What’s Really in Muscle Rubs?

Modern Pain Relief vs. Traditional Wisdom

Muscle rubs have been around for generations.

From grandmothers rubbing menthol salve onto sore backs… to athletes reaching for Icy Hot after a workout… the idea is simple:

Apply something strong. Feel relief fast.

But have you ever stopped to ask — how do these products actually work? And what’s carrying those ingredients into your body?

Let’s break it down.

How Muscle Rubs Work (It’s Not What Most People Think)

Most conventional muscle creams don’t “heal” muscle tissue directly.

They work through something called counterirritation.

Ingredients like menthol and camphor stimulate nerve endings in the skin, creating cooling or warming sensations. This sensation temporarily distracts your brain from deeper muscle discomfort.

It’s a nervous system response.

That doesn’t make it bad — it just means relief is usually temporary and sensation-based.

Common Ingredients in Conventional Muscle Rubs

Many drugstore muscle creams contain:

• Menthol

• Camphor

• Methyl salicylate (a concentrated wintergreen derivative)

• Petrolatum (petroleum jelly)

• Mineral oil

• Propylene glycol (a penetration enhancer)

• Artificial fragrance

Some of these ingredients are effective. Some are simply functional fillers. And some — like methyl salicylate — deserve a closer look.

The Ingredient Most People Don’t Know About: Methyl Salicylate

Methyl salicylate is related to aspirin.

In high concentrations, it absorbs through the skin and can enter the bloodstream. While considered safe when used properly, overuse has been linked to toxicity — especially when combined with heating pads or applied excessively.

This is why many people are surprised to learn:
Just because something is sold over the counter doesn’t mean more is better.

Awareness matters.

The Base Matters More Than You Think

Here’s where modern formulation and ancestral wisdom begin to diverge.

Most conventional rubs use petrolatum or mineral oil as a base. These are petroleum-derived ingredients that create an occlusive layer on the skin.

Petrolatum and mineral oil are commonly used in skincare because they help reduce moisture loss and protect the skin. Tallow also provides a rich, fatty base, offering a different texture and ingredient profile for people who prefer animal-derived fats in their skincare products.

Traditionally, however, muscle salves were made with:

• Animal fats

• Beeswax

• Herbal infusions

• Plant extracts

These weren’t just delivery systems.
They were skin food.

Traditional Muscle Rubs vs. Tallow-Based Muscle Balm

Bull Balm vs. Conventional Muscle Rubs

Both conventional muscle rubs and natural balms use menthol and camphor for temporary relief. The primary difference lies in the base ingredients and whether methyl salicylate or petroleum-derived carriers are used.

Why We Formulated Bull Balm the Traditional Way

Bull Balm contains:

• Menthol

• Camphor

• Eucalyptus

• Beeswax

• Grass-fed beef tallow

We kept the proven botanicals — but changed the foundation.

Instead of petroleum, we use beef tallow, a fat that closely resembles the structure of human sebum. It supports the skin barrier while carrying fat-soluble plant compounds naturally.

Beeswax helps protect and extend application time.

Eucalyptus adds aromatic and circulation-supporting properties.

The result?

A muscle balm that delivers that familiar cooling-warming experience — without synthetic fillers, petroleum bases, or methyl salicylate.

Ancestral Wisdom Wasn’t About “Stronger.”

It was about synergy.

Herbalism didn’t isolate compounds and force them into the body. It paired active plants with nourishing fats to work with the body.

Modern products often prioritize intensity.

Traditional formulations prioritized balance.

There’s space for both — but we choose balance.

A Quick Safety Note (Because Transparency Matters)

Even natural ingredients require respect.

• Menthol and camphor can irritate sensitive skin.

• Do not apply with heating pads.

• Not recommended for young children.

• Avoid during pregnancy without medical guidance.

• For external use only.

Natural doesn’t mean careless. It means intentional.

So… Are Conventional Muscle Rubs “Bad”?

Not necessarily.

They’ve helped millions of people find temporary relief.

But understanding what’s inside them — and what’s carrying those ingredients into your skin — empowers you to choose differently if you want to.

At Tagg Organics, we believe relief can be effective and ancestral.

Strong — but grounded.

Rooted in wisdom, not just chemistry.