ARNICA: Twenty trained men completed intense downhill running to induce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Topical arnica was applied directly over the exercised quadriceps and calf muscles immediately afterward and repeatedly during recovery. The arnica group reported less muscle pain/tenderness at 72 hours. (LINK)
GINGER: Researchers had 75 healthy volunteers perform 100 eccentric quadriceps repetitions to deliberately produce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). They then applied a topical cream containing Zingiber cassumunar (a relative of culinary ginger) to the exercised muscles. The 14% topical preparation significantly reduced muscle soreness over seven days compared with placebo. (LINK)
COMFREY: Researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind clinical trial in 215 people with myalgia (muscle pain). The topical product contained a concentrate made from freshly harvested comfrey herb (Symphytum × uplandicum). The higher-concentration topical cream performed significantly better than the lower-concentration comparison for pain during movement, pain at rest, pain on palpation and functional impairment. (LINK)
HOPS: A double-blind, placebo-controlled human study found that topical hops extract demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects on the skin, supporting its traditional use as a soothing botanical. (LINK)
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF MASSAGING AN INFUSED SALVE INTO YOUR MUSCLES: A systematic review/meta-analysis examined randomized trials totaling 504 participants and found massage significantly reduced muscle soreness at 24, 48 and 72 hours following strenuous exercise. (LINK)
