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Aging & Longevity, Pain, Products

A Deep Dive into Bamboo Pharmacy Liniments

Skye Sturgeon, DAOM |

link to podcast

by Skye Sturgeon

Bamboo Pharmacy™ offers two liniments for topical analgesia, Mobility™ (MW# 3401) and Relief and Recovery™ (MW# 3400). This in-depth analysis will focus on how they are composed and the unique features of these two oils. The primary difference between them is the infused Chinese herbs and volatile (essential) oils that each one contains. But, first, let us look at what they have in common. 

photo of bamboo pharmacy liniments

Both are classified by and registered with FDA as OTC (Over the Counter) medications, which means that they are drugs that can be obtained without a prescription. These liniments are accepted for use for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints due to arthritis, sprains, bruises, strains, and minor backache.  

The Drug Facts panel on both products lists the following active ingredients: Methyl Salicylate, Menthol, Camphor and Capsicum Oleoresin. These medicines are delivered topically in a mineral oil base. 

Methyl Salicylate 

Methyl salicylate, also known as oil of wintergreen (Dōng qīng yóu 冬青油), is naturally produced by many species of plants, especially wintergreen.  It is a colorless to yellow or reddish liquid and exhibits a characteristic odor and taste. For acute pain in joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles, methyl salicylate is used as a rubefacient and analgesic in deep heating liniments.  

Rubefacients are substances that cause reddening of the skin by increasing local blood flow to the area and are often used topically to enhance sensation or relieve pain. They are thought to work by ‘counterirritation’ or ‘skin irritation’. These agents cause a reddening of the skin by causing the blood vessels of the skin to dilate, giving a soothing feeling of warmth. The term “counterirritant” refers to the idea that irritation of the sensory nerve endings alters or offsets pain in the underlying muscle or joints that are served by the same nerves. Methyl salicylate is related pharmacologically to aspirin and NSAIDs, and after penetrating the skin and underlying tissues, it reversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase enzyme and, locally and peripherally, prevents the production of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin and thromboxane. Methyl salicylate is present in both Mobility™ and Relief and Recovery™ comprising 20% (w/v) of the liniment. 

Menthol 

Menthol (Bò hé nǎo 薄荷腦)is a substance found naturally in peppermint (also produced synthetically) and it has been used as an ingredient for topical analgesia since ancient times. Menthol reduces pain by counterirritation of nerve endings under the skin. Menthol initially stimulates the nerve endings, but continued exposure desensitizes the nerve endings and decreases pain sensitivity. Menthol works by stimulating transient receptor potential melastatin-8 (TRPM8) receptor, a protein on nerve cells (neurons) that detects the sensation of cold and transduces environmental signals that produce pain. One of the perceived effects of menthol is that it generates a cooling sensation. In addition, menthol blocks sodium channels and calcium influx which enhances pain management. 8% of Bamboo Pharmacy™ liniments are menthol. 

Camphor 

Camphor (Zhāng nǎo yóu 樟腦油) occurs naturally in the fragrant camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) that has been traditionally obtained through the distillation of the wood of the camphor tree, although it is present in many aromatic plant species.  Camphor exhibits several biological properties such as insecticidal, antimicrobial, antiviral, anticoccidial, anti-nociceptive, anticancer and antitussive activities, in addition to its use as a skin penetration enhancer. Terpenes, present in camphor’s essential oils, are also clinically acceptable skin penetration enhancers. Studies have indicated menthol in combination with camphor enhanced the skin penetration of methyl salicylate and inhibited both the in vivo and in vitro hydrolysis of methyl salicylate to salicylic acid.  Camphor acts as a counterirritant, rubefacient and mild analgesic and is included in liniments for relief of fibrositis and neuralgia. Camphor represents 4% of Mobility™ and Relief and Recovery™. Studies have indicated that menthol, in combination with camphor, enhanced the skin penetration of methyl salicylate and inhibited both the in vivo and in vitro hydrolysis of methyl salicylate to salicylic acid.  Camphor acts as a counterirritant, rubefacient and mild analgesic and is included in liniments for relief of fibrositis and neuralgia. It is important to note that camphor is toxic and should not be taken internally. Camphor represents 4% of Mobility™ and Relief and Recovery™. 

Capsicum Oleoresin 

Capsicum Oleoresin (Là jiāo yóu 辣椒油) is a complex mixture of a variety of vanillylamides, with capsaicin being the principal constituent. There are over 100 compounds in this mixture, which is extracted from dried, ripe fruit of chili peppers. Capsicum oleoresin is a topical analgesic and inflammatory agent. Although capsaicin (the primary component of the oleoresin) causes pain and sensitization of both peripheral and central nerves, it also mediates analgesic actions via desensitization and withdrawal of epidermal nerve fibers. Prolonged activation of certain neuronal receptors results in loss of receptor functionality, causing impaired local nociception for extended periods due to desensitization and inactivation of sensory neurons. Capsicum oleoresin is found in Bamboo Pharmacy™ liniments at the small dose of 0.25%. 

The remaining ingredients are classified as inert (as opposed to ‘drugs”) and provide specific functions in the liniments. 

