Tag: Counterirritant

Methyl salicylate, commonly known as wintergreen oil, is found in a wide variety of household products, serving both as a powerful topical analgesic and a characteristic flavoring agent. Its distinct minty scent makes it a recognizable ingredient in everything from muscle rubs to candies and mouthwashes.

Over-the-counter topical analgesics are a common solution for muscle aches, but why does muscle rub feel hot? This sensation is not from a real temperature change but a clever chemical trick on your nervous system, a process known as counter-irritation [1.2.3, 1.11.2].

Topical analgesics are a popular choice for relieving localized muscle and joint discomfort, with millions relying on them daily. So, is deep heat anti-inflammatory? The answer is nuanced, as this popular pain reliever utilizes a dual-action mechanism involving both counterirritant effects and anti-inflammatory properties from its active ingredients.

Evidence shows that ancient cultures like the Egyptians and Chinese used plant-based preparations similar to modern liniments to treat pain and inflammation. In contemporary pharmacology, the purpose of a liniment is to provide topical, localized relief for muscular aches, arthritis, and stiffness by creating a counterirritant sensation on the skin.

Historically, a single teaspoon of pure methyl salicylate, or **oil of wintergreen**, contains a dangerously high amount of salicylate, equivalent to nearly twenty 300 mg aspirin tablets. This potent compound, most widely recognized by its other name, is a key ingredient in many topical pain-relieving products but demands careful and respectful use due to its toxicity.

In 2015-2018, 5.0% of U.S. adults used a nonopioid prescription pain medication [1.8.3]. While many topical analgesics offer relief, it's crucial to understand questions like 'What are the side effects of methyl salicylate?' before use, as they can range from mild skin irritation to severe systemic toxicity [1.2.2].

Methyl salicylate, commonly known as oil of wintergreen, is a prominent ingredient found in numerous over-the-counter topical pain-relief products. The primary role of methyl salicylate is to act as both a topical analgesic and a counterirritant, providing temporary relief for minor aches and pains in muscles and joints.

Over-the-counter topical analgesics containing menthol are widely used for minor aches and pains. Products marketed as "menthol plus" combine menthol with other active ingredients to provide temporary relief for various musculoskeletal discomforts and respiratory issues.

While often perceived as a muscle relaxer, a 2010 study found that a patch with Tiger Balm's key ingredients, menthol and methyl salicylate, provided significant pain reduction in muscle strains, demonstrating its powerful analgesic rather than relaxant properties. Instead of causing direct muscle relaxation, Tiger Balm's counterirritant effects mask pain and distract the user from discomfort, which can indirectly lead to a sense of relaxation.

The U.S. topical pain relief market was valued at over $2.8 billion in 2021 [1.10.1]. When seeking over-the-counter relief, many people wonder: **what's better, camphor or lidocaine?** These two common ingredients work in very different ways to alleviate pain.