Smell (Irrelevant to effects)
Earth Medicine Recover MicroCBD Muscle & Joint Gel is embossed with the world “menthol” on the front label, and that is exactly what your senses experience upon opening the lid, but that’s not all. The menthol expertly combines with the underlying woody, floral scent (most likely attributed by ingredients wholesome like camphor bark, chamomile, and basil) to create a unique, pleasant, yet bold aroma. The smell does seem to fade away after 10-15 minutes, and it’s not nearly as harsh as many drugstore mentholatum rubs, so it could be used rather discreetly while you’re on the go.
Taste (Irrelevant to effects)
The directions read “For external use only. Do not take internally.” We wouldn’t suggest ingesting, and it probably doesn’t taste great.
Consistency
This muscle and joint rub is actually a “gel” as opposed to many other “cream” or “salve” style products. The consistency is unique—thin and delicate, similar to a premium hair gel without the sticky. It spreads well, and a fingertip amount easily covered an entire inner and outer-elbow area. Best of all, the golden gel is immediately absorbed by the skin, leaving behind no residue, oil, or glossy sheen.
Effects (Onset, Duration, Intensity)
We had the pleasure of sampling this product against several different muscle and joint related ailments, including a swollen, arthritic elbow, a twisted knee, and even sore and inflamed muscles in the back. Each time, the onset was about the same, and the near instant effects is one of the biggest attributes of Earth Medicines Recover Gel. After applying only a small amount of the product, menthol, camphor, and other soothing ingredients almost immediately help numb soreness within the joints or muscles. Though the immediate effects may be described as only “blunting” the pain, any level of relief from joint is usually welcomed.
When we used this gel on an arthritis-ridden elbow, the relief continued to increase over a span of 20 minutes. By this point, we assume the CBD had taken effect, because most range of motion was regained and only a dull soreness remained when the arm was fully extended.
For the sore knee, the effects were similar. The gel provided some immediate relief from discomfort and extended into nearly complete relief. The severity of the knee injury didn’t allow for any movement, and the tester still could not walk without assistance, but the level of relief while at rest was notable.
For relieving mild upper back pain, this gel was superb. It almost instantly lifted all traces of discomfort, improved range of motion in the shoulder. After 20 minutes, it was as if all swelling and tightness had never existed. For every tester, reapplication was necessary after 3-5 hours and depended entirely on the severity of the pain.
Best used for
This Recover Muscle and Joint Gel is most appropriate for sore muscles and joints and may be a suitable option for all ranges of pain and discomfort. This gel provides CBD through MicroCBD technology or cannabidiol molecules that are miniaturized until they become water-soluble. This approach is used in the creation of some pharmaceuticals and is said to boost the bioavailability or the amount of CBD the body can use, of the product. This may help provide relief from more severe discomfort and helps ensure that the CBD you apply is more efficiently utilized by the body. This product can be applied virtually anywhere relief is needed, but shouldn’t be applied near open orifices, as the menthol can be uncomfortable when used internally.