Popular commercial pain relief creams often contain the herbal ingredients menthol, methyl salicylate, camphor or capsaicin. Occasionally they also contain oil of cinnamon or oil of clove. Icy Hot contains methyl salicylate and menthol. Tiger Balm contains camphor, menthol and clove oil. Po Sum On, a traditional Chinese muscle balm, contains cinnamon oil. Mineral Ice contains menthol. The classic muscle cream Bengay contains methyl salicylate and menthol. Occasionally herbal creams for pain include arnica montana.
Menthol and Methyl Salicylate
Menthol is the active component of peppermint. It is anti-microbial and antioxidant, and reacts with air to cause a cool or icy sensation on the skin. Menthol also enhances the absorption of other ingredients into the skin, so it's important to be aware of what those ingredients are.
Methyl salicylate is oil of wintergreen, also traditionally used for pain relief. Oil of wintergreen is used in many modern products including food and over the counter medicines, however it is toxic when ingested. One ounce of oil of wintergreen is equivalent to 171.4 adult aspirins, according to a 1985 article in Veterinary and Human Toxicology.
Camphor
Camphor, obtained from the camphor laurel tree that grows in Asia, has traditionally been used for respiratory illnesses and muscle or rheumatic pain. It is also synthesized from oil of turpentine. Herbal Safety, a website produced by the University of Texas, warns that camphor is toxic and should not be taken internally. It should never be used in any form during pregnancy or lactation. Keep any preparation containing camphor away from children and never apply it to broken or sensitive skin. According to an article in the October 1993 Pediatric Emergency Care, as little as 1/4 tsp. can cause fatal reactions in children.
Capsaicin, Cinnamon, Clove
Capsaicin is the component in chili peppers that makes them hot. It is a topical anesthetic, used in creams to relieve pain. Cinnamon oil is made from the bark of the cinnamon tree. It is used externally as an antiseptic and analgesic. Clove oil is made from the dried bud of an aromatic tree in the myrtle family. It has antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral and anesthetic properties and is used externally for pain.
Arnica Montana
Arnica is an extract of dried flowers of the plant, Arnica montana. It is traditionally used for bruises, sprains, rheumatism and skin infections. It is generally safe when applied topically. Arnica has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic actions on human skin. While safe when applied externally, arnica should not be taken internally by children, anyone who is pregnant or lactating, or who has heart disease.
Considerations
In general, herbal creams for pain relief are safe. However, some ingredients such as camphor are toxic and should be avoided. Methyl salicylate should be used with caution by persons who can't take aspirin, and should be avoided by pregnant or lactating women. Menthol, capsaicin, cinnamon oil and clove oil are effective for pain relief and safer than camphor. However, although they are probably safe in topical creams, you should not apply them full strength to your skin, nor ingest them.
References
- "Clin Ther"; Efficacy and Safety Profile of a Topical Methyl Salicylate and menthol patch in adult patients with mild to moderate muscle strain; Higashi Y, Kiuchi T, Furuta K; Jan 2010
- "Vet Hum Toxicol"; Methyl Salicylate/Aspirin Equivalence; Johnson, PN; 1985
- Herbal Safety: Camphor
- "Pediatr Emerg Care"; Small Doses, Big Problems: A Selected Review of Highly Toxic CommonMedications; Liebelt EL, Shannon MW; Oct. 1993
- Herbal Safety: Arnica
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