A thick and soothing salve meant as an adjunctive for the dull ache of repetitive small joint pain that is often the result of age and/or occupation. This is a pure essential oil formulation in a topical carrier. Precautions include a patch test 24 hours before initial application. Photosensitivity is more likely with the EO's in this blend so covering the application or discontinue use if unable to prevent skin exposure to sunlight that may increase the chances of sunburn and photosensitivity.
 
Lemon essential oil - Citrus Limonum (Risso) 
Animal studies strongly suggest the antinociceptive qualities of lemon EO. This includes a monoterpene mechanism of action that involves modulation of pain behaviors due to increased cerebral neurotransmitters (Petersen, 2016). Citrus oils are susceptible to oxidation, increasing the chance of photosensitivity and dermal irritation (Petersen, 2016). Lemon is particularly suited for long-term sustainability. Lemon peels comprise nearly 65 percent of the total fruit weight and cause a severe issue in underdeveloped countries without adequate disposal methods for the peels (Oboh et al., 2014).
 
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) 
Rosemary was chosen for its therapeutic actions of antinociception, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory rosemary has been used as a seasoning and medicinal for at least four millennia. Antinociception mechanism actions include a dose-dependent manner attributed to serotonin and endogenous opioid receptor binding capability. Rosemary is high in alpha-pinene and several other monoterpenes (Petersen, 2016). Rosemary's anti-inflammatory action is attributed to a decreased inflammatory response secondary to decreased leukocyte migration to the injury site. Animal studies reinforce rosemary's historical use as an antispasmodic and helpful against smooth muscle spasms (Petersen, 2016).
 
Black pepper (Piper nigrum) 
Notable therapeutic actions include use as an analgesic for musculoskeletal complaints and pain, including non-invasive traumatic injuries. Black pepper is considered a rubefacient increasing blood flow to the skin, which helps absorb and carry topical formulations more efficiently. Black pepper is suggested to flush excess lactic acids from the body post-exercise (Petersen, 2016).
 
    Contraindication to the above oils is increased photosensitivity and topical skin reactions. A patch test is required, and use during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be avoided (Petersen, 2016).
 
Hand Formulated Arnica in Sweet almond (Oleum amygdalae):
Arnica montana Common name: Arnica
Historically used to help with injury or pain, arnica helps with musculoskeletal pain and is traditionally used in compresses and salves. Energetically arnica is considered a warming and drying herb that topically has strong and safe analgesic properties that can be massaged into unbroken skin as needed to help with the generalized aches and pains of life. 
 
Used heavily in cosmetics, almond oil has also been found to be physiologically efficacious for decreasing prussic related to dry or aging skin (Lin et al., 2017).
 
Beeswax: 
Mainly used as an emulsifying agent, beeswax has both barrier dermal protective qualities and is high in flavonoids and beta-carotene (Kurek-Górecka et al., 2020).
 
Lanolin
Historically used by nursing mothers to heal and protect chapped nipples, lanolin is the fat obtained from sheep's wool and infer the contraindication used by those with wool allergies ("Lanolin," 2018). 
 
References: 
 
Petersen, D. (2016). Aromatherapy Materia Medica. Achs.instructure.com. Retrieved 20 February 2020, from https://achs.instructure.com/courses/1944/pages/.
 
Oboh, G., Olasehinde, T., & Ademosun, A. (2014). Essential Oil from Lemon Peels Inhibit Key Enzymes Linked to Neurodegenerative Conditions and Pro-oxidant Induced Lipid Peroxidation. Journal Of Oleo Science, 63(4), 373-381. 
 
Lin, T., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. (2017). Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. International Journal Of Molecular Sciences, 19(1), 70. 
 
 Kurek-Górecka, A., Górecki, M., Rzepecka-Stojko, A., Balwierz, R., & Stojko, J. (2020). Bee Products in Dermatology and Skin Care. Molecules, 25(3), 556. 
 
Séguin, S. (2017). Benefits of Cocoa Butter for Your Skin. Newrootsherbal.com. Retrieved 31 October 2020, from Lanolin. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. (2018). Retrieved 31 October 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501842/
 
Damanhouri, Z. (2014). A Review on Therapeutic Potential of Piper nigrum L. (Black Pepper): The King of Spices. Medicinal & Aromatic Plants, 03(03). https://doi.org/10.4172/2167-0412.1000161