Juicy Chemistry : Pain Relief Balm

I am a very pill popping kinda of person. I prefer to steer clear of pain relief balms plainly because they reek. They leave their stench and stains on linens, clothes and it just seems to linger on forever. So when Megha sent me this product I wasn't too sure if I wanted to try it. My mommy who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease causing the inflammation of flexible  joints), kindly volunteered and below is her (and my (yes she convinced me to try it)) take of the product.


ABOUT THE BRAND

To learn more about Juicy Chemistry CLICK HERE!

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR PROPERTIES

• Shea Butter (Butyrospermun parkii): Due to its cinnamic acid content and other natural properties, shea butter has anti-inflammatory properties (1). One compound in particular, lupeol cinnamate, was found to reduce skin inflammation and even potentially help avoid skin mutations making it beneficial for people with acne (2). Shea butter aids in the skin’s natural collagen production and contains oleic, stearic, palmitic and linolenic acids that protect and nourish the skin to prevent drying and with long term use, many people report skin softening and strengthening as well as wrinkle reduction (2).

• Vitamin E (Tocopherol): Topical application of vitamin E oil promotes production of two important protein components namely, collagen and elastin that improves skin elasticity (3). Vitamin E also prevents water loss from the skin, and helps retain its natural moisture making dull, dry skin look healthy and well-moisturized (3).

• Castor Oil (Ricinus communis): The oil contains triglycerides ricinoleic acid, and it is non-drying. Ricinoleic acid which enhances the absorption of other agents across the skin. Castor oil may reduce inflammation, increase circulation and relieve pain (4).

• Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis): Carrier oil used to dilute the concentration of essential oils. Rich in vitamin E, B-complex, copper, zinc, selenium, iodine, and chromium, jojoba oil can seal in the moisture and create an effective barrier to external elements (5).

• Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus dulcis): Carrier oil used to dilute the concentration of essential oils. External application of the oil can prevent dehydration by reducing moisture loss from the skin providing overall nourishment to the skin so it can be healthy with a radiant glow (6). (Learn more about the benefits of sweet almond oil HERE!).

• Wintergreen Essential Oil (Gaultheria Procumbens): Wintergreen oil works to reduce swelling and irritation that occurs around painful muscle, tissue and joints (7).

• Rosemary Essential Oil (Rosemarinus officinalis): Has certain anti-inflammatory qualities which makes it very good for relieving the pain from sprains and joint aches. Furthermore, it is known to stimulate blood circulation, which can relieve pain and also aid in coagulation of wounds for faster healing (8). The ability of rosemary essential oil to relieve pain has resulted in its extensive use in treating headaches, muscle pains, rheumatism and even arthritis.

• Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha Piperita): The presence of l-menthol, one of the best features of peppermint oil is its anti-inflammatory properties (9). This, when coupled with its natural pain reliving properties, make the oil perfect for the topical treatment of painful inflammation, very effective natural painkiller and muscle relaxant. Peppermint essential oil gives a cooling sensation and has a calming effect on the body, which can relieve sore muscles when used topically (10).

• Clove Essential Oil (Syzygium aromatic): A popular essential oil with strong antibacterial, antimicrobial, and hemostatic properties that is used to counter inflammation (11).

• Eucalyptus Essential Oil (Eucalyptus globulus): Topical application of eucalyptus oil helps relieve stress and joint pain. The volatile eucalyptus oil is analgesic and anti-inflammatory in nature and is often recommended to patients suffering from rheumatism, lumbago, sprained ligaments and tendons, stiff muscles, aches, fibrosis and even nerve pain (12).

• Thyme Essential Oil (Thymus vulgaris): Helps treat joint and muscle pain with it’s warming action on the body due to which it is beneficial for arthritis and rheumatism. Thyme is particularly effective for aches and pains caused by over exercising or sports injuries (13).

• Ginger Essential Oil (Zingiber officinale): A component of ginger essential oil, called Zingibain, is responsible for the oil’s anti-inflammatory properties (14). Traditionally used for inflammation reduction, this important component provides pain relief and treats muscle aches, arthritis, migraines and works as a headache remedy. Ginger essential oil is believed to reduce the amount of prostaglandins in the body, which are compounds associated with pain (14).

• Beeswax: Non-comedogenic in nature, when applied to the skin, beeswax forms a protective barrier that helps protect it from environmental assaults, while also holding in moisture and reducing dryness helping keep skin hydrated (15). A good source of vitamin A, beeswax helps support cell turnover and reconstruction (15). Its antibacterial properties reduces the risk of contamination in formulas (15).

