Muscle Budr “Anytime” Salve, Fast Acting Recovery & Repair for Sore Muscles, Inflammation, Achy Joints, Back Pain & Muscle Cramps, Arnica + Comfrey & Essential Oils 3oz

I have a dry sauna and before I go in, I like to use balms to relax and improve muscle soreness. This was a super large pot of the stuff! Usually I get a 2 ounce tin from the grocery store for a similar cost per ounce and it seems to go so quickly.With any of these balms, you do need to work it into the skin - I find that the sauna's heat is a great way to increase absorption, and the sweat makes it feel like it's doing its job.Overall I thought this was a pretty good second replacement to my usual brand. Scent was good, quantity was excellent, and the ingredients are all simple and natural. (I couldn't find the ingredients list in the listing when I bought it so see picture)

First, I'm pointing out that the smell of this balm is vaguely minty and mild, which was a pleasant surprise. So, even if it doesn't end up doing anything, at least you don't smell terrible while you're figuring that out! I haven't had too much muscle soreness recently, so I've only tried it a few times on that type of pain, which has been very mild. It makes it difficult for me to tell whether it's actually helping, although the areas of slight soreness do seem to stop feeling sore after applying the balm. The one standout experience I had was an episode of foot cramping- when that happens, I've been using magnesium lotion on the cramping area, and it seems to help. This most recent time, I used the muscle rub and the cramping vanished. It was only the one time so far, but that's never happened before, so I'm hopeful. I also have a good history with arnica when I use it after a mild injury- it usually lessens pain and bruising significantly, whether I ingest it or apply it topically. I do find the product a little awkward to use, because it's very solid and waxy in the jar. I keep expecting it to be softer, but barring really digging into it with an implement, I just get a thin, greasy layer on my fingertips. It also leaves an oily film where it's applied, although that seems to absorb or evaporate after 5 minutes or so. Until it disappears, I don't really allow any material to touch the affected area in case it stains fabric. But this little amount I get from the jar seems to be useful, and if it works when I have more intense muscle pain or cramping, I think the jar will last for quite some time. I haven't tried it on joint pain, but I will if I experience any. Overall I'd say it doesn't seem to cause any harm, and there's a fairly strong possibility it's helping- without a strong scent.

Feels great, goes on easy, smells pleasant. I apply before bedtime and sleep great.

This is a pretty good muscle/pain relief cream rub -- good ingredients, applies easy, absorbs quickly and is not oily so it does not leave a residue. Feels a bit like chapstick, but rubs on like a light oil. It has a light grapefruit/citrus scent that is pleasant and not overpowering.As for efficacy, results will vary since everyone's body is different and everyone's ailments are different.Thankfully, I didn't have too many bodily injuries to try this on, but I have had some mild back spasms and tightness in my legs (knee,hamstring,calves) from running. The cream/rub worked well to help with the leg soreness, but didn't to do too much for the back spasm. I think it's a great cream for muscle pain -- but probably wouldn't do too much for joint related type pain.

When I can, I try to replace non-organic products sold by big multi-national corporations with natural stuff sold by smaller indie brands. On paper, this seems like it would be a great alternative to Bengay or IcyHot. Unfortunately, the Arnica/Comfrey combo doesn't really provide the immediate relief you get from products that contain Camphor and/or Menthol. Happily, this fairly large tub of balm won't go to waste. The Shea Butter, Mango Butter, Vitamin E and Apricot Oil makes it a great overnight moisturizing treatment for hands. Just be sure not to rub your eyes.