Herbal Creams and Patches for Pain

Topical products (such as creams, liniments and patches) are meant to help relieve minor aches and pains. The idea is to minimize the discomfort from a slight sprain/strain or to temporarily ease the pain from the flare-up of a chronic problem like arthritis. It brings back the smells of Menthol and Camphor with images of aged relatives rubbing something into their bodies. However we find that many people today buy these products with the hope that it will at least take the edge off more serious pain as they decide how to handle the problem. With this in mind we use and sell two types of herbal creams and patches at Triangle Acupuncture Clinic, products containing natural Chinese herbal remedies, to help ease strained muscles and relieve pain.

The formulations for both patches and creams include aromatic herbs such as menthol and wintergreen, along with a variety of traditional Chinese herbs known for their analgesic properties. The cream is less potent and a better fit for sensitive skin and for smaller, more mobile areas such as joints. The herbal patches are stronger in their concentration of oils and herbs and are better suited to cover a larger area of the body for a longer period of time. The strongest effect is achieved by rubbing the cream for 5-6 minutes into the painful area until it is completely absorbed, and then applying a patch over it.

There are several brands on the market but we carry a specific brand called “Golden Sunshine.” The main reason we carry this brand is that they use an effective delivery system and no carriers (such as lanolin or other by-products). An effective delivery system involves aromatic oils that act as carrier agents to agitate the skin and herbal components to penetrate through the skin and into the painful area. Many products only contain the aromatic oils that feel spicy but wear off rather quickly. They are necessary but not as powerful as the invigorating herbs which actually reduce inflammation, increase blood flow and decrease pain and tension. There are also two types of patches for different types of pain: one with more circulation-promoting herbs for chronic conditions and another with more analgesic herbs for acute injuries.

While chronic and intense pain conditions are treated more effectively with acupuncture, it is always nice to have a remedy on hand in case something happens at home, or to apply between acupuncture treatments to sustain their effects. For these scenarios consider Golden Sunshine herbal creams and patches. You’ll be pleasantly surprised!