The pain relief balm, comes in a 25 gm plastic pot with a screw on top. Red in color & non-greasy, the balm is buttery in consistency, smooth in texture and has a minty/herbal fragrance which does not overwhelm the olfactory. 

Hema (Mommy): I have rheumatoid arthritis which causes my flexible joints (wrist, knee, ankle) to swell and throb in pain. Unfortunately, there is no permanent solution to the problem and I need to take each day as it comes. I found the balm to glide on seamlessly leaving a oily film upon massage which eventually gets absorbed. There is no harsh odour like several over the counter balms and the smell dissipates rather quickly too. I found the balm did provide temporary relief and given the ingredient list I was pretty impressed with its efficacy. 

Upon application, there is a cooling sensation , followed by some heat and a tingling feeling. Several of the essential oils in the formulation help with arthritis and inflammation. For example, wintergreen essential oil helps fights rheumatism and arthritis in two ways. First, when applied externally, it easily penetrates through the skin around the muscles and tissues stimulating circulation of blood in that location. This activity, apart from bringing warmth to the affected area, helps to clear obstructions in the flow of blood, which is one of the major causes behind rheumatism and arthritis, and it does not let toxins like uric acid accumulate at that spot (7). Secondly, although it is absorbed through the skin, it eventually reaches the blood stream, where it stimulates and increases urination, acting as a diuretic. This speeds up the removal of toxins like uric acid from the body through urination. The removal of excess water, fats and salts through urine helps lose weight, which also reduces the effects of rheumatic conditions (7). 

Vidya: A couple of months ago, I had a ligament tear in my knee that was causing inflammation and pain, so much so I was advised to stop working out for the fear of worsening it. The injury with proper care and medication healed but occasionally I do feel the area to be sore, especially after workouts. I have tried the pain relief balm and it does provide adequate relief. My soreness completely disappeared and additionally the emollient property of several ingredients moisturize the skin.  This balm is definitely a great alternative for minor sport related injuries or chronic conditions that don't really have medications.

Finally a word of caution, the pain balm isn't a permanent fix or a miracle worker. If your issue persists even after a several days or weeks of application, it might be in your best interest to take a professional's opinion.  

Purchase Juicy Chemistry products HERE.

*Product was sent as PR sample*

Juicy Chemistry : Leave In Hair Conditioner

You want a product to lightly style or detangle and condition your hair it all day long. And you want it to be full of healthy nutrients that nourish your hair, making it healthier. But you don’t want it to be filled with artificial chemicals that absorb into your scalp. - See more at: http://www.nicehair.org/best-organic-leave-in-conditioners/#sthash.F8g50IzR.dpuf

 

You want a product to lightly style or detangle and condition your hair  all day long and you want it to be full of healthy nutrients that nourish your hair, making it healthier but you don’t want it to be filled with artificial chemicals that absorb into your scalp.....then you have come to the right place, continue reading :)


ABOUT THE BRAND

To learn more about Juicy Chemistry CLICK HERE!
 

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Unrefined Shea Butter: Has the ability to stimulate hair growth, rejuvenate the scalp and the hair follicles, and generate healthy, thick, lustrous, and fast-growing hair (1). Rich in vitamins A & E, shea butter soothes dryness, repairs breakage and mends split ends while providing  moisture to dry, damaged hair from root to tips (2). Non-comedogenic in nature, the butter is quickly absorbed by the skin and eliminates dry skin by replenishing lost and missing moisture from the skin cells and hair follicles promoting cell and follicle repair and regeneration thus stimulating hair growth (1). Its anti-inflammatory properties heal damaged scalp and clear infections (2).

• Organic Apricot Oil: High in oleic and linoleic fatty acids, they act as emollients, making the hair softer by sealing the scales of the hair cuticle, increasing the hydration level of hair by preventing evaporation of water and stimulating hair growth (3). Apricot Oil is also rich in vitamins A & E: vitamin A can help soothe irritated scalp, while vitamin E supports healthy hair growth, and is believed to prevent hair loss (3).

• Argan Oil: Rich stores of essential fatty acids, tocopherols, squalene, carotenes, sterols & phenolic antioxidants, argan oil supports the health and beauty of skin and hair (4). Repairs damaged hair, moisturizes instantly, and prevents split ends while restoring shine, increases hair growth and helps control, cure, and prevent dry and itchy scalp (4). Due to its anti-microbial properties, it keeps scalp healthy, free of dandruff and well nourished (4). It also keeps the roots of the hair hydrated, protected, and well nourished.

• Evening Primrose Oil: Essential omega-6 fatty, GLA, found in evening primrose oil, can be highly effective in the fight against hair loss. Evening primrose oil boasts anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat scalp conditions caused by dandruff, yeast, and fungi. Rich in antioxidants, evening primrose oil also helps heal scalp damage as well as nourish the scalp with essential nutrients (5).

