What is an Analgesic?

An analgesic or painkiller is any substance natural or unnatural  used to achieve analgesia, or  relief from painAnalgesic substances act in various ways on the peripheral and central nervous system to limit noci-ception, which is the sensory system’s response to pain.  They are distinct from anesthetics, which temporarily affects and in some instances completely eliminates sensation. 

 

What is an Anti-inflammatory?

An anti-inflammatory is the property of a substance or treatment that reduces inflammation or swelling. Anti-inflammatories make up about half of analgesics, remedying pain by reducing inflammation and congestion as opposed to opioids, which affect the central nervous system to block pain signaling to the brain. Lavender, Wintergreen,  and MSM are the main anti-inflammatories in Motion Medicine followed by additional decongesting qualities from Eucalyptus, Camphor and Menthol.

 

What is a Counter-irritant?

A counterirritant is a substance which creates irritation or mild inflammation in one location with the goal of lessening discomfort and/or inflammation in another location.  Menthol and Camphor are stronger Counter-irritants followed by milder ones such as  Eucalyptus and Wintergreen.