The Balm: A Deep Dive into Natural Muscle Relief
- Sarah Shaw
- Nov 18, 2025
- 6 min read
It's called The Balm for a reason—this is one unbeatable product for easing muscular aches and pains, the natural way
There's something genuinely magical about watching a product come to life—especially when it's been months (or in this case, years!) in the making. This month's featured product, The Balm, is my newest creation, though it's also one of the first formulas I developed for myself and my family.
The journey from concept to completion has been lengthy, driven by my commitment to combine the very best healing herbs with scientifically proven minerals and therapeutic compounds. The goal: to create the ultimate gentle-but-effective formula for muscle recovery and skin healing.
I've spent years sourcing and gathering the perfect botanicals: delicate Achillea (Yarrow) flowers known for their anti-inflammatory properties, vibrant Arnica to ease muscle tension, and golden Calendula to soothe and heal. Each ingredient was carefully chosen not just for its individual power, but for how beautifully they work together with our nourishing oil blends and therapeutic minerals.
How the Ingredients Work
HEALING, SOOTHING, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Yarrow & Arnica
Yarrow and Arnica each carry a long and storied history of healing, deeply rooted in traditional medicine practices across cultures. Yarrow, known scientifically as Achillea millefolium, has been used for centuries, dating back to ancient Greece where it was named after the legendary hero Achilles, who reportedly utilized the plant to treat wounds sustained in battle. This herb is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties and has traditionally been employed to stop bleeding and promote healing in cuts, scrapes, and other injuries. Its ability to improve circulation and stimulate immune response further complements its healing effects.
Arnica, specifically Arnica montana, has an equally rich history in herbal medicine, particularly in Europe. This flowering plant has been utilized since the 16th century for its potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It's commonly applied topically to reduce bruising, swelling, and pain associated with sprains and strains. Arnica contains compounds such as helenalin, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects, making it a trusted choice for athletes and those recovering from physical strain.
When used together, these botanicals create a powerful synergy: Arnica's pain-relieving properties are enhanced by Yarrow's circulation-boosting effects, leading to faster recovery times and improved overall healing outcomes.
Calendula & Chamomile
These gentle yet powerful botanicals work as a fast-acting defense against redness and inflammation. Studies show they can reduce inflammatory cytokines by 75% while increasing collagen markers by 30%—making them essential for both immediate relief and long-term skin health.
MAGNESIUM & MSM: THE MINERAL MUSCLE RELAXERS
Magnesium
Magnesium is essential for muscle function and recovery. It works at the cellular level to regulate muscle contractions and prevent cramping by blocking calcium uptake in muscle cells. When applied topically, magnesium absorbs through the skin directly to tired muscles, providing targeted relief where it's needed most. This transdermal delivery bypasses the digestive system, making it particularly effective for localized muscle tension and soreness.
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
MSM is a naturally occurring sulfur compound that plays a crucial role in reducing inflammation and supporting connective tissue health. Sulfur is essential for collagen and keratin production, making MSM valuable not just for muscle recovery but also for skin elasticity and repair. Research indicates that MSM can help reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammation, accelerating recovery time after physical activity.
The Synergy: When magnesium and MSM work together, they create a powerful anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing effect. Magnesium's ability to ease muscle tension is amplified by MSM's capacity to reduce inflammation at the tissue level, while both support the body's natural repair processes.
PROMOTE COLLAGEN SYNTHESIS, REDUCE LINES & WRINKLES
Rosehip Seed Oil & Arnica
Arnica's anti-inflammatory properties help soothe irritated skin while promoting circulation, which leads to a more vibrant, healthy complexion. Rich in antioxidants, it also helps neutralize free radicals and bolsters your skin's resilience against environmental stressors.
Rosehip seed oil is celebrated for its high content of essential fatty acids and collagen-boosting vitamins, particularly vitamin A and vitamin C. These nutrients are vital for skin regeneration and repair, helping to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation while supporting wound healing.
Natural Vitamin E
Vitamin E from sunflowers acts as a powerful antioxidant, removing free radicals that slow collagen synthesis. It works in harmony with rosehip oil's vitamin C content—together, they protect existing collagen while promoting new collagen formation.
HEAL SKIN BARRIER & LOCK IN MOISTURE
Beeswax & Raw Honey
Beeswax creates a protective barrier on the skin that locks in moisture without clogging pores. But here's where the magic happens: raw honey brings antibacterial and humectant properties to the formula. Honey naturally draws moisture from the air into the skin while its enzymes support gentle healing. When combined with beeswax, you get both protection and active nourishment—the beeswax shields while the honey heals.
