Active Ingredients in Biofreeze

According to the Radiology Society of North America, cryotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment that uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy diseased tissue. Other forms of cryotherapy incorporate non-invasive cold treatments to minimize pain. Doctors might prescribe ice packs to treat sore muscles, arthritis or muscle or joint pain after an injury. Certain topical analgesic creams or gels also employ a form of cryotherapy, known as cold therapy, to relieve pain through skin absorption. Biofreeze is a topical analgesic that is made of active and inactive ingredients that administer cold therapy.

Natural Menthol

• Menthol is an organic compound found in the essential oils of mints such as peppermint and spearmint. The compound adds flavoring and aroma to chewing gum, toothpaste and mouthwash. Menthol also holds medicinal properties for over-the-counter medicines that treat sore throats, congestion and itching. The cold and hot sensation of menthol provides muscle and joint relief because the cold properties temporarily override the painful feelings.

ILEX

• Ilex paraguariensis, also known as ILEX, comes from a holly bush grown in South America. The chemist who developed Biofreeze added ILEX to an experimental compound he was creating in an attempt to alleviate his grandmother's arthritis. He was inspired by the Paraguay Indians who steep the Ilex leaves along with herbs to amplify the effects of the medicinal herbs.

Camphor

• Camphor is derived from the Cinnamonum camphora tree that is native to China and also grows in India, Egypt, southern Florida and California. Certain growers believe camphor cannot be cultivated from the tree until it's 50 years old. Camphor has a strong fragrance and possesses cold properties like menthol. When applied locally, it's a numbing agent for the sensory nerves, and it's also considered to be an antiseptic.