Mineral Oil 

The carrier base in these liniments is mineral oil (Kuàng wù yóu 礦物油. Mineral oil sometimes called paraffin oil, primarily consists of higher alkanes, which are a mixture of straight-chain, branched, and cyclic alkanes. These hydrocarbons typically contain fifteen or more carbon atoms, compared to ethanol (2) or hexane (6). Mineral oil is a colorless, odorless, and lightweight oil distilled from petroleum that undergoes a thorough purification process to ensure it is safe for use in cosmetic and medical products. Due to its ability to create a protective barrier on the skin, highly refined mineral oil is frequently found in moisturizers, cleansers, and lotions, and is considered safe for skincare and cosmetic use when approved for such applications.  

Turpentine oil 

Turpentine oil (Sōng jié yóu 松節油)is a natural product. Turpentine oil is the essential oil created by steam distillation from the oleoresin (sap) obtained from various species of pine. Turpentine oil has a long history of medicinal use, primarily as a topical counterirritant for the treatment of rheumatic disorders and muscle pain. A gum derived from turpentine was used in traditional Chinese medicine for relief of toothache. Turpentine oil is known to exert antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-parasitic effects.  

When applied topically, turpentine oil causes skin irritation and, therefore, has been shown to exert rubefacient and counterirritant effects, with the action of reducing inflammation in deeper adjacent structures. Other than its medicinal attributes, turpentine oil is often used in liniments to decrease the viscosity of mineral oil. 

Chinese Herbal Constituents  

The other ingredients are derived from Chinese herbs, three of which Mobility™ and Relief and Recovery™ have in common. 

Frankincense oil/ Rǔ xiāng yóu 乳香油

Frankincense is an extremely valuable herb when used in a liniment. Among its functions are: Invigorating the Blood and promoting the movement of Qi, which improves circulation in injured tissue; relaxes the Sinews and activates the channels and alleviates pain. This is particularly effective in cases of Wind-Damp Bi where there may be rigidity or spasm; thus, reducing the swelling that often accompanies injuries. Ru xiang also is said to generate flesh, which means fostering replacement of injured cells and tissues.  

Myrrh oil/ Mò yào yóu沒藥油

Myrrh is frequently combined in Chinese herbology with frankincense, and it supports and enhances the actions of invigorating the Blood, alleviating pain, reducing swelling, and dispelling Blood Stasis, especially when there is bruising.  

Ligusticum chuanxiong oil/ Chuān xiōng yóu川芎油

Chuan xiong serves as an additional deputy herb in these formulas and has the functions of promoting blood circulation, dispelling Wind and relieving pain. Topically it can be used for chest and flank pain, swelling and pain from falls, headache, rheumatic pain, etc. 

Although the trade names of Bamboo Pharmacy™ Mobility™ and Relief and Recovery™ are indicative of their uses, let us explore what herbs are used that differentiate these topical medicines. 

Mobility Penetrating Muscle & Joint Rub 

Mobility™ alleviates pain, reduces joint inflammation & swelling, and supports the healing of joints & ligaments with herbs that Move Qi and Blood, dispel Blood Stasis, Dredge the Channels, and Drain and Expel Damp and regenerate damaged tissue. 

The additional Chinese herbs in Mobility™: 

Peppermint oil/ Bò hé yóu 薄荷油

A soothing volatile aromatic that is hybrid member of the mint family including both common mint and spearmint. Its’ high menthol content provides a cooling effect to inflamed tissue. This ingredient also acts as a mild analgesic, helping to numb pain and reduce discomfort in muscles and joints.  

Pine oil/ Sōng yóu松油 is a distillate of Pine resin/ Sōng xiāng 松香 

Derived from pine needles. Pine oil dispels Wind Damp Bi and alleviates pain from several health conditions, including arthritis, gout, inflammation, soreness, aches, and muscle pain.  

Thyme oil/ Shè xiāng cǎo yóu 麝香草油

Derived from the branches and flowers of Thymus vulgaris. The main chemical component of Thyme volatile oil is thymol, which is a monoterpene, a type of phenol. Thyme oil has been widely used in botanical therapy since antiquity for its warming, stimulating, and cleansing properties, since it is a powerful tonic that also has anti-septic and anti-bacterial activity against a wide spectrum of bacterial classes.  

Terpineol/ Sōng yóu chún 松油醇

Terpineol is a monoterpene molecule that can be isolated from cardamon and pinecones (among other sources) and provides a fragrance similar to lilacs. It also enhances skin penetration and assists in cell growth, membrane permeability and formation of new tissue.   

Relief + Recovery Deep Tissue Pain Relieving Rub 

Relief and Recovery™ stimulates circulation, alleviates pain and reduces local swelling from minor trauma in muscle tissue with Chinese herbs that Clear Heat, Invigorate Blood, Dispel Blood Stasis, alleviate pain & swelling, and expel Wind-Damp. 

