was found to be contaminated with benzidine and other carcinogens. Numerous microbiological and rodent studies were positive for genotoxicity. Both Blue 1 and Yellow 5 cause hypersensitivity reactions.
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Brand #5
Steareth-20 - 3rd ingredient of 36 total and a PEG compound linked to breast & urine cancer and kidney toxicity.
Acrylate/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer - 10th ingredient. In its polymerization process, benzene is used as a solvent. Benzene is highly carcinogenic and has been associated with aplastic anemia, acute leukemia, and bone marrow abnormalities.
Paraffin - classified as a human carcinogen by the European Union. Clinical studies have shown a link to cancer.
not all plants are created equally
Just because it's a plant doesn't automatically make it effective or safe
More Ingredients = Less Efficacy
Clinical studies show that plants require minimum doses to actually be effective and provide the claimed benefits. More ingredients means smaller concentrations and for most brands it's just a marketing gimmick.
Not all Plants have been extensively Clinically-Studied
Some plants are more clinically-studied than others, and simply making a claim that something was clinically-studied does not validate it's effectiveness.
We only use plant ingredients that have been extensively studied for decades and some that have been used for centuries.
Beware of Arnica Montana
We were originally excited about Arnica Montana as it's a popular plant ingredient found in many muscle creams and balms.
We spent a year testing it at high concentrations and measuring the effects, but couldn't document a difference against the control formula.
Upon further professional consultation and research, what we found was horrifying and is an example of how even mainstream plant ingredients with popular claims can be ineffective and toxic.
The US FDA has classified Arnica Montana as an unsafe herb because of its high toxicity and does not recommend its use. And there aren't a sufficient amount of studies to prove its claims of relieving muscle pain and reducing inflammation.
Arnica Montana is native to Western US (hence the name) and central Europe, but then there is "Arnica" which is a much cheaper and weaker species with little benefit that is sourced from Mexico but is used in many of the Arnica Products under the guise of it being Arnica Montana.