• Amla Oil (Indian Gooseberry): Containing essential fatty acids, amla extracts helps strengthen the hair follicles to condition and improve the hair (6). Known to stimulate the hair follicle to encourage growth, amla oil nourishes the hair shaft, adding strength and sheen. With immense healing properties amla aids in the maintenance of a healthy scalp: it has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and astringent properties that help prevent inflammatory scalp condition and keep dandruff away (7). In addition, the cooling effect of amla helps to relieve redness, irritation, and itchiness, and promote the healing of skin. Being a rich source of antioxidant vitamin C, it has amazing anti-aging properties and helps in preventing premature greying of hair whilst promoting hair growth and improving hair health (8).

• Sweet Almond Oil: Massaging scalp and hair with almond oil prevents premature greying of hair. It nourishes the roots of the hair, improves elasticity and prevents split ends. It treats dandruff and adds a healthy glow to hair (9).

• Organic Orange Essential Oil: Orange oil has a soothing effect on irritated scalp and can be used to treat dryness of the scalp and dandruff. An excellent moisturizer it is often recommended to treat dry, damaged and brittle hair. Due to it’s abundant vitamin C content, orange oil prevents hair loss strengthening the hair roots and stimulating hair growth (10).

• Organic Peppermint Essential Oil: Extremely rich in essential fatty acids and essential ingredients that are going to stimulate the scalp’s health, help getting rid of yeast colonies and also help the scalp remain “clean” from dandruff and inflammations, also an excellent coolant keeping the scalp refreshed (11).

• Cedarwood Essential Oil: Stimulates the hair follicles and increase circulation to the scalp contributing to hair growth and slows hair loss (12). Its antifungal properties, helps reduce dry or flaky scalp and stimulates the scalp and increases circulation (12).

• Organic Lime Essential Oil: Treats dull, oily, lifeless, rough, frizzy and greasy hair. The essential nutrients nourish the scalp and add natural shine to the hair (13). Lime removes excess oil while moisturizing the scalp and preventing dandruff, dry and itchy scalp. It also protects hair from various infections like lice, and strengthens it preventing hair fall (13).

• Petit Grain Essential Oil: Aids relieving hair and scalp from infections, dryness, and oiliness by maintaining balance between oil and moisture (14).

• Beeswax: Carries antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that are essential in fighting bacterial infections (15). Beeswax is also a natural treatment to stimulate hair growth, helps add volume to the hair while keeping it soft, shiny, and more manageable (15). The wax’s coating benefits and antioxidants help protect hair from harm and damage created from everyday styling and environmental factors. Additionally beeswax contains vitamin A which has been proven to re-hydrate and reconstructing damaged skin cells in the scalp (15).

The leave in conditioner comes in a 25 gm plastic container with an inner protective foil which gets discarded once opened. Butter like in consistency, waxy in texture the conditioner has a predominant smell of lime and peppermint due to the essential oils in it. 

To use, after shampoo and conditioning, apply a pea sized amount to damp hair from root to tips and let dry naturally.  

I received this product from Juicy Chemistry in return for my review of the product. Let me start off by saying, initially, I was skeptical of using the product fearing it might make my hair greasy and limp. After some tête-à-tête with Megha at the 360 Wellness Concept, Mumbai, I decided to give the product a go on my off day.

A leave in conditioner performs typically by locking moisture in the hair strands or even attracting back moisture, helping de-tangling them smoothly and also make them fizz-free. 

I have naturally dry curly hair which has been subjected to more than I would like to admit chemical treatments. I oil and wash my hair twice a week and in between washes my hair tends to look and feel dry. So a couple of days ago when I washed my hair, I used a tiny amount of the conditioner on damp hair and my hair was still glossy, hydrated and soft to touch. There was no residual greasiness and the product did not weigh down the hair. The following days, until the next wash my hair was frizz free and bouncy. 

Having used it on myself, I proceeded to use it on my daughter who too has curly hair that does tend to dry between washes. It produced better results on her hair than mine: the curls held their shape, there were no tangles and it was super soft to touch. 

I do prefer to use it on clean damp hair and before bedtime for two main reasons: (1) to facilitate infusion of nutrients into hair follicles and (2) to prevent any greasiness. The key to using this hair conditioner is to know your hair type. Used in the right proportions, your hair could reap benefits from its nutrient dense ingredient list.

  

Finally, a conditioner that won’t leave toxic chemicals to absorb but will leave lots of naturally derived nutrients to nourish the hair.