The additional Chinese herbs in Relief and Recovery™: 

Angelica pubescens oil/ Dú huó yóu 獨活油

Angelica dispels Wind-Dampness and alleviates pain, especially indicated for arthritis with pain in the lower back and knees, and headache. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2000 years. The chemical constituents are mostly coumarins (numerous), polyene-alkynes, phenolic acids, steroids, and nucleosides. Numerous studies have shown that the extracts and compounds isolated from Du huo showed effective analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions, with effects on the central nervous system and cardiovascular system.  

Arnebia euchroma root extract oil/ Zǐ cǎo tí  qǔ wù 紫草提取物

Arnebia oil is an herbal infusion obtained from the roots of Arnebia or Lithospermum erythrorhizon. Zi cao clears Heat, cools the Blood, invigorates Blood circulation, and relieves Fire toxins. The oil significantly improves wound healing with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, boosting blood flow and speeding recovery.  Shikonin is the main metabolite found in different parts of A. euchroma that contributes to its medicinal importance.  

Borneol/ Bīng piàn 冰片

Borneol is an organic cyclic terpene originally derived from Camphora officinarum (or Dipterocarpus sp.), a species of evergreen trees indigenous to warm temperate to subtropical regions of East Asia, In a liniment it is used to clear Heat, alleviate pain, dissipate nodules, alleviate itching, aromatically open the Orifices, revive the Spirit and unblock “closed” disorders.  In addition to its use as an analgesic, it serves as a transdermal penetration enhancer and to increase the effectiveness of other ingredients.   

Safflower extract/ Hóng huā tí qǔ wù 紅花提取物

Safflower infused oil is obtained from Carthamus tinctorius, a thistle-like species that thrives in an arid climate, such as that found in south and western China. In TCM terms, it invigorates the Blood, dispels Blood Stasis, opens the channels, and alleviates pain, especially in cases of bruising and/or trauma.   In a liniment, it is used specifically as an analgesic and antipyretic.  Clinically it is associated with significantly beneficial outcomes for the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, and sciatica. Most of these beneficial therapeutic effects are attributed to hydroxysafflor yellow A, which is responsible for its characteristic yellow-orange pigment. 

Lavender oil/ Xūn yī cǎo yóu 薰衣草油

Is obtained from any of over 400 species of lavender by steam distillation yielding aromatic volatile oils comprised primarily of various terpenes (including linalool) and ketones. Reputedly, Lavender essential oil is known to be rich in medicinal properties like antimicrobial activity, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antioxidant properties. Lavender oil is used in massage therapy as a way of inducing relaxation through direct skin contact. Otherwise, its use in this liniment is to impart a pleasant fragrance. 

Panax notoginseng extract/  Sān qī  tí qǔ wù 三七提取物

is a perennial plant that belongs to the Araliaceae family and is primarily found in the Wenshan mountains in China and in Vietnam. Panax notoginseng contains over 200 constituents, including saponins, flavonoids, cyclopeptides, sterols, and polyacetylenes. However, the main bioactive compounds used to assess the quality of Panax notoginseng are ginsenosides (saponins) Rg1, Rb1, and R1. In TCM terms, San qi stops bleeding, transforms Blood Stasis and reduces swelling, alleviates pain and removes extravasated Blood (bruises). San qi has been traditionally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to stop bleeding, relieve pain, and manage cardiovascular conditions and is especially helpful in trauma injury with swelling and pain, including falls, fractures, contusions and sprains. The extract from its roots is the key ingredient in certain famous herbal remedies such as Yun Nan Bai Yao®. 

Use and Contraindications 

  • Intended for adults or children over twelve years old. 
  • EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Many of the volatile (essential) oils found in these liniments possess potential toxic effects if ingested. In case of accidental ingestion, call Poison Control. 
  • Do not use on open wounds, irritated, or damaged skin. Do not use if allergic to aspirin or other NSAIDs. 
  • May cause irritation and/or a burning sensation if the liquid contacts mucus membranes or other areas of sensitive skin.  
  • Caution advised with pregnant or breast-feeding women. 

Apply generously to affected area and massage in until absorbed into skin, using a cotton ball or gauze pad. Consider the use of latex or nitrile gloves when applying. Wash hands with soap and water immediately after application.  

  • Repeat as necessary, but not more than four times daily.  
  • Discontinue use and contact a physician if: 
  • Condition worsens 
  • Symptoms persist for more than seven days 
  • If pain persists for more than ten days 
  • Symptoms dissipate but recur within a few days 
  • Excessive irritation or redness develops at the application site 
  • Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, or diarrhea occurs 

Whenever a topical liniment is indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints due to arthritis, sprains, bruises, strains, and minor backache, consider Bamboo Pharmacy ™  Mobility™ and Relief and Recovery™ your first choice. 

References

关于作者

Skye Sturgeon, DAOM is the Quality Assurance Manager and Special Consultant for Mayway, USA. Skye was the former Chair of Acupuncture & East Asian Medicine and core faculty member at Bastyr University, core faculty member and Faculty Council Chair at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and President and Senior Professor of the Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine College, Berkeley. Before making Chinese medicine his career choice, Skye held various positions in the Natural Foods Industry for 12 years and prior to that was a clinical biochemist and toxicologist.

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