The Origin story
AFC Embrocation evolved from divine intervention as pharmacist Rajin Naidoo set out to help his partner, Mala who made a decision to stop all allopathic drugs because of the toxic side-effects, in spite of being riddled with pain and many other debilitating symptoms. He turned to essential oils as an alternative. While investigating a natural pain-reducing, anti-inflammatory blend with no side effects, he came up with the AFC Embrocation that is continuing to produce positive results both physically and mentally. Mala is diagnosed with four medically incurable conditions including secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and fibromyalgia – the pain and depression was unbearable. Together with correct nutrition, meditation and breathwork, AFC Embrocation was a welcomed relief for her painfully inflamed joints and muscles, insomnia, nausea, headaches, anxiety, and mood swings. Mala Naidoo has transitioned from the wheelchair to the dancefloor and is enjoying symptom free days again with her AFC Embrocation.
Ingredients
Menthol
Menthol offers pain relief for sore muscles, providing a local anesthetic effect with a cool numbing sensation as it penetrates the skin. Menthol is well known to promote easier breathing, relieves nasal congestion, soothes sore throats, alleviates fever symptoms, coughs, headaches, and sinus discomforts, supports immunity, and stabilizes the emotions. Menthol gives a sensation of cooling by activating the body’s TRPM8 channels without any actual fall in temperature in that area. This brings down the inflammation in the area. Of course that is why cooling the injury with ice works as well. The cold sensation decreases inflammation by decreasing blood flow to the area. It is interesting to note that the results of the study published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, indicate that a menthol based topical analgesic was more effective than ice for decreasing delayed onset muscle soreness-induced symptoms of pain. The cooling effect of menthol on an inflamed muscle is soothing and relaxing and is a key ingredient in AFC Embrocation.
Clary Sage
In traditional healing systems such as Ayurveda, clary sage is classed as an all-round beneficial tonic that brings the three doshas into balance. It is believed to soothe the mind and body, inspire mental clarity, enhance physical and emotional strength and encourage restful sleep. The modern clinical investigations confirmed the efficacy of clary sage oil as anti-stress, anti-depression, and analgesic agents in primary dysmenorrhea. The antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects of clary sage have been confirmed. Furthermore, clary sage oil is known as safe oil with no adverse effects.
The recent clinical studies confirmed the efficacy of topical application of clary sage on lower abdomen in primary dysmenorrhea, depression in menopausal women and stress in females with urinary incontinence. Clary sage has antidepressant effects and is effective for stress relief. Clary sage also has both antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties helping with pain relief. Sage can reduce the response to inflammation by decreasing the number of inflammatory cytokines. Works as a stress reliever and helps to overcome insomnia.
Methyl Salicylate
Methyl salicylate is best known for its relaxation effects on muscles, ligaments and tendons.
It is closely related to the compound found in aspirin, and when applied topically has shown to work as an effective painkiller. Widely used as antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antirheumatic, antithrombotic and antitumor agents clinically. From 3500 years ago, salicylates, especially aspirin, have played a critical role in treating colds, fever, headache, toothache, joint pain, rheumatism. Since methyl salicylate glycosides have the metabolic product salicylate acid, which is a classical anti-inflammatory agent acting as a COX-2 inhibitor. This goes to show how it can be used as preventative treatment in the case of gout or rheumatoid arthritis. The main analgesic effects are felt in the peripheral tissues. The response to pain is mediated by prostaglandins (PG), 5-HT and Kinins. The presence of PGs can increase sensitivity of pain; however, methyl salicylate glycosides can inhibit PG synthesis making it a brilliant painkiller. Methyl salicylate produces a warming effect to the area and the heat promotes blood flow which helps to relax muscles. The rationale for using both menthol and methyl salicylate, is to create a sensation of “hot and cold” and we know that one of the most effective ways to reduce pain and inflammation caused by injury, is to apply a hot and cold compress. Hence this explains the powerful and effective anti-inflammatory benefit of AFC Embrocation. AFC Embrocation brings you all these healing techniques in a convenient dropper bottle which you can carry in your handbag.
Peppermint
Using methyl salicylate in addition to peppermint oil offers more effective pain relief than either oil used on its own. In addition, peppermint affects the hypothalamus by stimulating the olfactory pathways and decreases the corticotropin-releasing hormone, which reduces cortisol secretion from the adrenal gland, thereby reducing anxiety. Peppermint oil aromatherapy decreases the frequency, duration, and severity of nausea, and the frequency of vomiting. The combination of peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil increases cognitive performance and has a muscle-relaxing and mentally relaxing effect. Increase energy levels just by breathing it. Peppermint inhaled opens up the airways and assists with easy breathing. Studies have also shown that peppermint oil targets headache pathophysiology in multiple ways and its efficacy is comparable to that of acetylsalicylic acid, free of side effects.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a natural topical anti-inflammatory that reduces any redness, swelling and pain while promoting healing in sore muscles and joints. It is a natural antispasmodic that is commonly used for the reduction of excessive smooth muscle contractility, responsible for cramping and discomfort. Clinical studies confirmed the anti-inflammatory effects of eucalyptus oil in patients with asthma, such as alleviating sinusitis symptoms and preventing the worsening of lung conditions. Eucalyptus oil offers many topical and aromatic benefits. Aromatically, the compounds of Eucalyptus oil can promote feelings of a clear mind and relaxation. Eucalyptus oil also contains strong purifying properties that are advantageous for the skin and can be used to cleanse the air. Plus, its powerful topical antioxidant properties help protect the body against free radicals that can lead to many diseases.
Camphor
As an ingredient in different products, camphor has become popular to help ease pain, inflammatory conditions, and chest congestion. Studies done on camphor (C. camphora) leaves show that camphor suppresses the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase ½, a central signaling molecule in the inflammation process. These results suggest that camphor clearly exhibits anti-inflammatory effects. Interestingly, according to a study published in 2019 in the journal, Toxicological Research, the effects of C. camphora leaves on atopic dermatitis symptoms were stronger than those of hydro corticoid cream, a positive control. In 2004, the Journal of Phytotherapy published a study highlighting the antispasmodic properties that were tested and found to be effective at relaxing muscles. Camphor essential oil is effective in relieving pain, inflammation, and swelling due to arthritis, a key ingredient in AFC Embrocation.
Lavander
Stress and anxiety are one of the uprising psychiatric disorders of the last decades and lavender administration has been traditionally suggested as a possible treatment. The most powerful aromatic benefit that Lavender essential oil is widely known for, is its ability to promote a relaxing atmosphere that leads to a restful night’s sleep. The calming properties of the oil help create a serene environment that is optimal for resting well and staying asleep.