The three most frequently utilized ingredients in analgesic rubs are methyl salicylate, menthol, and capsaicin. These ingredients are capable of penetrating the skin and spreading throughout the muscles and joints. Each chemical works uniquely and has its own effect. These substances have been approved by the FDA for temporary relief of minor pain.

Methyl salicylate is an anti inflammatory, chemically related to Aspirin. Methyl salicylate is the ester of salicylic acid and methanol, while Aspirin is the ester of salicylic acid and acetic acid. Aspirin is now entirely synthetic, but was traditionally processed from Willow bark. Methyl salicylate is often extracted from the essential oil of Birch bark and the essential oil Wintergreen, but is commonly synthesized for commercial use. Just like Aspirin, Methyl salicylate is effective due to its ability to inhibit COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. These are the enzymes that catalyze production of the prostaglandin hormones responsible for causing inflammation and pain. Unlike Aspirin, Methyl Salicylate creates a pleasant local warming sensation and does not harm the stomach or intestines. Follow product directions carefully and avoid using Methyl salicylate if you are taking Aspirin or have impaired liver or kidney function.

Menthol is said to be a kappa opioid receptor agonist. An opioid works by binding to an opioid receptor site, resulting in decreased perception of pain. Menthol is commonly extracted from the essential oil of peppermint, but is also synthesized for commercial use. Menthol is able to trigger TRPM8 receptors in the skin, causing the sensation of being cold. Many people report to enjoy the combination of sensations caused by Menthol and Methyl Salicylate.

Capsaicin is thought to work by interfering with sensory neurons. Capsaicin for topical use is extracted from peppers, though not in the form of essential oil. It causes a heating sensation when applied. It is often reported that the sensation caused by Capsaicin is irritating and relatively unpleasant, though it may be effective for some types of pain.

The next time you are suffering from muscle or joint pain, you may want to consider the benefits of using a natural topical analgesic with essential oils vs taking an oral medication. There is a catch however as these amazing pain relievers are accompanied by odors. Avoid lingering odors by keeping the product off your clothes and by using a thin product that allows the smell to quickly dissipate and the ingredients to rapidly absorb.

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• Galeottia, N., Mannellia, L.D.C., Mazzantib, G., Bartolinia, A., Ghelardini, C. (2002). "Menthol: a natural analgesic compound". Neuroscience Letters 322 (3): 145–148. doi:10.1016/S0304-3940(01)02527-7.

• Joseph P. Sapio, Krish Sethachutkul, Joseph E. Moody. "Simultaneous GLC determination of methyl salicylate and menthol in a topical analgesic formulation". USV Pharmaceutical Corporation.

• The British Pharmacopoeia Secretariat (2009). "Index, BP 2009".

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• Murray MT, Pizzorno JE Jr (2006). Capsicum frutescens (Cayenne pepper). In JE Pizzorno Jr, MT Murray, eds., Textbook of Natural Medicine, 3rd ed., pp. 803–807. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.

written - 10/28/2009 - owner of Bartenblends.