Whether you suffer from chronic pain, recovering from an injury or simply need something to enhance post-workout recovery, a deep heat rub is one of the most popular solutions.
This is the first of three reviews I will be performing from the Ethos CBD brand, kicking off with the family brands CBD heat balm.
What Does The Product Contain?
Inevitably as the name suggests, the product contains cannabidiol, while the lab report highlights that it meets the stated quantity on the packaging, being 500mg in the 50ml tub. Technically, it has slightly over, at 522mg, I’m certainly not complaining about that!
However, being a topical treatment, there are a number of other ingredients which are worth noting.
Firstly, the product contains menthol, which is a counterirritant and helps the skin to feel cool. This can help with offering a form of temporary pain relief, such as for back aches or muscle pain.
The heat balm also contains Cinnamomum camphora, which is commonly included in cold sore treatments due to its ability to reduce pain and itchiness. This is another ingredient which can create a cooling effect on the skin and is great for tackling inflammation.
Another key ingredient is the presence of clove essential oil, or eugenia caryophyllata, which works as a pain reliever, while it also has antimicrobial properties. If you’ve ever heard of people using tiger balm oil post-workout, clove oil is one of the main ingredients that makes up the formula. Just as an added benefit, clove oil is also rich in antioxidants, helping to fight off free radicals.
If you’re hoping to see the lab report, it isn’t yet listed on their website, but if you email the brand, they’d be more than happy to send it over.
Does This Have An Expiry Date?
Yes it does, it’s something I now try to state when reviewing CBD topical treatments, as many people are unaware that they actually have an expiry point.
In general, all skincare products will have an expiry date, but they won’t always state this on the packaging, as they’re not legally required to do so. This can include moisturisers, face masks and serums, not to mention pain relief treatments.
The Ethos CBD Heat Balm I have received has an expiry date of 18th February 2024, which is 23 months from the moment it arrived.
How Does It Come Packaged?
The 50ml balm is contained within a plastic tub, while there is a thin plastic lining on the inside to protect the balm from spreading.
The tub is a small and convenient size that you can easily fit into your bag if you wanted to take it to the gym, some brands opt for a taller version of packaging which can be a bit bulky when it comes to carrying it around.
How Easily Does It Spread?
Very easily, I was expecting a thick balm, however it was more like a cream in nature, easily picking some up on the finger and spreading into the skin.
I tried to use around a fingertips worth, which I think is approximately 1ml, which would translate to 10mg of CBD. This was enough to easily cover the area of my shoulder I wanted to recover post-workout.
As with all topical treatments, make sure to rub it into the skin until it is sufficiently absorbed, many people stop before they should, while I have been recommended by a dermatologist that you should rub balms into the skin for 20 seconds.
What Makes This Product Stand Out From Its Competitors?
500mg of CBD is a very decent quantity of CBD for a single tub, with most containing around 250-300mg.
As previously mentioned, most balms are relatively thick, so it was a nice surprise to find it thinner and easier to spread into the skin.
Why Use A Heat Balm?
The previously mentioned ingredients, such as menthol, work as counterirritants, while heating balms will soothe sore muscles and reduce any muscle cramps you might be suffering from. Camphor will also increase blood flow to the surface of your skin where applied.
I have a history of issues with my rotator cuffs, therefore I’m used to using heat balms post workout and I have always found they make a big difference for me in my recovery time and easing any aches and pains I get post workout.
Of course, it’s also worth highlighting that stretching post-workout is one of the most important factors, as well as sufficiently warming up before exercising.
Where Can I Buy This From?
You can order the Ethos CBD Heat Balm from their website for £30, including VAT. They offer free shipping, which is always a nice surprise when you find that out at the checkout page, while it should take 2-3 days to arrive after completing your order.