NATURAL
Many plants produce methyl salicylate in small quantities. Methyl salicylate levels are often upregulated in response to biotic stress, especially infection by pathogens, where it plays a role in the induction of resistance. Methyl salicylate is believed to function by being metabolized to the plant hormone salicylic acid. Since methyl salicylate is volatile, these signals can spread through the air to distal parts of the same plant or even to neighboring plants, whereupon they can function as a mechanism of plant-to-plant communication, "warning" neighbors of danger.[9]Methyl salicylate is also released in some plants when they are damaged by herbivorous insects, where they may function as a cue aiding in the recruitment of predators, notably hoverflies, lacewings, and lady beetles.[10][11]
Some plants produce methyl salicylate in larger quantities, where it likely involved in direct defense against predators or pathogens. Examples of this latter class include: some species of the genus Gaultheria in the family Ericaceae, including Gaultheria procumbens, the wintergreen or eastern teaberry; some species of the genus Betula in the family Betulaceae, particularly those in the subgenus Betulenta such as B. lenta, the black birch; all species of the genus Spiraea in the family Rosaceae, also called the meadowsweets; species of the genus Polygala in the family Polygalaceae. Methyl salicylate can also be a component of floral scents, especially in plants dependent on nocturnal pollinators like moths,[12] scarab beetles, and (nocturnal) bees.[13]
Camphor has been produced as a forest product for centuries, condensed from the vapor given off by the roasting of wood chips cut from Camphora officinarum, and later by passing steam through the pulverized wood and condensing the vapors.[11] By the early 19th century most camphor tree reserves had been depleted with the remaining large stands in Japan and Taiwan, with Taiwanese production greatly exceeding Japanese. Camphor was one of the primary resources extracted by Taiwan's colonial powers as well as one of the most lucrative. First the Chinese and then the Japanese established monopolies on Taiwanese camphor. In 1868, a British naval force sailed into Anping harbor and the local British representative demanded the end of the Chinese camphor monopoly. After the local imperial representative refused, the British bombarded the town and took the harbor. The "camphor regulations" negotiated between the two sides subsequently saw a brief end to the camphor monopoly.[12]
Menthol
Menthol is an organic compound, specifically a monoterpenoid, that occurs naturally in the oils of several plants in the mint family, such as corn mint and peppermint.
Menthol's analgesic properties are mediated through a selective activation of κ-opioid receptors.[4] Menthol blocks calcium channels[5] and voltage-sensitive sodium channels, reducing neural activity that may stimulate muscles.[6]
Natural menthol is obtained by freezing peppermint oil. The resultant crystals of menthol are then separated by filtration.
Peppermint:
Peppermint, particularly its active compound menthol, is widely recognized for its therapeutic benefits, especially in pain relief. When included in a pain cream like Newberry Blue, peppermint provides multiple advantages that enhance the product’s effectiveness. Here’s how peppermint works and how it can be described as a benefit for your website:
Cellular Mechanism and Benefits of Peppermint in Pain Relief:
Peppermint contains menthol, a natural compound that activates TRPM8 receptors (cold-sensitive receptors) in the skin and mucous membranes. When applied topically, menthol provides a cooling sensation that helps distract from pain and discomfort. This cooling effect can soothe inflammation, reduce muscle soreness, and alleviate localized pain.
At the cellular level, menthol desensitizes pain receptors (nociceptors) by interacting with sensory neurons that transmit pain signals to the brain. This interaction blocks the transmission of pain signals, resulting in reduced pain perception. Additionally, peppermint’s anti-inflammatory properties can reduce swelling, helping to relieve symptoms of inflammation.
Benefits of Peppermint in Newberry Blue Pain Cream:
- Cooling and Soothing Sensation: The menthol in peppermint offers an instant cooling effect that helps calm irritated or inflamed areas. This cooling action provides quick relief and makes the cream ideal for injuries, arthritis, or muscle soreness.
- Natural Pain Blocker: By inhibiting pain receptors, peppermint effectively decreases the sensation of pain at the source, allowing users to experience longer-lasting comfort.
- Anti-inflammatory Action: Peppermint’s anti-inflammatory properties assist in reducing swelling and promoting faster recovery from injuries or inflammation.
- Pleasant Aroma: Beyond its therapeutic effects, peppermint’s refreshing scent makes the cream more pleasant to use, creating a calming and energizing experience that’s less medicinal and more spa-like.
How You Could Phrase It on the Website:
“Our Newberry Blue Pain Cream harnesses the power of peppermint oil to provide quick and effective pain relief. With menthol as a key active ingredient, peppermint triggers a cooling sensation, calming irritated areas and reducing pain by interacting with receptors that block pain signals. Its natural anti-inflammatory properties help minimize swelling, making it perfect for arthritis, muscle soreness, and injury recovery. The invigorating peppermint aroma adds a refreshing touch, ensuring every application is soothing and therapeutic.”
This emphasizes both the scientific mechanisms and the sensory benefits of peppermint for your cream.