Meadowfoam Oil
Meadowfoam oil is one of nature's most stable and long-lasting oils, with over 98% long-chain fatty acids. Its unique molecular structure allows it to form a protective barrier on the skin while still allowing it to breathe. Unlike heavier oils, meadowfoam absorbs slowly, providing extended moisture and creating a silky, non-greasy finish. It's exceptionally stable, meaning it won't go rancid and actually helps preserve the other botanical oils in the formula.
Carrot Seed Oil
Carrot seed oil is a potent source of antioxidants, including beta-carotene and vitamins A and E. It's particularly valued for its rejuvenating and toning properties, helping to improve skin elasticity and promote cellular regeneration. The oil's high carotenoid content gives it powerful protective qualities against environmental damage while supporting the skin's natural repair mechanisms.
The Synergy: This combination creates a multi-layered approach to skin health. Honey heals and hydrates, beeswax protects, meadowfoam provides lasting moisture and stability, while carrot seed oil delivers concentrated antioxidants and supports cellular renewal. Together, they create an environment where skin can heal itself naturally.
NOURISHMENT & SKIN REGENERATION
Mango Butter
Mango butter is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, plus essential fatty acids that deeply nourish skin without heaviness. It has natural emollient properties that soften skin while providing antioxidant protection. What makes mango butter particularly valuable is its ability to support skin's natural suppleness while being gentle enough for sensitive or irritated skin.
Hemp Seed Oil & Jojoba Oil
These carrier oils were chosen for the slow botanical extraction process (6-8 weeks) that draws out the full therapeutic potential of the herbs. Hemp seed oil is particularly rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the ideal ratio for skin health, making it naturally anti-inflammatory. Jojoba oil closely mimics the skin's own sebum, allowing for easy absorption and balanced moisture without greasiness.
The Synergy: Mango butter's vitamins work alongside the essential fatty acids in hemp and jojoba to create a nutrient-rich base that both delivers and enhances the botanical actives. This combination ensures the healing compounds from yarrow, arnica, and calendula penetrate effectively while the skin receives comprehensive nourishment.
REDUCE DARK CIRCLES & PUFFINESS
Arnica & Squalane
Clinical studies show this combination can increase subcutaneous fat by 19% in just four weeks, adding fullness beneath the eye area to dramatically reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. Squalane, derived from plants, is one of the most biocompatible oils for human skin, absorbing quickly to deliver arnica's active compounds where they're needed most.
The Creation Process
For the botanical extracts, I use a slow infusion process in organic jojoba, hemp seed, and rosehip seed oils to maximize the potency of each herb—this takes 6-8 weeks, depending on conditions. The Colorado sun cooperated beautifully this year with a particularly balmy (see what I did there?!) October and November, allowing me to have this first batch ready just in time for easing those tired holiday shopper's muscles.
The formulation process is all about balance—creating something potent enough to truly support muscle recovery and skin healing, while keeping the texture luxurious and silky enough to be the perfect companion to massage. The scent is naturally herbaceous and therapeutic—one of those aromas that tells you it's going to do you some good the minute you open the jar.
After countless test batches, late nights refining the formula, and feedback from my patient testing crew, I finally have something I'm genuinely, super proud of. A product that's as lovely to use as it is effective.
It's literally The Balm.
RECOMMENDED USE
Apply balm wherever a little extra TLC is needed, especially in areas that are prone to dryness, irritation, or discomfort. This soothing product can be particularly beneficial for sensitive skin regions such as the elbows, knees, and heels, where the skin often becomes rough and cracked.
It can be used on chapped lips, providing a protective barrier that locks in moisture and promotes healing. When applying the balm, take a moment to gently massage it into the skin, allowing the nourishing ingredients to penetrate deeply and provide relief. This not only enhances the effectiveness of the balm but also offers a calming ritual that can help alleviate stress and promote relaxation.
For those who spend time outdoors, applying balm to exposed areas can also serve as a protective measure against harsh environmental elements, such as wind and cold temperatures. Furthermore, consider using the balm as part of your nightly skincare routine, applying it generously to areas that need extra care before bed, allowing it to work its magic overnight.
CUSTOMER CARE
For external use only. Although made with natural ingredients, individual reactions may vary. We recommend performing a patch test before full application: apply a small amount to the inner forearm and wait 24-48 hours to check for any adverse reaction.
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